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New technology enhances road safety, detects 17 traffic offences across the emirate
Dubai has introduced state-of-the-art traffic cameras capable of detecting whether drivers are wearing seat belts, even through tinted windows. These advanced AI-powered systems can identify up to 17 different traffic offences, including the use of mobile phones while driving and illegal engine modifications that increase noise levels.
The enhanced surveillance system is currently in use throughout the emirate, greatly improving road safety enforcement, following three years of testing at specific areas. Due to the cameras’ ability to record both still photos and brief videos, Dubai Police may now automatically impose fines without the need for human oversight.
Cutting-Edge Infrared Technology
Brigadier Mohammed Ali Karam, director of the Traffic Technologies Department at the General Department of Traffic in Dubai Police, highlighted the system’s ability to differentiate between clothing and seat belts, even in low-light conditions.
“The device uses infrared imaging technology to capture clear pictures of both the driver and passenger,” Brig Karam told The National. “Even if the driver is wearing black clothing, the system can still detect the seat belt. The 10-second video and images serve as irrefutable evidence when issuing a fine.”
Motorists caught without a seat belt face a fine of Dh400 ($109) and four black points on their driving license. Offenders can contest fines through the Dubai Police app if they believe an error has occurred.
Beyond Seat Belts: Tackling Distracted Driving
The new system also aims to curb distracted driving, a leading cause of accidents in Dubai. The cameras analyze hand movements to determine whether drivers are using mobile phones while behind the wheel.
“In the past, officers had to manually monitor intersections for distracted drivers. Now, with AI-driven cameras, violations are detected and fined instantly,” Brig Karam explained. “This aligns with Dubai’s vision of becoming a smart city by using cutting-edge technology to enhance road safety.”
Crackdown on Noisy Vehicles
Another significant feature of the upgraded cameras is their ability to detect illegally modified vehicles with excessively loud engines. These radars measure noise levels in decibels, capturing both sound and video evidence.
“Dubai Police have installed specialized radars to address the issue of noisy vehicles,” Brig Karam stated. “If a vehicle’s engine noise exceeds 95 decibels, the driver faces a Dh2,000 fine and 12 black points on their license.”
Under UAE traffic laws, motorists accumulate black points for violations, with a maximum limit of 24 points per year before their license is suspended.
List of Detectable Offences and Penalties
Dubai’s AI-powered traffic cameras can now detect the following violations:
- Exceeding the maximum speed limit – Fines range from Dh300 to Dh3,000, with potential vehicle impoundment and black points.
- Jumping a red light – Dh1,000 fine, 30-day vehicle impoundment, and 12 black points.
- Failure to maintain mandatory lane discipline – Dh400 fine.
- Heavy vehicles not staying in the designated lane – Dh1,500 fine and 12 black points.
- Driving in the wrong direction – Dh600 fine, seven-day vehicle impoundment, and four black points.
- Driving on the hard shoulder – Dh1,000 fine, 30-day vehicle impoundment, and six black points.
- Not wearing a seat belt – Dh400 fine and four black points.
- Using a mobile phone or being distracted while driving – Dh800 fine and four black points.
- Exceeding the 50% window tint limit – Dh1,500 fine.
- Failing to maintain a safe distance between vehicles – Dh400 fine and four black points.
- Driving with excessive engine noise – Dh2,000 fine and 12 black points.
- Not giving way to pedestrians at crossings – Dh500 fine and six black points.
- Making a U-turn in a non-designated area – Dh500 fine and four black points.
- Driving with expired registration – Dh500 fine and four black points.
- Stopping in the middle of the road without a valid reason – Dh1,000 fine and six black points.
- Heavy vehicle entering a prohibited area – Dh1,000 fine and four black points.
- Blocking traffic by stopping behind other vehicles – Dh500 fine.
Dubai Police remain tight-lipped about the exact locations of these cameras, but they have confirmed that the majority of traffic cameras across the emirate are now equipped with this technology.
With these advancements, authorities hope to significantly reduce traffic violations, enhance road safety, and create a more disciplined driving culture in Dubai.
