Abu Dhabi: Children behind the wheel and driving on their own has become a great concern to Abu Dhabi Police.
In the first six months of 2018, police arrested 342 minors for driving their parents' vehicles without a licence. During this time, underage driving was responsible for 17 traffic accidents.
The legal age to drive in the UAE is 18 years old, and teenagers can begin his or her driver training at 17 years and six months.
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Brigadier Khalifa Mohammad Al Khaili, Director of Traffic and Patrols Department at Abu Dhabi Police, warned residents in the UAE to monitor their children’s whereabouts.
He also stressed that parents who allow minors to drive will be held responsible for their children’s actions, according to the juvenile delinquency law.
From January to June 2018, police summoned the parents of 256 of the arrested teenagers and made them sign a pledge, promising authorities that they would not let their children drive.
If the minors are caught for the second time after the pledge is signed, strict legal action would be taken against them.
The other 86 teenagers were caught riding without a licence for a second time and were referred to the family court.
“Parents and families should watch their children during the summer vacation, as such violations tend to increase because of more children staying at home,” said Brig Al Khaili.
