A recent verdict by the Dubai traffic court serves as a stark reminder of the zero-tolerance policy regarding driving under the influence in the UAE. An Asian driver has been ordered to pay a significant fine of Dh15,000 and has had his driving license suspended for three months following a collision on Emirates Road. The court found the individual guilty of operating a vehicle while intoxicated, which resulted in a loss of control and a subsequent crash into a concrete barrier on the busy highway heading towards Abu Dhabi.
The accident took place near the Umm Suqeim exit on Emirates Road. According to official reports, the driver failed to maintain his lane discipline, swerving and eventually colliding with a concrete barrier. The impact caused significant damage to the vehicle and public property. When police arrived at the scene to investigate the crash, officers detected the smell of alcohol on the driver. Subsequent breathalyzer tests confirmed the presence of alcohol in his system. During police questioning, the driver admitted to consuming alcohol prior to getting behind the wheel and accepted full responsibility for the accident.
The court’s decision was based on comprehensive evidence, including the on-site police report, the results of the alcohol test, technical diagrams of the accident scene, and the defendant’s own confession. As reported by Emarat Al Youm, the court determined that the charges were substantiated beyond any doubt. The ruling linked the offenses of drunk driving and causing damage to property under a single criminal intent. While the court applied the most serious charge available for the offense, it exercised some leniency in the final sentencing.
The judgment mandates immediate enforcement. The driver is required to pay the Dh15,000 fine and surrender his license for the three-month suspension period. The authorities have clarified that the individual will be released provided he is not wanted for any other legal claims or subject to other detention orders. This case remains a potent example of how swiftly the UAE legal system acts to penalize reckless behavior on the roads.
For expats living and working in the UAE, this incident underscores the critical importance of understanding and respecting local traffic regulations. The UAE maintains strict laws regarding alcohol consumption and driving, where the legal limit is effectively zero. Violations do not just carry financial penalties; they can lead to license suspensions, jail time, and even deportation in severe cases. This specific case highlights that consequences are immediate and severe, regardless of whether major injuries occurred.
It is a vital lesson for the community: the safety of road users is paramount, and lapses in judgment can jeopardize your legal standing and residency status in the country.