Dubai transport body granted new powers to combat rule-breaking motorists

The Roads and Transport Authority has been given the right to impound vehicles under new agreement

A vehicle seized by Dubai Police after performing stunts. Photo: Dubai Police

Dubai transport chiefs have secured new powers to clamp down on motorists who commit traffic offences.

The emirate's Roads and Transport Authority said on Monday it had finalised an agreement which allows it to tow and impound vehicles breaching regulations.

Light and heavy vehicles, trailers, food carts, boats and bicycles will be subject to the enforcement measures.

Dubai Police are typically responsible for impounding vehicles in relation to traffic offences.

“Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority has signed an agreement with Emirates Parkings entitling RTA to tow and impound light and heavy vehicles and trailers found in violation of federal and local rules and regulations,” the RTA said.

“The agreement establishes the primary goal of towing and impounding loaded or empty light and heavy vehicles and trailers of all types, including mobile caravans, food carts, boats and bicycles that are spotted in field monitoring and found in violation of the rules and regulations enforced by RTA’s departments concerned with vehicle impoundment.”

No further details were provided about which traffic offences will come under the RTA's control.

The agreement sets out management of the vehicle impounding process and enables the RTA to have access to all reports about impounded vehicles.

Emirates Parkings will manage vehicle impounding centres and will be responsible for providing surveillance cameras and trained personnel.

“The agreement sets out the process of releasing vehicles according to the circumstances of each vehicle,” the RTA said.

“If the seizure was a result of a technical traffic violation, the vehicle will be released after the designated period and the fine is paid.

“In case of a technical traffic violation caused by a technical malfunction, the vehicle will not be released until the issue causing the impoundment has been resolved.

“The vehicle will be released after RTA receives all the outstanding fees associated with the impounded vehicle.

“The payment can be made through RTA-approved payment channels and the customers centre at Emirates Parking.”