Sharjah: Mobile phone use while driving continues to be a significant threat to road safety in the UAE, contributing to serious traffic violations and accidents. Despite repeated awareness efforts and strict penalties, many drivers still engage in this risky behavior.
The Ministry of Interior revealed that a staggering 648,631 cases of using phones while driving were recorded in 2024 alone, highlighting the persistence of this dangerous habit. These figures were released ahead of the Unified Gulf Traffic Week, beginning Monday (14/04/2025), under the theme “Driving without a phone.”
Authorities stressed that phone usage behind the wheel can cause red light violations, unexpected lane shifts, accidents, and even driving significantly below the speed limit, all of which can endanger lives.
Violations were tracked through both traffic patrols and smart surveillance systems across the Emirates. The fines and penalties are steep: violators face an 800 AED fine and four black points on their license.
Breakdown of violations by emirate in 2024:
Abu Dhabi: 466,029
Dubai: 87,321
Sharjah: 84,512
Ajman: 8,963
Ras Al Khaimah: 1,606
Fujairah: 170
Umm Al Quwain: 30
Despite the penalties, the sheer volume of violations raises concerns about the effectiveness of enforcement and public compliance with traffic laws.
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