10 different types of traffic radars you'll find on UAE roads

Thousands of radars are deployed across the UAE, either installed at traffic signals or on the streets to detect speeding drivers. 

The ones at traffic signals can detect if you're jumping a red light, taking a wrong turn, an illegal U-turn, overspeeding, or if you're violating the yellow box. The other radars are used to spot overspeeding cars.

While the radars on highways can capture only photos, those at signals can capture videos.

You may be happy to know that currently, radars do not flash for seat belt violations, eating and drinking whilst driving, using your phone, and tailgating...

This radar was launched by Abu Dhabi Police in 2016 and can measure the level of noise coming from a car to discourage those who accelerate ostentatiously. It also identifies the drivers who modify their cars in a way that causes disturbance to other residents.

The new technology aims to reduce noise pollution in the capital and is primarily installed in residential areas near hospitals, mosques, and schools. 

It measures decibels and then takes photos of the cars. This first-in-the-world technology was developed and invented by Captain Ahmed Abdullah Al Muhairi, Head of Traffic Safety Section at Abu Dhabi Police.

These cameras are usually installed at intersections across the UAE.

In 2015, the Traffic and Patrols Directorate of Abu Dhabi Police recorded as many as 21,688 red light violations using infrared technology that captures images without a flash.

Since July 1, 2017, the new fine for jumping a red light has been increased to, 1,000 dirhams, in addition to 12 traffic points and 30 days vehicle confiscation.

These standard speeding cameras will flash if you exceed the maximum speed limit. The UAE has a 20km/hr buffer over speed limits before the radar flashes. 

For example, if the speed limit on Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Road is 120km/hr, the radar flash has been set at 141km/hr. On Sheikh Zayed Road, the speed limit is 100km/hr, and radar flash has been set at 121km/hr.

If you drive over that maximum speed limit, you will be flashed and fined. Just don't do it...

These newly installed hi-tech speed cameras on UAE roads can monitor queue-jumping and other forms of dangerous driving.

The devices are able to spot violations such as sudden swerving, jumping red lights, and being in the wrong lane at busy intersections.

Watch the video below to understand exactly how they work...

Motorists who ignore the stop sign of school buses will be caught with this 'Bat' radar. 

The Bat radars were launched in October 2017 and are the latest innovation by Dubai Police. They will be installed on the stop sign of school buses in a step to crack down on motorists who ignore the signal when bus drivers pick up and drop off students.

These tiny devices can be controlled with a smartphone and operate on 3G technology to send data and pictures directly to the Traffic Department.

In October 2017, Dubai Police installed the new smart device - called 'Smart Controller' - along a number of busy roads across the city.

The camera moves automatically for short distances and is said to be significantly more advanced than other radars, as it can read plate numbers, catch drivers using the hard shoulder, record jaywalkers, and even broadcast audio messages to oncoming motorists.

The Smart Controller can also flash warning lights to alert motorists about emergencies and bad weather.

This is an armor-plated "enforcement trailer" speed camera. 

The advanced radar system inside the trailer - developed by German company Vitronic and French electrical engineering firm Cegelec - allows the camera to monitor speeds on vehicles across all lanes and in both directions.

The cameras can read license plates and detect infractions such as speeding, vehicles driving too close to the next one, erratic lane changes, and overtaking on the hard shoulder.

These new devices - named 'The supervisor' (Al Motabea’a) - were deployed by Dubai Police in 2016 and are able to monitor and seize vehicles that do not follow lane markings and intersections.

The cameras are also able to detect and pinpoint any wanted vehicles and will immediately raise an alarm to the command and control center to pursue the car.

There are two installed just before the 'Last Exit' on the highway from Abu Dhabi to Dubai.

You may not see them due to their small dimensions, but they will surely see you. Without a doubt, if you are speeding, these temporary cameras will catch you. It's as simple as that...

These mobile units usually fine motorists who are driving over the maximum speed limit. The fines and penalties can range from 300 dirhams to 3,000 dirhams plus black points and vehicle confiscation.

The classic handheld laser speed camera is locally known as Al Qannas (Hunter). The hunter is extremely easy to operate and can be set up within three minutes in a civilian vehicle. 

Abu Dhabi Police is effectively using laser-operated hunter radars installed in civilian and undercover vehicles to catch hundreds of speed limit violators from various parts of the Emirate.