Abu Dhabi Police Mobile Phone Driving Ban 2025: AI Enforcement Targets Distracted Drivers

Abu Dhabi Police have issued a stern warning against mobile phone use while driving, identifying it as the most dangerous traffic violation on city roads. Research shows distracted drivers are four times more likely to crash than those impaired by drugs or alcohol, with phone distraction increasing crash risk eightfold.

Major Engineer Mohammed Hamad Al Eisai, Director of Traffic Simulation at Abu Dhabi Police, highlighted that mobile phone use severely diminishes driver attention and reaction time, contributing to traffic accidents worldwide and locally.

In 2024, six documented Abu Dhabi crashes were linked directly to phone use, alongside over 510 accidents caused by driver distraction in general. The UAE Federal Traffic Law fines phone use while driving at Dh800 and assigns four black points per offense.

To combat this, Abu Dhabi employs AI-powered smart cameras capable of real-time detection of phone use and seat belt violations, automatically generating fines. Studies reveal nearly 80% of accident victims were not wearing seat belts, underscoring the critical safety impact.

Abu Dhabi Police continuously update their road safety strategy every five years, incorporating AI, surveillance, and awareness campaigns. The Operations Room coordinates emergency response via GPS tracking of police patrols, ambulance, and civil defense units to ensure swift interventions.

Public education campaigns reinforce messages to avoid distractions, keep full focus on driving, never stop mid-road, and call emergency support (999) if stranded.

“Attention and anticipation save lives,” the Traffic and Patrols Directorate stressed. “A momentary distraction can cause catastrophic injury, death, or legal consequences.”