Sri Lanka
USA
Canada
India
UK
UAE
More than 648,000 motorists across the UAE were fined last year for using mobile phones while driving, as authorities ramp up efforts ahead of Gulf Traffic Week to combat distracted driving.
Using mobile phones behind the wheel continues to be one of the leading causes of road accidents in the UAE. In 2024 alone, the Ministry of Interior recorded 648,631 traffic violations for phone usage while driving—a staggering number that underscores the persistent challenge of distracted driving in the country.
The release of these figures comes ahead of Unified Gulf Traffic Week, which kicks off under the theme “Driving Without a Phone.” Despite continuous awareness campaigns, drivers are still caught texting, making calls, scrolling through apps, or even recording videos while on the road.
Authorities warn that such distractions often lead to:
- Sudden lane changes
- Running red lights
- Rear-end collisions
- Slower highway speeds
These dangerous behaviours not only endanger the drivers but also put passengers, pedestrians, and other motorists at serious risk.
Tougher Penalties in 2024
To tackle this issue, UAE authorities have enforced strict penalties:
- Dh800 fine
- 4 black points on the driver’s licence
- 30-day vehicle impoundment (new law introduced by Dubai Police in October 2024)
Drivers are caught through both on-ground patrols and smart monitoring systems deployed across the Emirates.
Officials strongly urge all drivers to avoid any form of phone use while driving and focus entirely on road safety.
Emirate-wise Breakdown of Mobile Phone Violations in 2024:
- Abu Dhabi: 466,029
- Dubai: 87,321
- Sharjah: 84,512
- Ajman: 8,963
- Ras Al Khaimah: 1,606
- Fujairah: 170
- Umm Al Quwain: 30
With enforcement and education campaigns increasing, authorities hope to bring down these numbers significantly in the coming months.
#UAE #TrafficFines #DistractedDriving #GulfTrafficWeek #DriveSafe #UAEPolice #RoadSafety #PhoneDown #SmartMonitoring
