Dubai: People are penalized with a fine of Dh500 for leaving their vehicles parked in public parking spaces, unwashed for extended periods in UAE.
Emirates has been strictly enforcing cleanliness standards since 2019. Municipal officials said rules must be followed to prevent health hazards and “not tarnish the aesthetic appearance of the city” and owners are required to maintain the cleanliness of their cars
Last year, authorities in Abu Dhabi's Al Dhafra region, ramped up inspections to clear parking lots and public places of abandoned cars. Some residents who just returned from long holidays were surprised to receive a Dh3,000 fine.
Several instances of fines levied on car owners returning to unclean vehicles parked in public spaces have served as a wake-up call. With summer vacations approaching, residents in the United Arab Emirates are taking extra precautions not just for their homes, but also for their parked vehicles.
One Sharjah resident, traveling to Iran for an extended period, has hired a professional car cleaner to maintain his vehicle throughout his trip. He highlights the importance of keeping his car clean, going beyond simply avoiding fines.
Similarly, a Dubai resident plans to leave his car in his office parking lot to avoid a repeat of a previous Dh500 fine for a neglected car.
In Abu Dhabi, a resident has entrusted his brother with the responsibility of cleaning his car weekly. This comes after his friend received a hefty Dh3,000 fine last year for leaving a dirty car unattended during a long vacation.
An Emirati traffic safety researcher offers some valuable car care tips:
-
Arrange for a trusted friend to start and run the car engine weekly, taking it for a short drive if possible.
-
Park the car in a shaded area or invest in a car cover (starting at around Dh150) for sun protection.
-
Maintain proper tire pressure or slightly increase it by 5-10% to prevent flat tires from natural air leakage.
-
Use sun shades on car windows if it will be parked in a sunny area, even for a portion of the day.
Source: Khaleej Times