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With stunning landscapes and world-class infrastructure, the UAE is a dream destination of many. However, whether you are an experienced driver or a first-time visitor to the country, you must know traffic rules. To have a safe and uninterrupted drive buckle up and follow our guide on UAE traffic regulations. After understanding these basic principles, you can now drive confidently within Emirates!
Driving in UAE
There are specific guidelines that govern driving in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Thereby, mandating locals and foreigners alike to understand the stipulations:
Orientation and Conditions of Driving
In UAE, driving takes place on the right side of the road with the driver sitting on the left side. The roads are well-developed for fast-paced urban driving. While desert conditions characterized by sand dunes and frequent encounters with camels present unique challenges.
Ownership and Use of Vehicles
The country has a high level of automobile ownership. Plus, more cars per person than any other place in the whole world. However, public transport exists but it’s not commonly used outside major cities at all. This means availability of good transportation systems across the UAE is under control by RTA.
Driver Requirements & Licensing
- 18 years is the minimum age for obtaining a UAE driving license. Car rentals require one to have reached 21 years old.
- For tourists, they can either use their national licenses or International Driving License. Those are valid throughout their visa duration.
- Expatriates need to get a local driving license from RTA after going through requisite processes. Such as paperwork requirements; eye tests as well as maybe lessons/tests based on your country.
Special Issues
Drivers with disabilities may receive special permits. Which gives them the opportunity to enjoy certain benefits. Like toll-free passageways and parking privileges.
To import a car into the UAE there must be both residence visa holder plus vehicle clearance certificate. This is because of the restrictions which apply to right-hand drive and cars older than ten years.
Registration and Maintenance of Vehicles
- New cars are exempt from registration fees for the first two years as the dealership manages it.
- There is a need to conduct annual vehicle registration renewal with full roadworthy inspection. This comprises tire, chassis, breakers, steering and suspension checks.
- The cost of owning your own car includes fuel expenses (type dependent) and maintenance costs. It also includes insurance packages and registration charges as well as tolls (SALIK system).
General Driving Rules
Mobile Phones: Use hands-free devices only when driving.
Seatbelt: Keep your seat belt on always.
Child Safety: Children must be restrained using suitable child seats fitted in the rear of a car.
Overtaking: On freeways it is allowed to overtake on either side. But most commonly this is done on the left-hand side.
Essential items in case of breakdown:
- Insurance papers
- Warning triangle
- Spare tire
- Fire extinguisher
- Driving license, vehicle registration, ID card
Alcohol Tolerance
Zero Tolerance: In UAE there’s no alcohol tolerance policy. While driving since even small quantity can cause serious penalties for example:
Jail term – 1 month to 3 years.
Fine – AED 20,000 – 30,000.
Speed Limits
There is a specific speed limit to each of the roads. While you have to pay the fine if you exceed it:
- On highways, you can maintain the speed within 100 to 160 km/h.
- In rural areas, you can maintain the speed upto 100 km/h.
- In Urban areas, you can maintain the speed within 40 to 80 km/h.
- In residential areas, you can maintain the speed upto 40 km/h.
- On parking areas and service roads, speed shouldn’t cross 25 km/h.
Over Speeding Fine
It is considered speeding when the vehicle exceeds the speed limit by more than 60km/h. You may have to pay a fine of 300 AED to 3000 AED. Black points are what you will receive on your driving license. If you have accumulated 24 of them, then your license will be suspended for a year.
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Other Major Offences and Penalties
Drunk Driving: Twenty-four black points immediately follow suit.
Excessive Speeding: This means going over the limit of 80km/h, leads to 23 black points.
Running a Red Light: As a result, a person accrues eight black points.
Driving Without a License: There is a prison term and large traffic fines for this offense.
Road Signs and Traffic Information
Signage: The road signs are in English as well as Arabic languages. These are used based on the British system.
Traffic Updates: Use apps like Here We Go, Waze (for speed traps), and UAE Traffic for real-time updates. Radio stations also provide regular traffic condition updates.
Parking Regulations
Availability: In many urban areas, there are buildings which come with parking spaces.
Cost: Parking charges vary. Generally, it’s free on Fridays and public holidays.
Payment: Meters, applications, text messages or prepaid cards can be used to pay for parking.
Fines: Fines imposed due to illegal parking range from AED 200 – AED1000
Other Important Traffic Rules of UAE
Mandatory Seat Belts for All Passengers
In the UAE seat belts must be put on by every one of its occupants at all times. Regardless of how old they are or where they sit inside the vehicle. Anyone who does not comply with this requirement faces an AED 400 fine plus 4 black points.
