Over 600 drivers fined for breaking recently-introduced anti-noise pollution laws

In July, 2017, Abu Dhabi amended its traffic laws in order to prohibit excessively noisy cars. The purpose of these laws was to limit noise pollution and make the Emirate’s streets quieter and more pleasant for both motorists and pedestrians. Our regular readers may remember that we discussed these anti-noise laws and how to avoid running afoul of them on this blog at the beginning of the year. Today, we’d like to bring you an important update regarding the impact these laws have had on the motoring community in Abu Dhabi.

The Abu Dhabi police service recently used its Twitter page to announce that over 600 drivers were penalised under the anti-noise pollution laws during the first three months of the year. Precisely 626 drivers were found to be in violation of the laws due to their overly loud vehicles. These motorists were each fined Dh2,000 and received 12 black points on their licences – you can’t have more than 24 black points on your licence in 12 months. Drivers in Abu Dhabi clearly need to be aware that the laws are being taken seriously and enforced vigorously by the local police force.

Although ordinary motorists need to keep the laws in mind, however, it’s important to note that they have mainly been used against deliberate offenders. The majority of the 626 people who have been penalised under the anti-pollution laws had deliberately modified their cars to increase the sound of the engine or exhaust. It seems that so far, the laws have been used to target inconsiderate drivers. By penalising these individuals, the laws may actually make the roads safer for the rest of the motoring community. After all, motorists who deliberately increase their cars’ noise pollution levels may also engage in unsafe driving practices. The anti-noise laws may help to encourage better behaviour.

Of course, not all loud cars are created on purpose. Some vehicles simply make a lot of noise because they are old or because they have been damaged in some way. If you own an older, louder vehicle, we would recommend selling it and investing in a quieter one, just to be safe. After all, it’s important to make sure you’re not penalised under the anti-noise laws.

Here at Simply Car Buyers, we’d be happy to buy your old car. We buy any car, regardless of how cacophonous it sounds! Get in touch today to find out more.