23 black points and hefty fines for car racing in UAE

Motorist caught racing will be charged Dhs2,000 fine and will be handed 23 black points on their traffic file and their vehicle will be impounded for 60 days, authorities have announced on Tuesday.

The campaign was launched after a traffic accident in Al Ain that left four people dead and one injured.

The UAE traffic law states that it is illegal to temper with a vehicle's engine or chassis without obtaining approval from appropriate authorities.

Violators will be fined Dhs1,000 and 12 black points on their traffic file. The vehicles involved will be impounded for 30 days.

According to traffic police, young irresponsible drivers race against each other on highways and residential areas, especially during Ramadan nights. Motorists were seen racing late at night and into the early hours of morning.

Colonel Juma Salim Bin Suwaidan, Director General of Traffic Department at Dubai Police, said creating awareness amongst the youth is important, so illegal races can be prevented.

The Dubai Police is ready to create channels of communication with young drivers on social networking sites, he added.