Do you know these traffic offences that can get you penalised in the UAE? Click here to find out about UAE traffic regulations. Follow These Steps to Avoid Fines Of Traffic.
10 Traffic Rules and Regulations
Table of Contents
How to avoid traffic fines in the UAE?
Traffic Rules and Regulations, Roads in the UAE are smooth and easy to drive on. What isn’t so easy is avoiding traffic violations that could result in fines and penalties.
The UAE Traffic Police regularly post on social media about traffic violations and accidents caused by driver negligence. To ensure road safety and reduce the risk of accidents, the UAE government has set up rules and regulations to help catch traffic offenders. Failure to comply with these traffic regulations in the UAE can result in black points and fines. If you accumulate 24 black points, your driving license may be suspended and your vehicle impounded.
Quick Guide:
1- When driving in the UAE, it’s important to consider your own safety and that of other road users by practising safe driving techniques.
2- The UAE government has introduced rules and regulations to help catch traffic offenders.
Violations of UAE traffic laws can result in demerit points, fines and suspension of your driving license.
3- Drivers in the UAE can also be penalized for speeding, not having proper documents and car insurance.
4- It is important to obey the rules of the road and drive carefully to protect yourself and other motorists from collisions and accidents.
Always wear your seatbelt to protect yourself from fines and collisions
You will have had at least one encounter with the radars on the roads of the UAE. Did you know that the radars in the UAE are not only there to catch those who exceed the speed limit? The radars are now equipped to detect if you are not wearing your seatbelt or using your mobile phone while driving. In the UAE, it is mandatory for both drivers and passengers to wear seatbelts. Failure to wear a seatbelt can result in a fine of AED 400 and four demerit points. Also, make sure that a child safety seat is fitted for passengers aged four and under.
Keep your eyes on the road, not on your phone!
Do you answer texts while driving?
Many drivers in the UAE are in the habit of texting while stuck in traffic or on the motorway. However, using a mobile phone while driving is strictly prohibited in the UAE.
The Abu Dhabi Police have even equipped themselves with a method to detect drivers using their phones while driving. They use an automated artificial intelligence system that captures high-resolution images of the vehicle.
If you are caught scrolling or texting behind the wheel, you could face a fine of AED 800 and four demerit points.
Stay calm and do not speed over the limit
Exceeding the speed limit while driving is a traffic offence in the UAE. Speeding can cost you a lot of penalty points and fines. The radars you see on the side of the road are mainly used to detect speeding. In all emirates except Abu Dhabi, radars are set to detect vehicles travelling 20km/h over the speed limit.
| Speed Limit | Fine Amount | Black Points | Number of days vehicle is impounded |
| 19 kmph over speed limit | AED 300 | – | – |
| 29 kmph over speed limit | AED 600 | – | – |
| 39 kmph over speed limit | AED 700 | – | – |
| 49 kmph over speed limit | AED 1000 | – | – |
| 59 kmph over speed limit | AED 1500 | 6 | 15 days |
| 60 kmph over speed limit | AED 2000 | 12 | 30 days |
| 80 kmph over speed limit | AED 3000 | 32 | 60 days |
Do not make the mistake of driving without your documents
Owning a car means you are responsible for maintaining it. Driving with an expired registration can result in your car being impounded. A valid registration document for your vehicle and a car insurance policy. Without it, you could be fined AED 10,000 and given four penalty points.
Driving passengers for money is illegal in the UAE
Traffic Rules and Regulations, Vehicle owners are not allowed to transport passengers for commercial purposes without a permit from the authorities. Offering rides for money without a commercial vehicle permit can result in a fine of AED 3000 and 24 penalty points.
Driving without consideration for the safety of others and yourself can cost you dearly!
Failure to obey traffic laws and reckless driving that endangers yourself and others is a punishable offence in the UAE. Reckless driving can result in a fine of AED 50,000 and 23 penalty points. It is important to practice good driving habits and look out for yourself and others on the road.
