Stopping in the middle of road leads to Dhs1,000 fine, 6 points in UAE

As part of the "Safe Path" campaign, the Abu Dhabi Police Traffic and Patrols Directorate warned drivers, cautioning them against stopping in the middle of the road, regardless of the reason. The Directorate issued a strong recommendation to drivers, urging them to proceed to the nearest available exit, with a view to ensuring their own safety and that of other road users, and to avoiding accidents of a serious and dangerous nature, and also to avoiding traffic congestion.

Brigadier Mahmoud Yousef Al Balushi, Director of the Traffic and Security Patrols Directorate, urged drivers to move their vehicles to the nearest safe spot in the event of a minor traffic accident, and to use the Saaed app to report the incident. Article 56 of the Traffic Law will be applied to drivers who stop in the middle of the road without justification, resulting in a fine of Dhs1,000 and six traffic points. Article 98 of the Traffic Law will also be applied to drivers who obstruct traffic, resulting in a fine of Dhs500.

He explained that, in the event of a sudden vehicle breakdown or other roadside emergency, a series of measures must be taken. The most important of these is to stay off the road and use designated emergency areas. The right shoulder should only be used in cases of extreme necessity. Four-way warning signals must then be used and the nearest safe exit reached.

He also urged drivers to focus solely on the road and maintain full concentration while driving. This will enable them to respond quickly and safely to any sudden vehicle malfunctions. He explained that inattention in this situation can lead to accidents, which often result in death or serious injury.

Brigadier Al Balushi emphasised the importance of safe driving, including adhering to speed limits, using indicators to signal lane changes and leaving sufficient distance between vehicles.