So far, 457,154 drivers have benefited from the sliding scale of traffic fine reductions…

In February 2019, Dubai Police launched a new initiative that could allow drivers in Dubai to have their existing fines wiped if they didn’t commit any further offenses.

The initiative works on a sliding scale, that offers discounts of 25 per cent to 100 per cent, provided that drivers do not commit any violations for three months, six months, nine months or one full year.

Reminder: here’s how the sliding scale works:

  • Drivers who do not commit any traffic violations for three months can obtain a reduction of 25 per cent of their current fines
  • Drivers who do not commit any traffic violations for six months can obtain a reduction of 50 per cent of their current fines
  • Drivers who do not commit any traffic violations for nine months can obtain a reduction of 75 per cent of their current fines
  • Drivers who do not commit any traffic violations for 12 months can obtain a reduction of 100 per cent of their current fines

ALSO READ: Dubai drivers to be excused for committing minor road offences

So, did the initiative work?

It sure did! In May 2019, three months after the initiative was launched, phase one was completed and it was recorded by the Dubai Police that a total of 457,154 drivers benefited, thus receiving a 25 per cent discount on their accumulated traffic fines.

According to Gulf News, Colonel Faisal Al Qasim, director of Security Media Department in Dubai Police said “It is a successful strategy by Major General Abdullah Khalifa Al Merri, Commander-In-Chief of Dubai police in enhancing the partnership with the public and know their opinions to provide best services to them and spread happiness.”

He went on to say that enquiries on how to benefit from the initiative, and how to renew their vehicles without paying the fines were addressed.

It is now August 2019, which means that the second phase of the initiative is complete. So, if you haven’t committed an traffic offenses in the past 6 months, you will now only pay 50 per cent of your accrued traffic fines.

The calculation will be automatically calculated on the Dubai Police smart app and website.

The next phase will take place in November 2019, and the final phase will be in February 2020.

ALSO READ: Dubai Police to reward motorists who pledge to safer driving

Do note though, the initiative applies only to privately owned vehicles, and doesn’t apply to cars which are registered with businesses, rental offices or companies, including public or private transport companies.

Individuals who live outside the state for more than three consecutive months from the date of the traffic violation cannot benefit from the initiative.

— For the best of Dubai straight to your inbox, sign up for our newsletter.

Images: Getty