The traffic authorities in Dubai have announced a new traffic fine for motorists who park their petrol and diesel vehicles in parking slots reserved for Electric Vehicles (EVs). Motorists have been found parking their combustion engine vehicles in parking areas designated for electric vehicles, which will now be penalized with a heavy fine in Dubai. Parking slots have been reserved for electric vehicles across the emirate, which is a part of the incentives and benefits offered to the electric vehicle owners under the green mobility initiative.
The UAE government and traffic authorities in Dubai have been encouraging wider adoption of the renewable energy based transport and urging motorists to shift from their conventional combustion engine vehicles to electric vehicles by offering them a number of notable incentives.
Details of the Fine and Official Statement
An RTA official confirmed that motorists will face a fine of AED 1,000 for parking their conventional vehicles in the free parking areas reserved for EVs. He said that this new fine is in line with the strategy of authorities to offer incentives to electric car owners and urge the motorists to shift to EVs from their conventional cars as EVs offer an eco-friendly commute that will help in reducing the carbon footprint of Dubai.
The RTA official added that there are about 220 parking slots reserved for electric car owners across Dubai. He said that the parking slots for EVs are clearly marked and motorists must not park their petrol and diesel vehicles in these slots. He also mentioned that there are free parking slots for EVs even in the paid parking zones, which attributes to the aim of traffic authorities to continue a gradual adoption of renewable energy based transport.
Also read: New Incentive Program Encourages the Buying of Electric Vehicles in the UAE
Green Mobility Initiative in Dubai
The Dubai authorities have set their plans to take the sales of EVs to 2% by 2020 and increase it to 10% by 2030. A number of recent developments show significant signs that Dubai is moving steadily towards achieving its green mobility goals.
Here is a timeline of some recent developments that have been made to reduce the carbon foot print of Dubai:
- The Launch of Tesla EVs in the UAE last year
- Addition of 200 Tesla vehicles in Dubai Taxi Fleet
- A Trial run of an Electric Public Bus
- Issuance of new rules for standardizing the sales and operation of EVs across the UAE by the Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology (ESMA)
According to authorities, there will be around 32,000 electric vehicles on Dubai roads by 2020, which also includes 10% of vehicles in the Dubai government fleet.
Also read: Top 5 Reasons to Buy an Electric Vehicle in the UAE
Electric Vehicle Incentives in Dubai
Electric vehicle buyers and owners enjoy a number of benefits in Dubai and across the UAE. The government has completely standardized the sales and operation of the EVs in the country so that the electric car buyers and owners can be facilitated in the best possible way.
Here are the notable electric vehicle incentives in Dubai:
- Free charging stations for registered EV users at the charging stations of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA). There are 100 DEWA charging stations operating in Dubai and 100 new charging stations will soon start their operation where electric vehicles can be charged free of cost until the end of 2019.
- Free registration and exemption from annual renewal fees for electric vehicles.
- Green insurance for electric vehicles.
- Electric vehicles are issued with Salik tag and a license plate sticker so that EVs can be identified and electric vehicle owners can park their vehicles in the free parking slots across Dubai.
- White points for driving an electric vehicle that can be redeemed to win gifts and prizes. Motorists with maximum white points win exciting prizes from Dubai Police every year.
Also read: Evolution of Electric Cars – A Story of Struggle, Acceptance and Success
New Electric Vehicles to Lookout for in 2018
The understanding of the importance of EVs as an eco-friendly commuting option is gradually developing amongst motorists. A slow yet steady transition from conventional vehicles to EVs can be observed in Dubai over the last few years and the future of renewable energy based transport in Dubai looks more promising than ever before.
Here are some of the new EVs that are available in the UAE car market if you are looking to upgrade your vehicle to a modern-day EV that offers fuel efficiency and a pleasurable driving experience:
- Tesla Model S
- Tesla Model X
- Tesla Model 3
- Jaguar I-Pace
- Ford Focus Electric
- Chevrolet Bolt EV
- Hyundai Ioniq
- Toyota Prius Prime
- Nissan Leaf
- BMW i8 Roadster
The electric vehicles are now available in all vehicle segments, which offers a variety of options to electric car buyers in the UAE. Electric vehicles are an excellent alternative to combustion engine vehicles, especially because these vehicles reduce the fuel expense to a bare minimum, which is critical considering the fuel prices in the UAE have been fluctuating over the last few years.
If you are looking to sell your used car to buy a new electric vehicle, then don’t forget that with us, you can sell any used car in just 30 minutes while all the post-sale paperwork is handled by SellAnyCar.com’s team.
