The updated Traffic Rules to Follow in the UAE

Share

Tweet

Share

Share

Email

Comments

Listen to this article

Despite having a well-laid out public transport system, the requirement to drive is unavoidable in the UAE. When you drive you are additionally required to take care of the traffic rules complied with by the location that you’re driving in and also around. The fundamental driving guidelines are similar worldwide, yet there are some unique aspects that you require to take care of while driving in the UAE; specifically, if you take place to be a newbie. Driving rules in the UAE are fairly stricter than in various other countries thus higher is the penalty for breaking one. So, let’s gather all the expertise on standard and the most vital Dubai traffic rules

Wearing a Seat belt

The first fundamental UAE traffic rule states that everybody sitting in the car needs to be using seat belts. This consists of the vehicle driver, the individual resting on the traveller seat as well as individuals resting in the rear seat as well. Children younger than 10 years aren’t allowed to travel in a passenger seat. Any type of kid younger than 4 should be seated in a booster seat. The fine for breaking these Dubai traffic policies related to seatbelts are AED 400 plus 4 black points on your license.

Toll Tax Salik Tag

Salik Tag is the UAE’s unique system of managing toll taxes. It’s an electronic chip that can easily be read by scanners at toll gates in the UAE. Salik tags are able to be scan in any weather conditions and at all speeds. The Salik tag has simplified the process of collecting tolls and eliminated traffic jams. As per Dubai traffic rules, all vehicles must have a functioning Salik tag.

How to Get a Functioning Salik Tag?

• You can purchase a Salik Tag at any branch of Dubai Islamic Bank, Emirates Bank, ENOC, EPCO, Emarat petrol stations or Dubai Islamic Bank.
• Simply enter your basic information to create a prepaid account.
• After your account is opened, a Salik sticker with an electronic chip will be installed on your windshield.
• Every time your car passes through toll gates with Salik tag scanners, the toll will be taken from your Salik account.

Drinking and Driving 

Driving under the influence in any country is a serious offence. This is one of the most important UAE traffic rules. It is dangerous for both the driver and other drivers. UAE has strict drinking and driving laws. It is a fact that drinking and driving in the UAE are strictly prohibited. Drinking and driving is punishable by AED 20,000, or the amount ordered by the court with the possibility of imprisonment. If you are caught violating this rule, you will be given 23 points on your licence. We are also referring to alcohol consumption. It is illegal in the UAE for anyone to consume alcohol publicly. You must have a license to consume alcohol in your home or establishments.

Driving License

A driving license is required for UAE citizens who wish to drive. After passing the driving test, anyone over 18 years old can get a driving licence. Residents can transfer their driving licenses from their home country to the UAE or obtain a new license. You can find the list of 32 countries that the RTA office has the driving license for at the RTA office. You must take the driving test again if you’re from another country. To drive in the country as a tourist you will need an international driving permit.

If you are 21 or older, your driving license in UAE will be valid for two years. The license is valid for one year if you are older than 18 but younger than 21. The license will remain valid for 10 years after renewal. This applies to both Gulf citizens and those from other countries. Driving without a valid licence can lead to up to three months imprisonment or a fine of AED 5k.

For this reason, hiring a car would be a better idea, especially if you’re new to this country. – Speaks, CCLIMO

Car Registration

All vehicles have a 12-month validity on car registrations. You have a grace period of 30 days when renewing your car registration. To renew your car’s registration papers, you only need to go to RTA. If your vehicle is older, you can expect a vehicle inspection. The test costs AED 200 and registration costs AED 350. Driving around UAE without a valid registration can result in a fine of AED 500 and four black points on the driving license.

Car Insurance

Vehicle insurance, just like car registration, is only valid for one year. It also comes with a grace period that lasts 30 days. This arrangement matches the vehicle’s registration documents. You can renew your car insurance by simply contacting the insurance company or the aggregator. Driving without valid insurance can result in a penalty of AED 500 plus four points on your license.

Using the Phone When Driving 

This is another UAE traffic rule. Driving in UAE and simultaneously using the phone will result in a penalty of AED 800 as well as four points on your license.

Parking Your Car

Parking in an area that isn’t designated for you, or the vehicle category you belong to, can lead to you being charged. Below is a list of possible fines that you might have to pay for improper parking.

• Parking the vehicle in an ambulance only parking: AED 1000 along with six black points on the license
• Parking in a way that blocks the movement of other vehicles: AED 500
• Parking in the prohibited areas on the left side of the road: AED 1,000
• Illegal parking anywhere in the UAE: AED 500
• Parked without proper security: AED 500
• Parking the car on a pavement: AED 400
• Parking the vehicle in areas meant for loading or offloading: AED 200 

Reckless Driving 

Reckless driving is the most severe UAE traffic rule violation. Not only will you have to pay AED 2000 in fines, but also 23 black points on the license. Your vehicle will also be taken away for 60 days. Drivers who cause others to be in danger by driving are subject to this penalty. Similar punishments are also available for blocking traffic, driving without an identification number plate, reckless driving, and sudden turns.

Jumping Traffic Signals

Traffic signals violations are generally punishable by a fine of AED 1,000 and 12 points on the license. It is possible to increase the penalty if other factors are considered, such as endangering another’s life.

Behaviour-Related Traffic Rules 

Even if you follow all UAE traffic rules, you could be fined for failing to observe good road etiquette. Tossing rubbish on the roads, not leaving enough space between vehicles, intentional crowding, using expired or old tyres, driving noisy vehicles with engine problems, jaywalking and other offences are all possible. These offences can result in a different penalty depending on the severity of the disturbance.

