In Dubai, you can witness a lot of different driving habits because of the big number of different nationalities living there. That is why it is important to know the local laws when driving in it.
Black Point System Rules
The Dubai Police has started imposing a black points system for particular violations, along with the fines system, in the aim of combating bad driving. If you drive against traffic for example, you have to pay Dh.400 fine, and four black points will be given to you. That includes many violations, like failure to fasten seat belt while driving and allowing others to drive a vehicle for which they are unlicensed. If the number of black points exceeds 24 points, you will not be allowed to drive any vehicle for a year.
Transfer of black points
The black points are usually issued to the vehicle and the vehicle owner, regardless of who was driving it. The owner has the choice to transfer the black points to the driver who was driving the vehicle. To do so, the owner will have to visit the customer service centre along with the person who was actually driving to declare that he was driving, and accept the black points against his license. This includes all commercial and private customers. If the driver who received the black points has any objection, then the Dubai Police will have to be contacted (Tel: 8007777).
Validity of black points
The validity of black points is only one year. The driving license may be revoked for a year, if the number of black points accumulated exceeds 24 at any point of time.
The points system offers violators a month’s time from the date of issuance of fine at the traffic department. The person, who claims that he was driving, will have to sign an undertaking agreeing that he has committed the violation, which in turn puts a legal liability on him/her.
It is said that, the Dubai Police are giving violators lately, except those who have already received 24 points, an opportunity to remove up to eight black points from their license by attending four lecture courses on road safety. In addition, they will also have to pay fines to get the points removed.
What if driving a rental car?
In this case, your car hire company will have to pay the fine. So, contact the car rental company for advice. The car rental company will pay the fine most of the time, and include the cost in their charges to you.
