Dubai:Rubbernecking — the act of slowing down to look at crash scenes — is more than just a bad driving habit in the UAE. It’s now a traffic offence that could cost motorists Dh1,000 and even lead to vehicle impoundment for up to 14 days in certain emirates.Traffic expert Mustafa Khan, founder of MA Traffic Consulting, warns that rubbernecking falls under violations like “obstructing traffic” or “stopping without cause”, both punishable under UAE traffic law.“Drivers often don’t realise this behaviour delays emergency response and causes secondary accidents,” he said. “Just one person hitting the brakes to look can trigger a ripple effect, causing phantom traffic jams or even collisions.”Despite increasing awareness campaigns, many motorists still aren’t aware of the risks or penalties. “I honestly didn’t know I could be fined for it,” said Ahmad Mujtaba, a Dubai-based driver. “It feels like a natural human reaction.”Others, like UAE resident Sarah M., say countries such as Germany treat rubbernecking as a serious offence, which has helped change public behaviour.Last year, 630 violations were recorded for obstructing traffic during accidents, though experts believe the real number is much higher. Khan suggests surveillance technology could improve enforcement, especially in high-risk zones.Beyond safety, rubbernecking leads to increased fuel use, brake wear, and loss of focus—all of which add to road hazards.Khan’s advice: “If you’re curious about crash scenes, watch a video later. On the road, stay alert. Curiosity can wait—emergency vehicles can’t.”
