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Sharjah Police warn of Dh400 fine for children in laps
The new advisory highlights federal traffic law penalties for drivers caught with a child seated on their lap or in the front seat, reinforcing existing nationwide rules.
Sharjah Police have issued a fresh warning to motorists about the dangers and legal penalties of allowing children to sit on the driver's lap. This advisory reinforces Federal Traffic Law No. 21, which mandates strict car safety rules for children across all emirates.
A recent advisory from Sharjah Police headquarters has reminded all motorists in the emirate of the serious fines and black points for violating child safety rules in vehicles. Specifically, the warning targeted the dangerous practice of seating children on the driver's lap, clarifying the penalties under UAE Federal Traffic Law. This is a critical safety issue for all parents and drivers in the UAE, as the rules apply uniformly across every emirate, not just Sharjah. ## What is the rule? According to UAE Federal Traffic Law No. 21 of 1995, as amended by Ministerial Resolution No. 178 of 2017, it is illegal for any child under the age of 10 or shorter than 145cm to sit in the front seat of a vehicle. Furthermore, all children under the age of four must be secured in a proper child safety seat. Sharjah Police's campaign specifically highlights that allowing a child to sit on the driver's lap while the car is in motion is a violation of these federal rules. The driver's view and control of the vehicle are compromised, and a child in that position is completely unprotected in the event of a sudden stop or collision. ## What are the penalties? The penalties for this violation are…