These offences can also result in hefty fines:
| Violation | Fine Amount |
| Tinting windows (more than 50 percent) | AED 10,000 |
| Jumping the red light | AED 50,000 |
| Abrupt Swerving | AED 1000 |
| Driving with expired tyres | AED 500 |
| Throwing garbage from vehicles | AED 500 |
| Usage of unauthorized stickers | AED 400 |
| Not using indicators while switching lanes | AED 200 |
| Parking in unauthorized spots | AED 200 |
| Driving without headlights | AED 200 |
Avoid tailgating the vehicle in front of you
Radars in some parts of the UAE can detect tailgating and issue fines. Failure to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front can result in a fine of AED 400 and four demerit points.
Make sure your car modifications don’t violate noise regulations
Car modifications are allowed in the UAE, but the modifications should be done according to the rules and regulations set by the vehicle authorities. Modifications that cause noise disturbance and panic will result in a fine of AED 2000 and 6 demerit points. Sharjah Police detects noisy vehicles through its advanced solar-powered radar system. Vehicles emitting noise in excess of 95 decibels will receive 12 black points.
Stay away from road races and avoid using the fast lane unless necessary!
Fast lanes are for emergency vehicles and overtaking only. Any other unauthorized use of fast lanes can result in a fine of up to AED 400. Participation in illegal road races can result in a fine of AED 100,000.
Accidents and loss of life due to reckless driving and traffic violations can be avoided every day. Traffic laws are preventative measures put in place to reduce the number of casualties due to vehicle collisions.
It is important to look after your safety and the safety of others when driving in the UAE by adopting safe and defensive driving habits. Do your part by obeying the traffic rules and regulations set by the UAE government.
What are some common traffic violations in the UAE?
Common traffic violations in the UAE include using a phone while driving, speeding, running red lights, not wearing a seatbelt, and driving without a license or insurance.
What is the speed limit on UAE roads?
The speed limit on most UAE roads is 120 km/h, but it can vary on certain stretches of road and in certain areas. Always check the signs posted on the road for the speed limit, and stick to it
Do I need to wear a seatbelt in the UAE?
Yes, it is mandatory to wear a seatbelt while driving in the UAE, and failure to do so can result in a fine.
Can I use my phone while driving in the UAE?
No, it is illegal to use your phone while driving in the UAE, and violators can be fined AED 800 and get four black points on their license.
Do I need to carry a valid driver’s license while driving in the UAE?
Yes, you need to carry a valid driver’s license while driving in the UAE. Driving without a license can result in a fine of AED 5,000 and may lead to imprisonment.
Is it legal to drink and drive in the UAE?
No, it is illegal to drink and drive in the UAE, and violators can be fined AED 20,000 and face imprisonment. Moreover, drunk driving can lead to severe accidents, which endanger others’ lives and your own.
What is the fine for running a red light?
Running a red light can result in a fine of AED 1,000 and four black points on your license.
Are there special regulations for driving on highways in the UAE?
Yes, you need to stick to the right lane, except when overtaking. Also, you should keep a safe distance from other vehicles, as tailgating is considered a dangerous driving practice, and you may face a fine of AED 400 or more.
Are there any regulations on using the horn while driving in the UAE?
Yes, using the horn when not necessary or making excessive noise with the horn is considered a traffic violation. The fine for such a violation is AED 400.
What are some other important traffic regulations to follow while driving in the UAE?
Some important traffic regulations to follow in the UAE include not parking in a no-parking zone, not driving on the hard shoulder, using turn signals while changing lanes or turning, and giving way to emergency vehicles. By following these regulations, you can avoid getting fined and ensure your safety and others on the road.
Remember that UAE radars are always watching!
Read: Documents Required For Transfer Vehicle Ownership
Read: 10 Traffic Rules and Regulations to Follow and Avoid UAE Fines
