There's a new UAE traffic rule that could land you a Dhs100,000 fine or jail time
Under updated federal traffic rules that came into effect this year, drivers who flee the scene of an accident could now face up to one year in jail and a Dh100,000 fine.
That's right – even if you didn't cause serious damage or injury, leaving without informing the authorities could land you in serious legal trouble.
The new three-hour rule
Got into a crash? You now have three hours to report it to the police or an officially approved platform. Whether it's a tap in the parking lot or something more serious, failing to do so – without a valid excuse – counts as a punishable offense.
Valid excuses include things like physical injury or network outages, but you'll need proof, like a medical report or witness testimony.
The new law also tightens restrictions on what happens next. You can't just take your car to the garage – any visible damage must be reported and you'll need an official repair permit before a single scratch gets buffed out.
What counts as fleeing the scene?
According to the government portal, here's what could get you in hot water:
Leaving the site of an accident without informing authorities
Not sharing information about the accident
Ignoring a police order to stop
Deliberately ramming into a police or emergency vehicle
All of the above carry a maximum punishment of one year in prison or fines between Dh50,000 and Dh100,000 – or both.
How to report an accident in the UAE
If you're involved in an accident (minor or otherwise), there are plenty of ways to report it. Most emirates have smart apps that make it easy – no waiting in line at the station required.
Here are some of the platforms you can use:
Abu Dhabi Police app
Dubai Police app
Ministry of Interior app
SAAED system
Rafid (for Sharjah accidents)
Or, if it's an emergency or you're unsure what to do, just call 999.
What if your car has ECALL?
If you drive a newer model vehicle, chances are it already comes with ECALL, an automatic crash-alert system. Introduced in 2020 and now standard in new cars, the system alerts emergency responders within seconds of a collision, sending your location and vehicle details straight to their dispatch team.
It's already credited with reducing response times and saving lives – and it's one reason the authorities are doubling down on quicker, tech-powered accident reporting.
Bottom line?
Don't panic, don't run and don't wait. If you've been in an accident – even a minor one – report it within three hours and follow official procedures. It's not just about avoiding a fine or legal trouble; it could help emergency teams get to the scene faster and keep everyone safe.
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