Dh300 fine for leaving car engine running while parked in Dubai

10% of cars stolen due to owner's neglect

Traffic fines will be imposed on vehicles with a running engine while parked on the side of the road.

According to the traffic law of Dubai the owners will have to pay a fine of Dh300. 

This step has been taken as the number of cars stolen when their engine is running has increased substantially.

Of the total stolen cars in 2011 about ten per cent cars have been stolen when the engine is left in operation while parked on the road side.

The Dubai police have adopted very strict and deterring measures aimed to decline and get rid of such phenomenon.

Brigadier General Khalil Ibrahim Al Mansouri, Director General Department of Criminal Investigation said, "There are lots of reasons behind the car theft, neglect is the most important reasons where owners leave the car in operation, which makes it easier for thieves robbing them without trouble."

He said, "The stolen car may be a gateway to other crimes such as armed robbery, not to mention disaster resulting from leaving the car running and in case of children inside."

Al Mansouri calls upon the owners and their drivers to stop the engine of their cars even if the stop is for a few minutes.

He said that theft can take place in less than a minute, and cautioned not to leave doors open and to make sure the windows are also closed.

In that regard it is also advisable not to leave behind valuables and important papers in the car that induce thieves to find a way to get them, even by breaking the glass windows.

Study and research show that there are certain areas that are witnessing such phenomenon of stolen cars while in operation such as stores, banks, mosques, petrol stations, restaurants.

Source: Emirates247