Caught on camera: Dubai Police snap BMW driver with child on his lap

A motorist in Dubai has been caught on camera driving with a child on his lap, putting both their lives at risk.

The male driver of a BMW was summoned by the police and his vehicle was impounded after the serious traffic violation was picked up by Dubai Police's artificial intelligence-powered radar systems.

Federal Traffic Law prohibits children under the age of 10 or those less than 145cm tall from sitting in the front seat of a moving vehicle. Driving in a way that poses a danger to a driver's life or the lives and safety of others can result in a Dh2000 fine and 23 black points according to Dubai Police's website.

Maj Gen Saif Muhair Al Mazrouei, director of the General Traffic Department at Dubai Police, said that allowing children to sit in the front of a vehicle exposes them to the risk of serious injury or death in an accident. A child could be thrown out of the vehicle by the force of the collision, as airbags and front seat belts are designed for adults.

Advanced traffic monitoring systems

Dubai Police recently announced the installation of traffic cameras that can detect 17 traffic violations, including drivers failing to wear seat belts or modifications to make vehicle engines louder. The cameras capture videos of the offences.

Members of the public are encouraged to report traffic violations using the Police Eye service on the Dubai Police smartphone app, or by calling 901.

Dangerous driving in the UAE

Speeding biker hits 330kph: In February, a motorcyclist was arrested after reaching speeds of 330kph on one of Dubai's busiest motorways.

The speed limit on Sheikh Zayed Road (E11) is 120kph. The motorcyclist filmed himself weaving through traffic at 190pkh before reaching 330kph.

Using two phones at the wheel: In November, cameras in Dubai helped police catch a driver using two mobile phones at once, and another reading a newspaper while on the road.

In a video posted on their social media channels, Dubai Police said their technology could detect violations even if a vehicle’s windscreen is tinted.

Drivers arrested for pulling stunts in the rain: In 2023, a group of drivers were arrested after being filmed performing dangerous stunts in a rain-soaked car park.

A viral video on social media showed a black 4x4 and a Toyota pickup doing doughnuts and drifting on the wet surfaces.

What offences can cameras detect?

• Exceeding the maximum speed limit: Fines range from Dh300 to Dh3,000, with possible vehicle impoundment and black points
• Jumping a red light: Dh1,000 fine, 30-day vehicle impoundment and 12 black points
• Failure to maintain mandatory lane discipline: Dh400
• Heavy vehicles not staying in mandatory lane: Dh1,500 and 12 black points
• Driving in the wrong direction against the flow of traffic: Dh600, seven-day vehicle impoundment and four black points
• Driving on the hard shoulder: Dh1,000, vehicle impounded for 30 days and six black points
• Not wearing a seat belt: Dh400 and 4 black points
• Using mobile phone or being distracted while driving: Dh800 and 4 black points
• Exceeding 50 per cent tint limit on vehicle window: Dh1,500
• Failing to maintain safe distance between vehicles: Dh400 and 4 black points
• Driving with excessive noise from engine: Dh2,000 and 12 black points
• Not giving way to pedestrians at designated crossing areas: Dh500 and 6 black points
• Making a U-turn in non-designated area: Dh500 and 4 black points
• Driving with expired registration: Dh500 and 4 black points
• Stopping in the middle of the road without good reason: Dh1,000 and 6 black points
• Heavy vehicle entering prohibited areas: Dh1,000 and 4 black points
• Stopping behind other vehicles and blocking their movement: Dh500

Watch: Dubai Police arrest biker after he films himself speeding