If you are planning to drive in Dubai, whether as a resident or tourist, you need to obey Dubai traffic rules. These rules cover everything from proper lane usage and speed limits to required documents and penalties for violating rules. In this guide provided by DriveX, we explore the new traffic rules in Dubai, important driving guidelines, and good insights for tourists.
Exploring Dubai traffic rules and Updates
As you know, Dubai is a vibrant destination for tourists, so you should pay close attention to the safe following distance in busy roads. Knowing the rules will bring you a safe and smooth travel experience in Dubai.
new traffic rules in Dubai: What’s Changed?
· Harsh Consequences for Jaywalking
In the UAE, jaywalking on roads with speed limits of 80km per hour can have major penalties. You may no longer be able to sue the driver if an accident happens. The rules enforce penalties, including a minimum three-month prison sentence, fines of AED 10,000, and even compensation for damages caused.
·The Legal Driving Age in Dubai Is Now 17
Following new traffic rules in Dubai, minors can now apply for a driver’s license at the age of 17, rather than 18. They must pass a driving test approved by the Licensing Authority and a medical examination in order to be eligible for the license. Based on the type of the license, Additional conditions may apply.
· What Causes Driving License Suspension?
Drivers in the UAE can lose their license if they’re identified as unfit medically, considered a risk to road safety, or fail to do needed reassessment programs. In the words of Dubai traffic rules, people in charge now have the power to suspend or deny renewal based on these conditions.
·Fully Autonomous Cars Registration: Has It Started?
Authorities have developed new regulations for registering self-driving vehicles in the UAE, building on Dubai’s regulations to establish national standards. The updated regulations address the testing of driverless vehicle technology in the UAE and define procedures for registering autonomous vehicles.
· What Does Reckless Driving Bring to You?
Hit-and-run incidents in the UAE that result in injuries carry a maximum sentence of two years in prison and a fine of AED 100,000, as stated in Dubai traffic rules. Drunk driving can result in arrest, fines of AED 100,000, and license suspension. Those who cause death or harm face penalties of AED 50,000 and more. Refusing to cooperate can lead to arrest.
You can find a full list of fines and penalties in the article below, which is based on UAE driving rules.
Keeping Up with Updates
If you intend to travel between Emirates like Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, it is beneficial to have access to the Traffic rules in UAE pdf. In the previous part, we reviewed new traffic rules in Dubai. Let’s review the driving regulations in more detail now.
Key Driving Rules Drivers in the UAE Must Know
Driving in Dubai is a straightforward process, but there are important Dubai traffic rules that all native and tourist drivers should obey to bring safety to everyone and avoid penalties. Before diving into the rules, let’s first discuss which side of the road to drive on in Dubai. After that, here are the general and detailed tips for driving in Dubai:
Dubai drive on left or right؟
In Dubai, cars drive on the right side of the road. That is similar to countries like the United States, Canada, and most European nations. This is a major point for tourists from countries where driving is on the left side, such as the UK, Australia, and India.
General Driving Tips in Dubai
- It is indispensable that all occupants and passengers of a moving vehicle wear seat belts, as outlined in Dubai traffic rules.
- Only when seated in a rear-facing vehicle seat with the airbag deactivated can children under the age of twelve sit in the front row. For kids in the back seat, it’s required to use a suitable safety seat, with all conditions evaluated properly.
- You’re not allowed to use your phone or other devices while you drive.
- Based on UAE driving rules, you should keep an acceptable distance when driving in Dubai, aiming for at least a 5-second gap between your car and the other car ahead.
- The left lane is for drivers who drives faster, therefore if you’re driving slower, stay in the right lane.
- On the road, keep an eye out for emergency trucks with lights. Slow down your vehicle, pass carefully, give way to these cars at all times, and be ready to stop if it is needed.
- Drinking and driving simultaneously is completely banned due to religious rules. There is no legal restriction on alcohol consumption itself, but the penalties for driving under the influence are severe. If caught, a jail sentence is almost guaranteed.
Essential Dubai Road Safety Tips
From speed limits to proper signaling use, each rule plays a significant role in providing road safety for people. Here, we are going to talk about the UAE driving rules that everyone should keep in mind.
- Speed Limits in Dubai
Cameras have been erected throughout Dubai to keep an eye on cars in all of the main areas. So, every driver needs to be cautious when it comes to exceeding the speed limit. For highways, the speed limit is 100-120 km/h, for urban roads, the speed limit is 60-80 km/h, and smaller suburban roads are limited to 40 km/h.
