Sharjah Rolls Out New Traffic Fine Discount System to Boost Road Safety

The Sharjah Executive Council has implemented a revised traffic fine discount system designed to reward timely payments while sending a strong signal against dangerous driving behaviors. The new policy, which took effect this week, aims to enhance road safety, encourage compliance, and reduce high-risk incidents on Sharjah’s roads. With both incentives and strict exclusions, the system marks a major shift in how traffic fines are managed in the emirate.

New Discount Scheme Introduced for Timely Payments

Under the updated policy, Sharjah motorists now have the opportunity to ease their financial burden by paying fines promptly. A 35% discount is available on total traffic fines—including impound and release fees—if the payment is made within 60 days of the violation date. For those who settle their fines within one year, a 25% discount is offered; however, this reduced rate does not cover charges related to vehicle impoundment.

This approach is intended to encourage drivers to resolve their infractions quickly, thus reducing administrative backlogs and helping the authorities maintain a more orderly record system. By offering a sliding scale of discounts, the policy balances compassion for everyday mistakes with the need for prompt law enforcement.

No Leniency for 40 Serious Traffic Offenses

While the discount system incentivizes early payment for most violations, it draws a firm line when it comes to dangerous and reckless driving behaviors. Forty major offenses are excluded from any discount, underscoring Sharjah’s zero-tolerance stance on actions that cause the greatest harm on the roads.

These excluded violations include:

• Exceeding speed limits by more than 60 or 80 km/h
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Causing death or serious injury in an accident
• Running red traffic signals, whether in cars, trucks, or on motorcycles
• Illegal overtaking and dangerous swerving
• Failing to stop at the scene of an accident
• Distracted driving, including mobile phone use
• Blocking emergency vehicles or school buses
• Operating noisy or improperly loaded vehicles

Colonel Abdulrahman Mohammed Khater, Deputy Director of the Security Media Department at Sharjah Police, emphasized the rationale behind this tough stance, stating, “These aren’t just mistakes — they’re behaviours that cost lives.” By excluding these offenses from any discount, the authorities hope to deter motorists from engaging in the most risky and hazardous behaviors.

Pedestrians Also Face Penalties Under New Rules

A further notable feature of the new policy is the expansion of accountability to pedestrians. For the first time in Sharjah, individuals on foot who break traffic laws—such as jaywalking or ignoring pedestrian signals—will be subject to fines. These penalties are tied directly to the offender’s Emirates ID number, ensuring that the consequences are tracked and enforced.

Both uniformed and plainclothes patrols have been deployed to monitor compliance, not just among motorists but also among pedestrians throughout the emirate. The aim is to create a safer environment for all road users by addressing unsafe practices at every level.

This comprehensive initiative is part of a broader partnership between Sharjah Police and the Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority. Alongside stricter enforcement, authorities are upgrading pedestrian crossings, installing new traffic signals, and enhancing signage in high-risk areas. The combination of targeted infrastructure improvements and updated legal provisions reflects Sharjah’s commitment to reducing road accidents and improving overall public safety.