In light of the one-month jail term for a British motorist convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol, it is imperative that the UAE's stringent laws against drink-driving be observed.
The UAE law
It is illegal to drive under the influence of alcohol in the UAE. If found guilty of drunken driving or driving under the influence, you will be sentenced to at least a year in prison and a fine of at least Dh20,000.
The Federal Law No 21 of 1995 concerning traffic, and its amendments, lays down the following punishment for anyone who operates a motor vehicle, or tries to operate a motor vehicle, while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any combination thereof: imprisonment, and/or a monetary fine of not less than Dh20,000.
There have been several offenses
A 42-year-old driver was convicted of several traffic offenses, including jumping the red light and driving against the traffic flow, according to Salah Bu Farousha Al Falasi, Head of the Traffic Prosecution in Dubai.
He has been suspended for six months, effective immediately.
The defendant was observed driving against traffic in Bur Dubai, crossing the red signal, and damaging properties as a result. Officers stopped him. He tested positive for alcohol by breathalyzer (179 percent)," Al Falasi said.
After being interrogated, the driver admitted to driving while under the influence of alcohol.
According to the Dubai Traffic Prosecution, the driver jumped the red light, drove in the opposite direction and damaged property while under the influence of alcohol.
Al Falasi continued, "The prosecution wants stiff penalties imposed on the accused.".
This driver's driving license was suspended for six months and he was sentenced to one month in jail by the Dubai Traffic Court.
Dubai Police apprehended traffic violators quickly after Al Falasi warned motorists not to drink and drive.
In order to protect drivers' safety and prevent property damage, he urged them to drive with extreme caution and follow all traffic rules.
Driving under the influence of alcohol is a zero-tolerance policy in Dubai, he stated