- Passing, Turning, and Parking Your Car in Dubai
- Passing Rules
As we talked about earlier, you have to drive on the right side of the road. In this situation, always pass from the left. Before changing lanes, you have to check all mirrors, do a shoulder check for vehicles, and signal your move to other cars by using the indicator.
- Turning Rules
For turning rules, you cannot turn right on red unless there’s a yield sign, and you can use U-turns where they are clearly marked.
When it comes to parking your car, you need to avoid areas with yellow and black curbs. In the city center, you can park your vehicle on the street or in garages. You can pay for parking via meters or the mobile app, which notifies you before your parking time expires.
- Knowing When to Yield
In words of Dubai driving rules pdf, you need to always stop for pedestrians at crosswalks, yield to vehicles on major roads when they are turning or pulling out of a parking space, and be very cautious around school buses with flashing lights.
You should also give priority to emergency vehicles, military units, and the first car at an uncontrolled junction.
- Toll Fees
Tolls must be paid by visitors using roadways to travel between the Emirates. After paying, drivers can acquire their tax tags from the appropriate authorities through the electronic toll system. Visitors can also choose to use the Salik tag that is available in Dubai for enhanced convenience.
Traffic Fines in Dubai
The purpose of traffic fines in the Emirate of Dubai is to ensure that all drivers abide by the law and to keep the roads safer. Numerous infractions, ranging from speeding and careless driving to improper parking, can carry severe consequences.
In terms of UAE driving rules, the goal is to promote safe driving behaviors. Therefore, it is crucial to pay close attention to the consequences of violations, whether you are a local or a visitor.
What Is the Black Points System?
The black points system in Dubai is designed to monitor and penalize dangerous driving behavior. When a driver violates traffic rules, a specific number of black points are added to their driving record.
How Many Black Points Does It Take to Get Your License Suspended?
A driver’s license may be temporarily or permanently suspended if the driver accumulates 24 black points.
Fines for Speeding in Dubai
When it comes to speeding, UAE driving rules are strictly enforced. Accordingly, in addition to financial penalties, some speeding violations in Dubai result in black points being added to your record:
- If you exceed the speed limit by more than 80 km/h, you could receive 23 black points, an AED 3000 fine, and even have your license and vehicle suspended for 60 days.
- You will be fined AED 1500, get 6 black points on your record, and your car can be confiscated for 15 days if you surpass the speed limit by less than 60 km/h.
- If you travel more than 60 km/h over the speed limit, you’ll get a fine of AED 3000, 12 black points, and your car will be taken for 30 days.
As the Dubai traffic rules document states, several speeding violations do not result in black points but still impose fines:
- Driving under the required limit by less than 50 km/h will lead to an AED 1000 fine.
- There is a 700 AED punishment for exceeding the speed limit by less than 40 km/h.
- You will be fined AED 300 if you drive less than 20 km/h below the maximum limit.
- If you exceed the speed limit by under 30 km/h, you’ll have to pay a fine of AED 600.
Fines for Careless Driving in Dubai
Reckless driving charges in Dubai, which carry 23 black points, include activities such as harming another person through reckless driving, putting someone’s life in danger, or driving a vehicle without a number plate. These violations result in significant fines. For instance:
- Ignoring Dubai traffic rules and driving without a license plate will result in a fine of AED 3,000 and your vehicle will be impounded for a 90-day period.
- Careless driving that puts people’s lives in danger or causes injury, may result in a court-imposed fine and a two-month vehicle suspension.
- Another serious infraction is drunk driving, and UAE driving rules warn against it. This offense carries 23 black points. The car will be impounded for 60 days, and the driver will be fined AED 20,000 if caught. The driver may also face jail time
Less than 23 black points and fines are imposed for certain infractions:
- You will receive 12 black points and be fined 1000 AED if you fail to stop at a red light. Additionally, your car will be seized for 30 days.
- Strict Dubai traffic rules make it clear that if you block traffic with your car, you will receive 6 black points and a 1000 AED fine.
- Four black points and an AED 400 fine are placed for neglecting to keep a safe distance from other automobiles.
Fines for Wrong Parking
A list of improper parking charges specified in Dubai traffic rules can be found here:
- If you do not move in the middle of the road without cause, you will be fined AED 1,000 and 6 black points.
