A new UAE traffic law has been implemented, disallowing pedestrians from crossing roads with speed limits of 80 kilometers per hour or higher. This law ensures that anyone who violates this rule may be held accountable for any resulting injuries or damages.
Legal expert, Fatima Al Marzouqi, has clarified that anyone who crosses roads illegally could face both civil and criminal liabilities. More so, civil liability refers to compensation for damages, while criminal liability involves penalties for breaking the law.
In addition to this, if a pedestrian is injured while crossing a road illegally, they may not be able to claim damages from the driver, they could be subject to criminal penalties for violating traffic regulations, reports Khaleej Times.
Offenders could face up to three months in jail and a fine of at least AED10,000. Even on roads with lower speed limits, jaywalking will now carry higher penalties. The current fine of AED400 will be reportedly increased to a range of AED5,000 to AED10,000 if the offense leads to a traffic accident.
