The roads in the UAE are very good and you can really drive a car in this country but you must remember that you are driving a car in a different country where traffic laws are strictly enforced. For a person living in the UAE or for a tourist it is important to know UAE traffic rules to avoid an accident. Since most roads are well built with different driving conditions across the globe, failing to adhere to these laws not only attracts the necessary consequences but also saves the lives of you and others.

 

Key Highlights of UAE Traffic Rules

1. Driving Orientation and Conditions

As the traffic law of UAE is adopted from the American systems vehicles are driven on the right-hand side, but the driver sits on the left side of the vehicle. Whereas urban roads are well constructed for high-speed driving, the rural roads present some challenges such as sand dunes and camel crossings. Make sure you adapt to these conditions for a good drive.

2. Licensing Requirements

• Age Limits:
  • Minimum age for a driving license: 18 years.
  • Minimum age for car rentals: 21 years.
• Tourists: For instance, the citizens of the mentioned states are allowed to drive in the country using their national or even international driving permits while they are in the country as tourists.
• Expatriates: After the stipulated requirements including eye tests and driving lessons expatriates are required to obtain a local license.

3. Alcohol and Drug Tolerance

The UAE has a zero tolerance policy on drivers convicted of driving a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or any other substance.

• Penalties include:
  • Fines between AED 20,000 to AED 30,000.
  • Jail terms ranging from 1 to 3 months.
  • License suspension and vehicle confiscation.

 

General Driving Rules

1. Mandatory Seat Belts:
   Child restraints are obligatory for every child, and all passengers must wear seat belts regardless of the assigned seat. Failure to do so attracts a fine of AED 400 and accumulation of four black points.
2. Child Safety:
   Infants below four years of age should be placed in approved child seats and installed in the rear of the car.
3. Mobile Phone Usage:
   Driving while holding handheld devices is prohibited, while driving while using hands-free devices is allowed. Handheld phones attract a fine of AED 400 and four black points.
4. Speed Limits:
   • Highways: 100–160 km/h
   • Rural areas: Up to 100 km/h
   • Urban areas: 40–80 km/h
   • Residential and parking zones: 25–40 km/h

If you drive at a speed exceeding the limit by 60 km/h or more, you will be fined from AED 300 to AED 3000 and black points on your license.

Penalties for Major Traffic Offenses

1. Reckless Driving:
   Hit and run and endangering the lives of others are fine of AED 2,000, 23 black points, and the vehicle is to be confiscated for two months.
2. Running Red Lights:
   Penalties related to running red lights include eight black points and a fine of AED 1000 and confiscation of the vehicle.
3. Driving Without a License:
   This offense leads to imprisonment as well as fines which are relevant in as much as people need to know the value of obeying traffic laws.

Vehicle Registration and Maintenance

• New Vehicles: Registration is handled by dealerships for the first two years.
• Annual Renewal: Requires a roadworthy inspection, covering tires, brakes, and other essentials.
• Costs: Vehicle ownership involves fuel, maintenance, insurance, and toll charges (SALIK system).

Parking Regulations

• Availability: Urban areas have ample parking spaces, including buildings with designated spots.
• Charges: Parking is allowed for free on Fridays and public holidays.
• Payment Methods: Pay by phone using meters, prepaid cards, text messages, or applications.

Any violation of the parking rules attracts a fine of between AED 200 and AED 1000.

Importance of Following Road Signs and Updates

Signs on the road in the UAE are written in Arabic and English, which follows the British system of traffic signs. For traffic updates they should use some apps like “Here We Go” and “Waze”.

Safe Driving Practices

1. Avoid Distractions:
   Do not text or use any hand-held devices while driving.
2. Maintain Safe Distances:
   The art of tailgating is risky and prohibited and may lead to fines and black points.
3. Respect Pedestrians:
   The rights of way generally belong to the pedestrians while the act of crossing the road outside the pedestrian crossway is prohibited.
4. Vehicle Maintenance:
   A car inspection is an important procedure to ensure a safe trip on the road. Other important items which must be in car at any given time include; spare tire, fire extinguisher, and insurance papers.

Special Considerations in Abu Dhabi

For those using private car, Abu Dhabi traffic rules are similar to the rest of the nation’s laws but with much focus put on the speed limits and parking laws.

Conclusion

Thus, staying safe on the roads is not only about obeying the UAE traffic laws; it is a move towards making the roads safer for all. Be aware, be on the road, and safety first. To learn more about driving in the UAE or get more information on the topic, you can visit our website or address us directly.