Sharjah.TNM: Sharjah Police has issued a strong warning to motorists, stressing that leaving the scene of an accident — even a minor one — is a punishable offence that can result in significant fines and legal consequences.
As part of a new awareness campaign, authorities emphasised that all traffic accidents must be reported, regardless of their severity. Officials highlighted that failing to stop after incidents such as minor scratches or low-speed collisions is considered a hit-and-run violation under UAE traffic laws.
The warning aims to address a common misconception among drivers who assume that minor accidents in parking areas or residential neighbourhoods do not require reporting.
According to police, motorists who leave the scene of a minor accident face a Dh500 fine, eight black points, and vehicle impoundment for seven days. Release fees for impounded vehicles can reach up to Dh5,000. Authorities also noted that repeated violations and the accumulation of black points could lead to the suspension of a driving licence.
To reinforce the message, Sharjah Police released an awareness video demonstrating how minor accidents can occur in tight spaces such as parking lots and narrow streets. The footage illustrates how quickly a simple incident can escalate into a legal issue when a driver chooses to leave the scene.
Motorists are urged to remain at the site of any accident, check on those involved, and report the incident through official channels, including the police app or by calling 901 for non-emergency situations.
Authorities reiterated that prompt reporting not only ensures a smoother resolution process but also helps drivers avoid far more serious penalties than those associated with the initial accident.