Protecting the Youngest Passengers
A child safety seat is compulsory for children under four years old. This important precautionary measure offers essential protection during accidents. Non-compliance with this rule attracts similar penalties. Such as AED 400 and four black points to the driver.
Front Seat Passenger Requirements
Only a few people can sit in the front passenger seat. In particular, UAE regulations demand that this occupant must be at least ten years old and not less than 145 cm tall. This ensures proper use of the seat belt and avoids potential risks.
Reckless driving and endangering the lives of others
Lives at risk for serious violations. The UAE takes reckless driving and endangering the lives of others very seriously. This is a punishable offense. An offender upon conviction shall be liable to a fine of AED 2,000. This will earn him/her an additional 23 points on his/her license. Or may lead to the confiscation of his/her vehicle for two months.
What Constitutes Reckless Driving?
It’s good for road users to know what constitutes reckless driving so as not to break laws in this regard. They include things like blocking traffic, running red lights. Thus, making unpredictable dangerous swerves, and riding vehicles without a number plate.
Drunk Driving
The Rules are Plain. There is zero tolerance in the UAE for people who drink and drive. And same for those who take drugs before driving their cars. On conviction, you will have your driver’s license suspended for one year. It started from the date when judgment was passed. Additional punishments like traffic fines and imprisonment are determined by courts later.
Observe Traffic Lights
Traffic signs play a vital role in maintaining order on roads in addition to ensuring safety. Ignoring this rule could result in penalization whether you are a motorbike rider or car driver. Especially failing to obey traffic lights. Disobeying traffic signals means breaking road rules that can attract a penalty. Such as demerit points up to 12 plus confiscation of vehicles for one month. Moreover, there is a fine ranging from AED 1,000.
Concentrate On Your Driving
Distractions kill the fact that while behind the wheel may end up claiming lives. Don’t use any kind of mobile device including handheld phones or messaging as it’s a distraction. Hence, it leads to penalties worth AED 400 together with having four black points.
Excessive Speeds
Don’t Play with Lives. Speeding is still one of the cardinal road accidents causes. As it is ranked among the most important traffic regulations in the UAE. For everyone’s safety, strict speed limits must be followed in the UAE. Harsh penalties are imposed on drivers who overshoot the speed limit by a considerable amount. Those caught driving at speeds 80 km/h over the limit will be charged AED 3,000. Have their license deducted of 23 black points accruing to a car confiscation of up to two months. This works as an effective mechanism against reckless speeding.
Driver Conduct
The UAE aims to achieve safe and orderly driving conditions for all motorists. This part outlines various driver behaviors that are strictly forbidden for all other road users’ safety:
Protect Our Environment
Never litter while driving. Littering from vehicles contributes towards environmental pollution.
Safe Distance
Tailgating endangers the lives of road users. Drivers must always maintain a safe distance between their vehicle and the one before them. So as to allow enough time for braking when necessary.
Stay Within Your Lane Lines
It is illegal to overtake using hard shoulders or emergency lanes. As they are designated solely for emergencies only. There should be other separate lanes specifically designed for overtaking. It is legally right and safe.
Respect Accidents
Avoid crowding around accident sites. As this can obstruct emergency services and hinder their ability to respond effectively.
Restricted to Off-Road Usage Only
This means quad bikes are not allowed on public roads. Instead, they are strictly meant for off-road use in designated areas.
Pedestrians Have Right of Way
Crossing the road outside of crosswalks is called Jaywalking. It poses danger to both pedestrians and drivers. Always walk within marked crosswalks and obey pedestrian signals.
Importance of Vehicle Maintenance
Driving a car that has some technical or safety problems is against the law. Before driving, ensure your vehicle is well maintained and roadworthy.
Seatbelts Save Lives
I already said that this would attract a punishment if the seat belt is found absent from your body. It’s advisable for you as a driver to embrace safety. By making sure everyone inside your car is buckled up at all times.
Safety First
Using expired tires or those which appear worn out can be very dangerous while on the road. Ensure proper inflation of tires and compliance with safety standards.
Be Legal on the Road
It’s illegal to drive when you don’t have insurance or valid vehicle registration documents. Keep proper documentation for your vehicle to avoid penalties.
Noise Pollution Control
Noisy vehicles are not permitted on the roads of the UAE.
Passenger Limits
There are limits regarding passengers that can be transported in a car. Transporting more people than authorized is an offense punishable by law.