Speeding While Driving 

The UAE has speed limits that are determined by the location you drive in. The speed limit for residential areas is between 25-40 km/h. The speed limit for highways is 110 kmph. This is one of the highest speeds in the world. The speed limit is generally 80 kmph. Anybody found in violation of these speed limits faces a fine up to AED 3,000 and seizing their vehicle for 60-days. The penalty for speeding is the most severe.

Tinted Windows

Tinted windows are required for UAE weather. However, tinted windows can cause vision problems for both you and other drivers. In the UAE, window tinting is permitted at 50%.

Driving Without a Number Plate

When you drive your car, ensure it has the original number plate. Violation of these UAE traffic rules can result in the vehicle being seized for 90 days and a fine of AED 3,000. 23 black points are also possible.

What is the Black points Fine System Like?

Black points are awarded to license holders who commit the most serious violations. The penalty system was created by the UAE traffic authorities. This system was created to reduce violations of traffic rules in the UAE. A maximum of 24 points can be applied to a license before it is suspended or revoked. Your license will be suspended for a period of time if it has 24 black points. This is dependent on how many previous violations. Your license will be revoked for three months if it is the first time you have accumulated 24 black points. It is six months for second-timers and one year for third. Black points are good for one year, or until you have collected all 24. The license can be restored to its original condition with zero black points. Drinking and driving, property damage, vehicle accidents, driving without a number plate and transporting hazardous substances with no permits are just a few of the violations that could result in 23 points. Illegally transporting passengers and transporting hazardous substances can also be considered a violation. After receiving 24 points, repeat offenders will need to attend road safety classes in order to renew their license.

What to do in Case of a Breakdown or Accident?

If not managed properly, breakdowns can cause havoc on the roads for you and others. Try to pull your car to the side, away from traffic, if it breaks down on the road. Turn on your car’s hazard lights and place the triangle warning sign. You can try to repair the car yourself. If not, you should call your insurance provider and arrange for roadside assistance. Towing services can be called if your car insurance does not include roadside assistance. To deal with such situations, you must always have the number for roadside assistance from your car insurance provider.

Call the police immediately if you’re involved in a car accident. See if anyone requires first aid or hospitalization. Arrange for the same immediately. Inform your car insurance company about the accident. For the moment, call for roadside assistance. You will need a police report to prove the accident. Follow the steps to submit a claim to your car insurance company.

Traffic Information 

For new UAE residents, it can be difficult to keep track of the long-standing Dubai traffic rules and the new Abu Dhabi traffic rules. There is an easy way to find all of this information. Below is a list with applications that you can download to your smartphone in order to make it easier for you to handle traffic rules in the UAE.

• Waze: This app lets you know about speeding cameras and trackers installed on UAE roads. 
• Here We Go: Provides information about public transport and lets you compare routes. Also provides directions across the UAE.
• UAE Traffic: You can get live traffic updates on this app to manage travelling in rush hours.

5 Road Safety Rules You Need to Follow

Drive in the Correct Lane: You must ensure you drive on the right side of the road. The left-most lane is for vehicles that are the fastest. Even if you’re going fast, keep to the speed limit. You should not drive slower than the speed limit if you are a regular driver. Accidents and other traffic hazards can be caused by driving slowly in the left lane.

Keep Hazard Lights On If you have a problem with your car or need to drive slower than the speed limit for the area, keep the hazard lights turned on. If you need to stop on highways or other roads, this is also a good idea. Your hazard lights will help other drivers slow down and allow you to shift faster. If you let the other drivers know about the problem, they will attempt to find a solution. It is essential to use your hazard lights correctly in order to drive safely.

Safely Change Lanes: It’s common for drivers to change lanes without notifying vehicles in front. This practice can be dangerous, it is obvious. Indicators should be used to indicate the direction of travel. To switch lanes, use the left indicator to enter the fast lanes and the right to go into the slower driving lanes. You could end up in serious road accidents involving multiple cars, especially on highways or other high-speed roads. It is a good habit to give indicators, even if the road is empty or if you are driving in a low-speed area. You could face a fine of 200 Dirhams and three points on your licence for violating this UAE traffic rule.

Remember pedestrians: These pedestrian crossings, also called Zebra crossings, are designed to assist pedestrians. Respect these crossings, and allow pedestrians to pass whenever they are available. When you see a pedestrian crossing, make sure to stop your car and turn around. To avoid any accidents, always check for pedestrians when crossing. You can be fined AED 500 for violating this UAE traffic rule and receive six points on your license.

Keep Safe Distance: Tailgating was responsible for 42 deaths in the UAE in 2015. It is crucial to leave enough space between your vehicle, and the vehicle in front of it, It is crucial to leave enough distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you. This will allow you to use emergency brakes and slow down if necessary. Road experts around the globe have reiterated the importance of maintaining a safe distance. Even when traffic is slow-moving, it’s more efficient to keep vehicles at a safe distance than tailgating. This UAE Traffic Rule violation can lead to a fine of AED 400 as well as four points in the UAE.

In short summary

UAE traffic rules are similar to any other country around the globe. These rules are strictly enforced. If your country drives on the right side of the road, you might notice a difference in the lane and side that you are allowed to drive. To avoid being penalized and keep everyone on the road safe, you must follow all UAE road safety rules.