Ever wish you could just delete those black points on your driving licence like an embarrassing WhatsApp message? Well, Dubai motorists — your wish is granted. This August, the government is giving you a golden opportunity to scrub away four of those pesky points… and no, it doesn’t involve bribing your car or promising to stop shouting at traffic.
The secret? Accident Free Day.
Mark Your Calendar: Monday, August 25
This year, Accident Free Day is rolling out the red carpet for responsible drivers — conveniently lining up with the first day of the academic year (aka when the roads are already a patience test). All you have to do is sign up for a traffic safety pledge before the big day, drive like a saint on August 25, and voilà — four black points will vanish from your record faster than you can say “Wasn’t me, officer.”
And the best part? The deduction happens automatically on September 15. No paperwork. No awkward visits to the traffic department. Also, no explaining to your friends why your car’s in “time-out.”
The Traffic Pledge
Here’s what you’re promising for one glorious day of law-abiding driving:
- Keep a safe distance (tailgating is so last season)
- Stop for pedestrians (yes, even if you’re late for karak)
- Buckle up (no excuses)
- Stick to speed limits (your playlist can’t save you from radar flashes)
- Put the phone down (the selfie can wait)
- Give way to emergency vehicles (sirens are not a challenge to race)
See? Totally doable. Unless, of course, your idea of responsible driving is “occasionally indicating.”
Why the Fuss?
According to Colonel Engineer Hussein Ahmed Al Harithi, chairman of the Federal Traffic Council, this isn’t just about point deduction — it’s about making our roads safer, especially around schools. That means:
- Slowing down near school zones
- No texting while driving (yes, even “k” can wait)
- Respecting lanes
- Keeping safe distances
- And remembering that ambulances always win the right-of-way
What Gets You Black Points in Dubai
Just in case you’re wondering why your driving licence is looking like a report card gone wrong, here are some instant point earners:
- Not keeping a safe distance – Dhs400 & 4 points
- Ignoring pedestrians – Dhs500 & 6 points
- Skipping the seatbelt – Dhs400 & 4 points
- Using your phone – Dhs800 & 4 points
- Blocking emergency vehicles – Dhs3,000 & 6 points
- Sudden swerving – Dhs1,000 & 4 points
- Ignoring a school bus stop sign – Dhs1,000 & 10 points
- Parking in fire hydrant or People of Determination spots – Dhs1,000 & 6 points
- Letting kids under 10 or shorter than 145cm ride in the front seat – Dhs400
Bottom Line?
Drive like your licence (and your dignity) depends on it — because on August 25, it kinda does. You’ll not only get a cleaner record but also help keep Dubai’s roads safer. And who knows? You might just get used to driving like a model citizen.
