Sharjah SEC Updates Rules for Impounded Vehicles Disposal

Sharjah, UAE – The Sharjah Executive Council (SEC), under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, has announced an important amendment regarding the disposal of impounded vehicles across the Emirate. The decision is a significant step toward streamlining public procedures and ensuring transparent handling of vehicles that remain unclaimed.

SEC Meeting Chaired by Crown Prince

The Council held its regular session at the Sharjah Ruler’s Office on Tuesday, chaired by His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi. Present at the meeting were other prominent members of the ruling family, including His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Salem bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Vice Chairman of the SEC, and His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Vice Chairman of the SEC.

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During the meeting, the Council focused on several general matters concerning the progress of government work. Members also reviewed policies implemented by various government departments and agencies to assess their alignment with the Emirate’s overall vision and strategic objectives.

Amendment to Vehicle Disposal Rules

One of the key outcomes of the meeting was the amendment of Decision No. (3) of 2016, which regulates the disposal of impounded vehicles in Sharjah. This update clarifies the procedures for handling vehicles that have been held for an extended period without action from their owners or lienholders.

According to the amended rules, vehicles may now be legally disposed of after they have been impounded for three months. This timeframe begins from the date of impoundment, ensuring that owners have a reasonable period to retrieve their vehicles. If no action is taken during this period, the Committee for the Disposal of Impounded Vehicles is authorized to move forward with public auctions.

Specific Guidelines for Disposal

The amended decision provides detailed guidelines for how impounded vehicles are handled:

1. Traffic and Criminal Incidents: Vehicles seized by the police due to traffic violations or criminal investigations may be auctioned off only after three months have passed from the closure of the traffic accident file or following a judicial ruling.

2. Coordination with Authorities: All disposal actions will be conducted in close coordination with the Public Prosecution to ensure full legal compliance.

3. Public Auctions: The disposal of vehicles will take place through public auctions, ensuring transparency and fairness in the process.

These measures are designed to create a clear, structured, and legally compliant system for disposing of unclaimed vehicles while ensuring that vehicle owners still have sufficient time to reclaim their property.

Sharjah Consultative Council Recommendations

In addition to vehicle disposal rules, the Council reviewed a response from the Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD) regarding recommendations made by the Sharjah Consultative Council (SCC). The SCC had submitted several proposals aimed at improving the economic policies and initiatives of the department.

The SEDD welcomed these recommendations and noted that they would play a significant role in supporting the growth of Sharjah’s economic sector. According to the department, implementing these recommendations is expected to positively impact society by fostering economic prosperity and development.

The SEC emphasized that efforts are underway to ensure that the SCC’s recommendations are applied effectively. This approach reflects the government’s commitment to continuous evaluation of its policies and responsiveness to advisory councils that represent public and community interests.

Strengthening Governance and Public Services

The recent amendments by the SEC highlight the government’s ongoing commitment to strengthening governance and improving public services. By formalizing the procedures for impounded vehicle disposal, the Council aims to ensure transparency, legal clarity, and efficiency in administrative operations.

Moreover, the SEC continues to monitor and enhance the performance of government departments, ensuring that all policies align with the long-term vision and strategy of the Emirate of Sharjah. This careful oversight demonstrates Sharjah’s focus on creating a well-organized and accountable administrative framework.

Why These Changes Matter

The updated regulations for impounded vehicles address several important concerns:

• Clarity for Vehicle Owners: Owners now have a defined timeframe to recover their vehicles, reducing confusion or disputes.

• Legal Compliance: The requirement to coordinate with the Public Prosecution ensures that all disposal actions follow legal protocols.

• Transparency: Public auctions provide a fair method of selling unclaimed vehicles, increasing accountability.

• Efficient Use of Resources: Clearing unclaimed vehicles from government impound lots ensures better use of storage space and administrative efficiency.

The Role of the Committee for Disposal of Impounded Vehicles

The Committee for the Disposal of Impounded Vehicles plays a central role in the implementation of these rules. Its responsibilities include:

• Reviewing cases of impounded vehicles.

• Coordinating with the police and Public Prosecution for vehicles involved in legal matters.

• Organizing public auctions for vehicles eligible for disposal.

This structured approach allows Sharjah’s government to maintain order and uphold the law while safeguarding the rights of vehicle owners.

The SEC’s recent decisions underscore the Emirate’s dedication to continuous improvement in governance and public administration. By revising existing rules and actively responding to recommendations from advisory councils like the SCC, Sharjah is setting a standard for transparency, efficiency, and public engagement.

These measures also highlight the collaborative approach between different government entities, including the SEC, SEDD, SCC, and Public Prosecution. Such collaboration ensures that policies are not only legally sound but also socially and economically beneficial.

The Sharjah Executive Council’s amendment to Decision No. (3) of 2016 marks a notable development in the management of impounded vehicles. With a clear three-month window for owners to reclaim their vehicles, coordinated legal oversight, and transparent public auctions, the new rules enhance fairness and efficiency.

At the same time, the SEC’s review of the Sharjah Economic Development Department’s response to the Consultative Council’s recommendations shows a continued focus on economic growth and societal prosperity. By implementing these recommendations, Sharjah aims to strengthen its economic sector and improve the quality of public services for all residents.

The Council’s meeting reflects the leadership’s dedication to improving governance, ensuring legal compliance, and fostering a transparent and accountable administrative system in the Emirate of Sharjah.