Motorists in UAE urged to take advantage of traffic fine discount while they still can

Fees incurred nationwide before December 2, 2017, are eligible for 50 per cent discount if paid before March 1

Drivers said they are used to receiving notification of speeding fines within days rather than weeks. Sammy Dallal / The National

Motorists have been urged to take advantage of a temporary 50 per cent reduction in traffic fines incurred before December 2, 2017, before it comes to an end in March.

Brig Khalifa Al Khaili, Director of the traffic and patrols department at Abu Dhabi police, called upon motorists to take advantage of the remaining grace period to complete outstanding transactions, either through customer happiness centres or by using the police smartphone app.

The discount on fines end on March 1, after which the full price of fines that have not been paid will be reinstated.

“All traffic fines will return to their original value after the end of the grace period,” said Brig Al Khaili.

“This period is considered a move to motivate motorists to adhere to traffic rules and regulation and promote a traffic safety culture."

In December, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, directed the Ministry of Interior to reduce traffic fines nationwide by 50 per cent.

The announcement came as the country celebrated its 46th National Day.