Nine drivers in Dubai were fined for failing to ensure backseat passengers had their seatbelts fastened in the first three days since a new traffic law came into force.
Maj Gen Mohammed Saif Al Zafeen, chairman of the Federal Traffic Council and assistant commander-in-chief of Dubai Police, said: “Motorists are wondering what to do if a passenger refuses to buckle up. In this case, they shouldn’t move their car until all passengers buckle up.”
According to the updated traffic rules, which came into force on July 1, motorists are fined Dh400 and receive four black points on their licence if their backseat passengers do not fasten their seatbelts.
“About 70 per cent to 80 per cent of motorists fasten their seatbelts and we are expecting this percentage to reach 100 per cent. This is the main purpose of the recent traffic rules,” added Maj Gen Al Zafeen.
In line with the new rules, the traffic council and emirate transport departments are discussing plans to provide all UAE taxis with child seats.
Last week, Dubai’s RTA issued a statement recommending that all taxis and limousine drivers should provide child car seats in their vehicles.
