According to Brigadier Engineer Hussein Al Harthi, Chairman of the Federal Traffic Council, explained that the amendments include the addition of articles prohibiting gatherings near valleys flowing with rainwater and dams during rainfall, as well as entering valleys regardless of the level of danger.
The amendments also prohibit obstructing competent authorities from performing their duties related to traffic organisation, ambulance services, and rescue operations during emergencies, disasters, heavy rainfall, and valley flowing with rainwater.
Additionally, new infractions have been introduced that align with these preventive measures, said Wam.
These amendments are introduced alongside other significant and fundamental articles in the law, which urge road users, including drivers and pedestrians, to exercise utmost care and caution.
Motorists are expected not to endanger their lives or the lives of others, abide by traffic regulations, signs, and signals, comply with instructions from police officers, stay in their designated lanes, and follow guidance of police, traffic, civil defense, emergency, disaster, and crisis management personnel in emergency situations.
The road users are also expected to avoid causing unnecessary harm, hindrance, or disturbance to others.
Penalties
Regarding the new infractions, Al Harthi clarified that the attached table in Ministerial Resolution No. (178) of 2017, which outlines traffic control rules and procedures, now includes additional violations related to the preventive measures mentioned in the resolution. For instance, Article (113) stipulates a fine of Dh1,000 and 6 traffic points for the violation of gathering near places of valleys, torrents, and dams during rainy weather. Article (114) imposes a fine of Dh2,000, 23 traffic points, and a vehicle impoundment period of 60 days for the violation of “entering valleys while they are flowing with rainwater, whatever the level of severity.”
Furthermore, Article No. (117) slams a fine of Dh1,000 and 4 traffic points, along with a vehicle impoundment period of 60 days, for the violation of obstructing competent authorities from carrying out their work with regard to regulating traffic, ambulance, and rescue during emergencies, disasters, crises, rain, and valleys flowing with rainwater.
