Picture used for illustrative purposes only.

Sumayya Saad, Staff Reporter

Stopping suddenly in the middle of the road while driving entails a fine of Dhs1,000 and six black points, according to the federal traffic law, said Major General Saif Muhair Al Mazrouie, Director of General Department of Traffic at Dubai Police.

Al Mazrouei warned of the danger of stopping in the middle of the road due to a vehicle malfunction, running out of fuel or a flat tyre, noting that the driver must ensure that the vehicle is in good condition before leaving the house.

Stopping in the middle of the road is one of the most dangerous violations that lead to major accidents, deaths and serious injuries, he said, adding that a single accident that takes place for this reason usually results in a large number of victims.

Al Mazrouei emphasised the need to contact the police if the vehicle breaks down and cannot be moved, to enable them to take the necessary measures such as securing such vehicles with police patrols and taking action as required to protect passengers and road users.

Fining motorists for stopping unjustifiably in the middle of the road aims to prevent them from doing so again and urges them to quickly move their cars from the road to avoid any additional accidents, he said.

He called on motorists to use hazard-warning flashers when slowing down, changing the direction of the vehicle or alerting other drivers to an emergency on the road, thereby preventing mishaps.

He also called on them to focus on driving to avoid road surprises and to act in a timely and safe manner, noting that inattention to this particular situation might cause traffic accidents that often lead to deaths and serious injuries, not to mention legal accountability.

Al Mazrouei called on road users to abide by traffic laws and follow the correct systems for parking vehicles in an orderly manner to preserve the safety of other road users and ensure smooth traffic movement in all streets, squares and plazas.