Fujairah: UAE Warns Heavy Vehicle Drivers of Dh3,000 Fines and One-Year Licence Suspension
The Ministry of Interior lists 11 truck violations, from overtaking where it is banned to uncovered loads, after one of the deadliest road crashes in recent memory
Fujairah, The Gulf Observer: The UAE has issued a stern warning to truck and heavy vehicle drivers after a horrific crash near the entrance to Fujairah left 14 people dead and 30 injured. Penalties for the listed violations include fines of up to Dh3,000, a one-year licence suspension and 12 black points.
A Night of Fire and Tragedy on Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Road
The crash happened shortly before midnight on Wednesday on Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Road near the entrance to Fujairah. According to Fujairah Police, a truck driver lost control of the vehicle, which struck another car, overturned and then crashed into several vehicles that had slowed or stopped because of traffic congestion.
The truck then caught fire, and the flames spread to other vehicles, turning a busy stretch of road into a scene of devastation. Of the 30 people injured, 15 have been discharged from hospital and 15 are still receiving treatment. Authorities say legal and technical procedures related to the crash are ongoing.
UAE Ministry of Interior Issues Truck Fines Warning
After the tragedy, the UAE Ministry of Interior posted an advisory on social media reminding heavy vehicle drivers of the penalties under Ministerial Resolution No. 178 of 2017 on the Rules and Procedures of Traffic Control. The advisory sets out 11 violations and their penalties.
The ministry made clear that the advisory does not establish which, if any, of the listed violations occurred in the Fujairah crash.
Dh3,000 Fine and One-Year Licence Suspension
The toughest penalties apply to the most dangerous driving behaviour:
Causing an accident in which a vehicle overturns: Dh3,000 fine and one-year licence suspension
Overtaking where it is prohibited: Dh3,000 fine and one-year licence suspension
Not following designated routes or lanes for heavy vehicles: Dh1,500 fine and 12 black points
Entering roads or areas closed to heavy vehicles: Dh1,000 fine and 4 black points
The suspension starts from the date the licence is confiscated.
Cargo and Loading Violations
The ministry also highlighted the risks of unsafe cargo:
Cargo falling or spilling from a vehicle: Dh3,000 fine and 12 black points
Not covering truck loads: Dh3,000 fine
Loading in a way that endangers others or damages the road: Dh2,000 fine and 6 black points
Not following loading and unloading procedures in designated areas: Dh1,000 fine and 4 black points
Vehicle Condition and Equipment Rules
Drivers were also warned about the condition of their vehicles:
Driving with unroadworthy tyres: Dh500 fine, 4 black points and 7-day vehicle impoundment
No reflective stickers on the rear of trucks and transport vehicles: Dh500 fine
Operating industrial, construction or mechanical vehicles without a permit: Dh1,500 fine
A Wake-Up Call for UAE Roads
The Fujairah tragedy has shaken the country and refocused attention on the huge responsibility that comes with driving heavy vehicles. A single moment of lost control on a congested road can claim many lives within seconds, and authorities are urging truck drivers to follow every rule on lanes, loading and vehicle safety.
