The traffic department has come up with a new tougher regulations that will take into effect from March 1 2008 where reducing the death toll related to traffic accidents is the main aim. According to the new law, the committee identified four targets as follows:

• Reducing the number of accidents.

• Reducing traffic jams.

• Reducing the number of accidents involving pedestrian.

• Increasing awareness and developing traffic culture.

The following are the list of the amended fines:

I.) There will be a minimum fine of AED 20,000 and a jail term, or either one of them for:

• Driving under the influence of alcohol & drugs.

• Leaving the scene after causing a major traffic accident.

• Changing number plates without permission from the traffic department, tampering with number plates, manufacturing fake number plates, and using vehicles with fake number plates.

II.) There will be a minimum fine of AED 5,000 and a jail term not exceeding three months or either one of them for the following offences:

• Driving a vehicle despite a court ruling against the same.

• Driving without a license.

• Driving a vehicle not specified in the license.

• Borrowing a number plates or selling them.

III.) There will be a minimum fine of AED 5,000 and a jail term of not exceeding one year or either one of them for lending a car for illegal or criminal activities. Those who are aware of this illegal acts and did not report it to the police will also be prosecuted.

IV.) There will be a fine of AED 500-2,000 and a jail term not exceeding three months or either of them for providing false or incorrect information (e.g. name, address, etc.) to the police.

V.) There will be a fine of AED 200-500 and a jail term not exceeding one month or either one of them for committing a petty offences that may cause accidents (e.g. using worn out tires).

In addition to the tougher fines, black points system will also be implemented. Where according to the black point system, a driver accumulating 24 black points in a year shall suffer confiscation or suspension of his/her driver's license depending on the number of times 24 black points has been accumulated. According to the new law, repeat offenders in any category will face tougher penalties including confiscation of license, and that the law also provides the Minister of Interior the right to set fines/penalties for special cases.