A Filipino was recently caught for jaywalking by a police officer donned in plain clothes.
Events coordinator Jericho Campos, not his real name, said that in his six years of living in the UAE, he has never experienced a single violation. It was the first time he committed jaywalking because he was already running late for work.
“Nag-jaywalk ako kasi nagmamadali na ako papuntang office at ayaw kong ma-late,” he said.
He did not realize that it would also cost him his first fine as a man in plainclothes approached him and showed him his badge. It turns out, it was a police officer doing undercover to observe unsuspecting violators.
“Hindi ko alam na pulis pala ‘yon. Nung lumapit siya sa akin at naglabas ng ID, akala ko noong una budol-budol lang. Police officer pala siya,” he said.
Campos added that the police officer took his Emirates ID and gave him a ticket. The officer then told Campos to settle the fine at the police station so he can take it back.
The UAE issues hefty fines for people caught jaywalking, and it is mostly credited to the fatalities that occurred as a result of this act. According to the UAE Traffic Law, offenders will incur a Dh400 fine if caught.
“Hindi na ako uulit dahil mahirap na ang ma-fine ulit. Ang payo ko ay sumunod lagi sa rules,” Campos advised everyone.
