Sharjah driver faces Dh2,000 fine and 23 black points for sunshade violation

Sharjah driver faces Dh2,000 fine and 23 black points for sunshade violation

Sharjah Police have arrested a driver caught operating his vehicle on a public road with a sunshade obstructing his windscreen, creating a dangerous traffic violation that endangered his safety and other road users.

The motorist now faces a Dh2,000 fine, 23 black points on his driving record, and a 60-day vehicle impoundment under Federal Decree-Law No. 1 of 2024 Regulating Traffic, which applies uniformly across all seven emirates to ensure consistent enforcement of traffic penalties.

The driver's penalty puts him just one black point away from the critical threshold of 24 points, which triggers automatic license suspension. First-time offenders face a three-month suspension, second-time offenders six months, and third-time offenders may lose their license for a year and need to retake a driving test. The 23 black points will remain on his record for one full year from the violation date, and traffic authorities will notify him via SMS or email within 48 hours.

Financial implications beyond the fine

The 60-day impoundment carries additional costs beyond the stated Dh2,000 penalty. Vehicle owners must pay daily storage fees of Dh50 for light vehicles during the impoundment period, potentially adding Dh3,000 to the total cost, plus approximately Dh300 in vehicle release fees.

However, the UAE offers a Smart Impound service allowing vehicle owners to keep their impounded car at home during the penalty period by paying Dh15 per day and having a GPS tracking device installed, instead of sending the vehicle to a police impound yard.

Enforcement amid broader safety concerns

Sharjah Police said the driver's actions significantly reduced his ability to see the road clearly and respond to sudden traffic situations, increasing accident risk. This enforcement comes as vehicle-pedestrian collisions emerged as one of the leading types of major traffic accidents in Sharjah's Eastern and Central regions, with 13 run-over accidents recorded out of 60 total traffic accidents during July 2026.

The authority has intensified traffic enforcement across the emirate, recording over 30,000 violations for non-compliance with designated traffic lane routes since implementing lane usage regulations on November 1, 2025.

Sharjah Police General Headquarters warned motorists against using any object or method that obstructs their field of vision while driving, stressing that maintaining a clear view of the road is a basic requirement for safe driving. The authority said such behaviour is among the most serious traffic violations, as it can prevent drivers from making timely decisions, endanger lives and cause damage to public and private property.

National road safety context

The strict enforcement reflects broader road safety priorities across the UAE. In 2024, approximately 6,500 road accidents were recorded nationwide, with the fatality rate dropping to 3.5 per 100,000 population. Road accidents cost the UAE economy an estimated Dh5 billion annually in medical expenses, vehicle repairs and lost productivity.

Under Article 1 of the Traffic Law, driving in a manner that endangers the driver, other road users, their safety or security, or risks damage to public or private facilities is considered a traffic offence carrying the penalties imposed on the Sharjah driver.

Sharjah Police urged all motorists to follow traffic regulations, exercise responsibility behind the wheel and avoid using any devices or items that obstruct visibility or affect their ability to drive safely. The force reaffirmed that it will continue monitoring and taking action against dangerous driving practices as part of its efforts to protect lives, safeguard property and enhance road safety across the emirate.