Driving and traffic violations in the UAE are taken seriously and become serious offences when breached. Here we have listed driving regulations that you need to know before you hit the road.

Driving regulations in the UAE

Regulations exist to make roads safe and secure for drivers and pedestrians. Driving and traffic violations in the UAE are taken seriously and become serious offences when breached. Violations will be penalized with fines, through allotment of black points in Dubai, confiscation of the driver’s license and so on, depending on the severity of the offence. Keep in mind these regulations exist to keep you, your car and others as safe as possible. Here are driving regulations in the UAE you NEED to know about before you hit the road:

Basics

If you hope to drive in the UAE, seek to acquire mandatory basic requirements before you can begin. These requirements are important and mandatory for you to drive lawfully and legally in the UAE. Note that it can be a punishable offence if you are found driving without the below requirements:

• Firstly, the minimum age requirement for driving legally in the UAE is 18.

Tip: For those under the age of 21, you would be required to renew your license every year. After 21 years of age, however, the renewal period is after every 5 years. 

• Valid UAE driver’s license 
• Valid vehicle registration (Commonly known as Mulkiya)
• Valid Car Insurance for your vehicle

Driving Regulations

General Regulations

Wear a Seatbelt

To ensure safety the driver and passengers must wear a seatbelt when they drive at all times. In the event of not doing so, a fine of up to AED 400 will be charged and a penalty of 4 black points in the Dubai black points system will apply. 

Use of mobile phone

UAE strictly prohibits the use of a mobile phone when driving as it can pose safety risks and inconveniences to others on the road. In the event of being caught or captured by traffic cameras with a mobile phone, a fine of up to AED 800 will apply along with 4 black point penalizations. 

Adhere to Speed limits

Speed limits in the UAE are considered a serious matter. Punishments for exceeding speed limits involve fines that are levied for exceeding a given number of kilometres. Note that these may vary depending on the area.

- If speed was exceeded by more than 80 kilometres per hour, the driver will be penalized with a fine of AED 3000, 32 black points according to the Dubai black points system and a vehicle confiscation of up to 60 days.

- If speed was exceeded by more than 60 kilometres per hour, the driver will be penalized with AED 2000, 12 black points according to the Dubai black point system and a vehicle confiscation of up to 30 days.

- If speed was exceeded by more than 59 kilometres per hour, the driver will be penalized with AED 1500, 6 black points and a vehicle confiscation of up to 15 days.

- If speed was exceeded by more than 49 kilometres per hour, the driver will be penalized with AED 1000.

- If speed was exceeded by more than 39 kilometres per hour, the driver will be penalized with AED 700.

- If speed was exceeded by more than 29 kilometres per hour, the driver will be penalized with AED 600.

- If speed was exceeded by more than 19 kilometres per hour, the driver will be penalized with AED 300.

Avoid Illegal Transporting of Passengers

Transporting or driving with passengers illegally or without proper paperwork, especially for commercial purposes, a penalty of AED 3000 and 24 black points will be applied according to the Dubai black point system.

Avoid Reckless Driving

Driving recklessly, carelessly, in a way that jeopardizes others’ safety, a fine worth AED 2000 will be charged, along with a penalty of 23 black points and a confiscation of the vehicle for 60 days. 

Avoid Swerving Abruptly

In the reckless event of swerving your car abruptly without a valid reason, a fine of AED 1000 will be charged along with 4 black points.

Don't create Noise Pollution

If a driver is found misusing horns and causing a nuisance to the public or residents of the area, a fine worth AED 2000 and 6 black points will be charged. 

Avoid Unnecessary Crowding of Accident Sites

Be wary of forming crowds around an accident site, as this poses a nuisance and hindrance for the emergency staff to follow. In which case, a penalty of AED 1000 will be charged along with 6 black points according to the Dubai black point system.

Avoid Tailgating 

Tailgating in the UAE is considered a serious traffic violation as others. Generally, a rule of thumb to follow is a 3-second rule. You should be at least 3 seconds of a distance away from the car in front, at minimum. Failing to do so can result in a traffic fine of AED 400 and up to 4 black points. 

Jumping a Red Traffic Light

If you are caught jumping a red traffic light in the UAE, you can be penalized with a fine of AED 1000 confiscation of your vehicle for at least 2 months. Similarly jumping past a red light and damaging public property will serve you a fine of up to AED 3000 and suspension of license for up to a year! 

Serious Regulations

Drunk Driving

If the driver is caught driving under the influence of alcohol or any similar intoxicants, a fine of AED 20,000, or a fine specified by the court will be penalized. This is in addition to a penalty of 23 black points and the confiscation of your car for up to 60 days.  

Other points to remember

Be aware and avoid parking, hindering or blocking paths designated for emergency responders such as the police, ambulance and fire hydrants. Always give way and avoid parking in spaces designated for them. This is to prevent you from a hefty fine and punishment and avoid hindrances for them. 

As citizens and residents of the UAE, we are responsible for the safety of ourselves, others. While driving, it is important to avoid causing hazards, safety risks, dangers and inconveniences to others on the road. Rules and regulations exist to ensure safe and harmonious driveways and roads for drivers and pedestrians. 

To ensure protection from unexpected events, insure with Car Insurance Coverage made to suit your needs and requirements.