DUBAI – As heavy rains swept across the Emirates this week, turning the desert landscape into a rare water-logged spectacle, the Dubai Police have issued a stark reminder that the city’s roads are not racetracks. Authorities have officially impounded several high-performance vehicles after drivers were caught performing dangerous "drifting" maneuvers on rain-slicked public highways.

The crackdown follows a series of viral videos circulating on social media showing motorists intentionally sliding their cars through flooded intersections and high-speed interchanges, often narrowly missing other commuters.

Dubai Police confirmed that the vehicles were seized under the city’s stringent traffic laws, which were updated last year to specifically target "stunt driving" and actions that endanger the lives of road users. Major General Saif Al Mazrouei, Director of the General Department of Traffic, emphasized that the wet conditions significantly increase braking distances, making such stunts a recipe for disaster.

"The rainy season is a time for caution, not for shows of bravado," the department stated. "Those who choose to treat our public infrastructure as a private playground will face the full weight of the law, including heavy fines and the long-term impoundment of their vehicles."

Under current regulations, motorists caught drifting or racing in the rain face immediate vehicle impoundment for up to 60 days and massive financial penalties reaching AED 50,000 for serious endangerment. Additionally, significant black points are added to their traffic files, which can lead to a full license suspension.

Police utilized the city’s extensive "Ghiath" smart patrol network and AI-enabled CCTV cameras to identify the license plates of those involved in the viral stunts, even in low-visibility conditions.

The move has been largely welcomed by the public, as many residents expressed concerns over the reckless behavior of a few "storm hunters" during the unusual weather. Dubai authorities have also urged the public to use the "Police Eye" feature on the Dubai Police app to report any such incidents in real-time.

As more rain is forecasted for the weekend, patrols have been doubled on major arteries like Sheikh Zayed Road and Emirates Road to ensure that the only things sliding on the asphalt are the raindrops.