Expanded Discount on Traffic Fines and Impound Fees in Sharjah, Covering a 35% Reduction Amount
In a move aimed at encouraging motorists to settle financial penalties promptly and avoid racking up driving debts, the Sharjah Executive Council has expanded its traffic fine discount scheme. As of April 2023, the initiative now covers both traffic fines and impound fees, offering a 35% reduction on both if paid within 60 days of the violation.
The scheme, first introduced in April, initially covered fines for certain road offenses. However, with the recent expansion, it now includes a wider range of violations. For instance, a motorist caught driving a vehicle with expired registration in Sharjah would face a fine of Dh500 and a seven-day impoundment, with both penalties now subject to the discount.
Under the new update, if a motorist pays within 60 days, they will pay Dh325 for traffic fines and Dh455 for impound fees (instead of Dh500 and Dh700 respectively). This represents a significant saving for those who can pay their fines promptly.
For fines paid between 60 days and one year after the violation, a 25% discount is applied, but only on the traffic fines themselves, not including impound fees.
However, serious traffic offenses such as driving in a way that endangers lives, exceeding the speed limit by more than 80kph, and carrying out unlicensed modifications to vehicles are not included in the scheme. The initiative does not provide information on any penalties for failing to pay the discounted fines or impound fees.
The decision was made during a meeting chaired by Sheikh Abdullah bin Salem bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Vice Chairman of Sharjah Executive Council at Sharjah Ruler's office.
Police forces across the UAE typically offer such deductions on public holidays such as National Day. Under UAE traffic law, drivers must pay additional release fees if their vehicle is impounded.
The expanded initiative offers a 35% discount on fines and impound fees paid within two months, making it an attractive incentive for motorists to settle their fines promptly. The initiative does not mention any changes to the original fines for the specified road offenses. The Sharjah Executive Council announced the expansion of the road traffic initiative on Tuesday, 2023, but did not specify which road offenses are now included in the discount scheme.
In the light of the expansion, the traffic fine discount scheme in Sharjah now applies not only to certain road offenses but also includes a wider variety of violations, such as driving with an expired vehicle registration. The initiative offers a substantial saving of 35% on both traffic fines and impound fees if paid within 60 days, making it a compelling incentive in UAE's general news, politics, and business sectors.