Changes Made in Traffic Rules
The recent amendments are implemented within the UAE. The traffic laws aim at increasing road safety as well as ensuring compliance with regulations. Here below find some major violations together with their fines/penalties:
Jumping a Red Light
This action attracts AED 3,000 fine plus 12 black points attached to one’s driver’s license. In addition, impounding may take place over a duration not exceeding thirty days.
Reckless Driving
Breaking these rules now entails paying AED 50,000. This is done so as to prevent such kind of behavior occurring again.
Allowing a Person Under 18 to Drive
Allowing someone under 18 years old to drive results in a fine of AED 50,000.
Using Fake, Forged, or Obscured Number Plates
This crime can have you pay a fine of AED 50,000. It is necessary for proper identification and vehicle checkup.
Making Substantial Modifications to the Vehicle
Major modifications that compromise safety or comfort will result in a fine of AED 10,000.
Riding Recreational Motorcycles on Paved Roads
A penalty of AED 50,000 is imposed against this violation. This exposes the road users to significant risks.
Fleeing from Police Officers
Attempting to avoid arrest costs AED 10,000 being an impound release fee.
Driving Without a Number Plate
Failure by the driver of the vehicle in question to possess car number plates could result in fine. It attracts AED 10,000 as fine imposed.
Participating in Races Without Permission
Illegal road races may require you to pay an impound release fee of up to AED10,000.
Excessive Window Tinting
Any excessive window tint results in a fine worth AED 10k. So, as to ensure clear visibility while driving safely.
Intentionally Hitting a Police Vehicle
Ramming into police cars intentionally will lead to a very high fine standing at AED 50,000.
Impoundment of Vehicles
When vehicles are seized due to serious violations, their owners must meet certain requirements. It includes payment of fines and remedying infringements done on such cars. Before they can be released back onto the roads again.
Repeat Offenders and Deportation
Multiple offenses involving reckless driving within one year could result in severe penalties. It increases both the impoundment length and amount needed for its lifting. It is around ninety days and two hundred thousand dirhams. Non-UAE national drivers operating heavy trucks caught over-speeding may face deportation.
This is part of a comprehensive drive to foster responsible driving in an attempt. It increases safety on the public roads in the UAE. To make sure that drivers are aware of these rules, the Dubai Police has initiated awareness programmes. These highlight the importance of adherence to road traffic laws for the sake of all other people.
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Procedures for Traffic Crimes
Authorization of Arrest
Police have the right to arrest drivers who have been involved in certain activities. It includes homicide, manslaughter, grievous bodily harm, dangerous driving and drunk-driving. It also includes attempting to flee from an accident scene.
Confiscation of Vehicles
Police can seize motor vehicles in various conditions. Such as driving with an expired driver’s license and using not roadworthy vehicles. Or being involved in court cases that might require the vehicle as evidence.
Tips of Driving in UAE
Don’t let kids eat while you are driving
Driving in the UAE can be both challenging and rewarding. Here are some essential tips to keep in mind:
Zero Tolerance on Drunk Driving
Always adhere to the strict zero-tolerance policy on alcohol while driving. Even small amounts can lead to severe penalties.
Avoid Aggressive Behavior
Refrain from swearing or using hand signals while driving. Maintain a calm and respectful demeanor on the road.
Confidence in Driving
Drive confidently but expect surprises like camels crossing roads without warning. The unusual driving styles or cars going against usual traffic flow.
Ramadan Considerations
The existence of Ramadan congestion particularly during Iftar times. The time people break their fasts may result in hasty drivers on roads. Hence, it is better if one avoids driving at these times if possible.
Rubbernecking
It is illegal and highly disruptive to slow down to look at accidents (rubbernecking). This behavior must be avoided as it disrupts smooth flow of traffic and affects safety.
Stay Informed
Use traffic apps and listen to updates for current traffic information regarding road conditions. As the congestion spots result in accidents.
Follow Speed Limits
Observe speed limits diligently especially within towns, residential areas or near schools.
Respect Cultural Norms
Understand local customs which may differ significantly from your home countries.
Emergency Preparedness
Keep emergency numbers handy and carry basic tools/supplies for roadside emergencies.
Plan Ahead
Be ahead of time when planning your routes, particularly long distances or peak traffic hours.
Following these tips will allow you to drive safely and responsibly on the UAE’s roads. Thereby, leading to less congestion and a more pleasant driving experience for everyone.
Conclusion
Adhere to the procedures outlined in traffic law. It is crucial for ensuring road safety and compliance with regulations in the UAE. By enforcing penalties for non-compliance, authorities aim to cultivate a culture of responsibility. This approach ultimately contributes to safer roads. Thus, enhancing public welfare by reducing traffic accidents and promoting harmonious driving.
