Dubai: A quick glance at your phone, changing the radio station or even eating behind the wheel may seem innocuous, but any activity that diverts your attention from the road can be considered distracted driving.The UAE’s federal traffic law lists out distracted driving as a serious traffic violation, and police authorities across the country regularly raise awareness on the dangers of distracted driving.Here is all you need to know about what constitutes distracted driving and the penalties you face.What is distracted driving?Any activity that takes your focus away from driving safely on the road can be constituted as distracted driving. This includes:Using your mobile phone to browse social media, make calls or take photosEating and drinking while drivingApplying make-upAdjusting radio channelsTalking to passengersOf all these, mobile phone use is the most common violation.Earlier this month, Abu Dhabi Police issued an awareness message, emphasising that using a mobile phone while driving, was one of the leading causes of serious traffic accidents. What is the penalty for distracted driving?Motorists face a fine of AED 800 and four black points, as per the Ministerial Resolution No. 178 of 2017 which lists out penalties for various traffic offences.Also read: UAE black points system explained: Fines, how to reduce points, and transfer rulesAnd while this is applied across the UAE, if you are driving in Dubai, you also face the possibility of having your car impounded for a month.As per the Administrative Resolution No. 1 of 2024 issued in the emirate of Dubai, the act of ‘driving while distracted by using a mobile phone or any other object’ will lead to the vehicle being impounded for 30 days.Additionally, as distracted driving may lead to sudden swerving, you may also face a fine of Dh1,000 and four additional black points, as per Article 29 of the of the UAE Federal Traffic Law.
