According to the Traffic and Patrols Directorate at Abu Dhabi Police, drivers face heightened risks of vehicle fires and thefts when leaving cars running during routine stops like shopping, refueling, ATM visits, or prayers. Authorities warn against leaving keys inside homes or vehicles while engines remain active, noting that motorists sometimes leave infants and young children unattended in running cars.
Leaving a vehicle running unattended creates immediate practical risks. Opportunistic thieves target running cars left unattended at fuel stations and shops. At the same time, unattended vehicles with active engines face mechanical fire hazards. Motorists occasionally leave children, particularly infants, inside active vehicles during these brief stops.
Legal Penalties and Traffic Regulations
Failing to secure a vehicle properly carries specific legal consequences under regional transport rules. According to the directorate, Article 5, Clause 4 of traffic and road regulations mandates that drivers avoid stopping in prohibited zones. When drivers must stop on a road, they must take all necessary measures to secure traffic safety, keep the engine turned off, and ensure the vehicle cannot move while they are away.
Article 70 of the federal traffic and traffic law penalizes drivers who fail to comply with traffic signs and instructions with a fine of 500 AED.
Did You Know? Article 5, Clause 4 of the traffic and road regulations explicitly requires drivers to ensure the engine is not left running and that the vehicle cannot move while they are away.
Potential Enforcement and Safety Outcomes
Drivers who leave engines running or ignore roadside instructions may face immediate fines under Article 70 of the federal traffic and traffic law.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the primary risks of leaving a vehicle running unattended?
According to Abu Dhabi Police, leaving a car running while shopping, using an ATM, fueling, or praying can lead to the vehicle catching fire or being stolen by opportunistic thieves.
Is it illegal to leave children inside a running car?
Authorities note that some motorists leave children, particularly infants, inside active vehicles, and warn strictly against this dangerous practice.
What is the fine for failing to follow traffic signs and instructions?
Under Article 70 of the federal traffic and traffic law, failing to follow traffic signs and instructions incurs a fine of 500 AED.
How do traffic rules regulate parking on a road?
Article 5, Clause 4 dictates that if a driver must stop on a road, they must secure traffic safety, ensure the engine is not running, and prevent the vehicle from moving during their absence.
How can drivers avoid these fines and hazards?
Drivers should always turn off their engines, secure their vehicles, take their keys, and never leave children behind when stepping away for quick errands.
What steps are authorities taking regarding running vehicles?
The Traffic and Patrols Directorate at Abu Dhabi Police actively issues warnings and enforces traffic regulations to deter drivers from leaving vehicles operational while unattended.
How do you ensure your vehicle remains completely secure during quick stops at public locations?
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