- Also, when you park in places for individuals with determination, you will be fined AED 1,000 and 6 black points.
- A 1,000 AED punishment for parking on the left shoulder of the road, which is prohibited.
- A fine of AED 500 for stopping your car at a pedestrian crossing.
- A fine of AED 500 for parking behind cars and preventing movement.
- A fine of AED 500 for breaking the safe distance rule by stopping your vehicle too close to places, such as junctions.
- An AED 400 charge for parking on sidewalks and an AED 500 fine for parking incorrectly.
- A fine of AED 400 for stopping your vehicle in a manner that puts people in danger.
- A fine of AED 400 for stopping your car so that it obstructs pedestrian traffic.
- Avoid getting too close to a light auto inaptly. It collects six points and a discipline of AED 600 for you.
- Driving on the road shoulder can result in a fine of AED 1,000 and 6 black points.
- Driving in areas that you’re not allowed to enter results in a AED 600 fine.
Thus far, we have examined a number of Dubai traffic rules and determined the potential penalties for breaking each one. In the section that follows, we will learn more about navigation tools in Dubai.
Top Navigation Apps for Dubai Drivers
GPS-enabled smartphones that support local navigation apps operate effectively in Dubai. These apps have become necessary tools for a good driving experience in Dubai. They predict arrival times and provide the quickest routes. These tools make navigating easier, especially when combined with the awareness of driving rules in Dubai for tourists.
Google Maps
Google Maps is one of the top known navigation apps among others that is usable in Dubai. Turn-by-turn navigation, real-time traffic updates, estimated travel time, and points of interest are just a few of the numerous features that Google Maps provides.
Waze
Waze is another known navigation software in Dubai. This community-based software provides real-time traffic alerts, road dangers, and police presence based on user-submitted updates.
It is important to note that knowing Dubai traffic rules will help you drive more safely and stay out of trouble with the law.
Tips for Driving in Dubai as a Tourist
So far, we haven’t yet looked at the particular driving rules in Dubai for tourists. There are a few key things you should be aware of if you intend to rent a car and drive around the busy emirate of Dubai. To assist you drive safely and confidently while visiting, let’s quickly review the rules.
·Valid Driver License
Travelers from the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and many European countries can use their home country’s license to drive a car in Dubai. Getting an International Driving Permit and following Dubai traffic rules are recommended to stay out of trouble with the law. You need an international license to rent and run a car in the UAE if your country isn’t on the list of permitted countries.
·Insurance Coverage
Basic insurance is typically included with rental car companies, but it’s a good idea to check with the rental company to make sure. For added peace of mind, you may want to think about getting additional coverage. At any stage of renting your car, you can ask the rental company to inform you about Dubai traffic rules.
·Age Requirement
Although generally speaking the minimum age to rent a car in Dubai is 21, some rental firms may require drivers to be 25 years old, depending on the type of vehicle.
·Valid Passport and Tourist Visa
Throughout your visit, in addition to understanding Dubai traffic rules, you must make sure your tourist visa is valid and carry your passport.
If you are looking for full details on driving laws in Dubai, you can check out the Dubai driving rules pdf. It gives you all the detail you require.
· Rental Contract
When you drive, keep your rental agreement with you as a sign of identification.
Wrapping Up
To drive safely in Dubai, you must become proficient in Dubai traffic rules. Following these guidelines is essential for preventing fines and ensuring everyone’s safety. Immediately take charge of your driving journey! Regardless of whether you are a visitor or a resident, learn the rules, remain aware, and fill this journey with joy.
Planning to Rent a Car in Dubai?
Make your journey stress-free with DriveX! Check out our rental options and explore Dubai safely with full knowledge of the traffic rules. Need help? Our team is here to assist you with any questions before you hit the road!
FAQs
What are the main Dubai traffic rules every driver should know?
The fundamental guidelines include staying on the right side of the road, obeying speed restrictions (60–80 km/h in cities, 100–120 km/h on highways), and keeping a minimum of five seconds between cars.
Does driving in Dubai need a license for tourists?
According to driving rules in Dubai for tourists, while visitors from the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and many European countries can drive in Dubai using their national driver’s license, other individuals are required to get an official international permit for driving in Dubai.
What are the consequences of breaking traffic rules in Dubai?
The strict Dubai traffic rules state that violating traffic laws can lead to heavy fines, jail time, license suspension, and potentially harsh punishments for things like careless driving.