You will pay DH5,000 for this driving offence in the UAE

In UAE, Sharjah Road and Transportation Authority imposed fines for driving offences and earned around Dh50 million since the start of the year until mid-August. Total 10,191 fines were imposed on violators found offering illegal car lift service. 

The officials at Sharjah Traffic Department explained the offence saying the drivers of private and rented cars hang around near shopping malls and places frequently visited by Asian foreigners to offer them lifts at rates lower than the metered taxis. 

The director of SRTA, Abdul-Aziz Al Jarwan stated that the inspection teams set up to crackdown such unauthorized practice of illegal transportation provided to the public in private cars and company vehicles. 

He further added that the fine is Dh5,000 for breaking the rule first time and Dh10,000 for the second violation and if continues to happen a third time, the strict legal action will be taken against the violator. It is expected that this strict action will promote the use of taxis in the Emirate which is facing a sharp decline for the past few months.

A team of 39 officers is included in the SRTA inspection team who is authorized to penalize the offenders. During Eid Al Adha alone, a total of 259 fines and 318 violations were noted. All the areas of Sharjah are covered under the inspection and mainly include the industrial areas near labor accommodations and shopping centres.

Al Jarwan requested the public to report such illegal practices found nearby through calling the SRTA call centre on 600525252, which receives public comments and inquiries 24/7.

The director of the Department of Transport Activities Control, Rashid Khalid Al Nuaimi said, “SRTA makes every effort to provide the best services to users of public transport and promotes mass transport because it eliminates traffic congestion and reduces environmental pollution. Through the quality control services section of SRTA, we work to provide taxi services, especially at Sharjah Airport, hospitals, shopping malls, and various events held in Sharjah, due to the increasing demand for public transport in these places.”

Also read: New 3D zebra crossing creates an optical illusion in Dubai