Dubai is a strict Emirate when it comes to traffic rules. Every year millions of tourists as well as professionals come here. To ensure the safety of these expats along with the locals the UAE government urges every driver to always follow the traffic laws.
The list of traffic laws that you or your designated driver Dubai needs to follow is pretty huge. We have gathered some of the most basic traffic regulations in this article. These can increase your safety & minimize the risks of fines.
So if you are looking to improve your driving skills in Dubai then make sure to read this quick guide on Dubai traffic laws.
Below is a look at the Key Dubai traffic laws you should know:
General Driving Rules and Regulations in Dubai
Here are some common traffic laws that you must follow in Dubai
- You must be 18 or аbove & have a valid license to drive in Dubai.
- Make sure to drive in Dubai on the right side of the road.
- Kids under 12 cannot ride the car in Dubai in the front seat. This is not applicable if they are in a rear-facing car seat.
- Your blood alcohol limit must be 0%. You might be put in jail of caught intoxicated while driving.
- Maintain a gap of 5 seconds between your car & the one at the front.
- When passing close to emergency vehicles make sure to slow down. And always be ready to apply the brakes of the vehicle.
- Do not park near the yellow and black painted curbs.
- Your car modifications should never violate the local regulations. For example, if your vehicle is found emitting a noise of over 95 decibels you can be charged with 12 black points.
Top Traffic Laws that You Need to Follow
Here are some important traffic laws in Dubai that you must follow
1. Never Forget Seatbelts
Every passenger in the car has to wear seatbelts in Dubai. This is clearly stated in the law. Forgetting it can cause a fine of about AED 400. You may also get four black points depending on the severity. People with kids under 4 or below in the car must be seated in a child safety seat.
2. Do Not Go Over the Speed Limit
Dubai roads have radars on the sides that can detect overspeeding vehicles. This is why you must always stay within the speed limit. Overspeeding can lead to a fine of up to AED 3000. The government of Dubai can also confiscate your vehicle for about 2 months or 60 days. It is based on the severity of your action.
3. Always Drive with Your Documents
When driving in Dubai make sure you or the cheapest safe driver Dubai that you hire keeps your driver’s license as well as a valid vehicle registration document by their side. Failure to provide these documents can lead to a fine of AED 10,000 along with four black points in your record.
4. Do not Use Fast Lane Unnecessarily
In Dubai the right side of the road is for driving. The left is for emergency vehicles. You can only use the fast lanes if you are in an emergency vehicle or you wish to overtake someone. Using it for any other purpose can lead to a fine of up to AED 400.
5. Use Signals When Turning or Switching Lanes
One key thing that can ensure safety while driving is to let people behind you know what your next move is. To do that make it a habit of always using turn signals when switching lanes or making a turn.
6. Eliminate All the Distractions
Another thing to keep in mind when driving in Dubai is to minimize and if possible remove all distractions. Do not use your phone or try to set up infotainment systems when the car is moving to increase safety.
7. Read Road Signs Carefully
Make sure to read every road sign when driving to further ensure safety. You can take the time to understand what each sign means in Dubai to further ensure compliance.
8. Do Not Tailgate
Last but not least you must always maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you to give yourself enough time to apply brakes in emergencies. Tailgating is a traffic violation in Dubai which is why you must always avoid it.
Final Thoughts
When driving on busy Dubai roads you need to be as careful as possible. You must always follow the speed limits as well as the road signs. Moreover, you also need to maintain a safe driving or braking distance to further ensure safety.
Using these defensive driving techniques you can not only reach your desired destination in one piece but also ensure no one else gets injured along the way. So, follow these simple traffic laws at all times to have the best experience driving around Dubai.
