How To Drive Safely in Dubai
Being a car rental provider in Dubai, it is our duty to ensure the readers and drivers are aware of the Road Traffic laws, safety guidelines and potential fines for breaching the guidelines.
Dubai sees many tourists visiting each year. It has been reported that in 2021, the number of road accidents increased. This is due to increased number of inexperienced road users who do not follow the traffic guidelines.
Speed Limits
Please follow the speed limits on the road you are driving on. These limits are set for a reason.
More densely populated areas have a lower speed limit, whilst the highways such as Sheikh Zayed Road E11 or outer city highways such as E44 have the upper limit due to their being more than 6 lanes on either side. We recommend that if you are a new driver in Dubai, then remain a touch below the speed limit and travel in slower lanes. The slower lanes are to your right. This would allow you more time to think and manoeuvre.
Breaking the Speed Limits
Dubai has an excellent speed radar system and is one of the few countries in the world where such laws are enforced strictly and thus attract hefty fines. Speeding offences have a fine from 600 AED upto 2000 AED, and in most cases you risk the vehicle being impounded and getting black points. Car rental companies retain your deposits as these fines can take upto 14 days to be notified.
Other offences such as jumping a red light can attract a higher fine of upwards of 3000 AED, and driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol will land you court and you can face imprisonment as well as fine. dubaipolice.gov.ae has the full list of offences and fines. Please make sure you read them before you drive on the Dubai roads.
Driving Tips from Ability
- Follow the speed limits
- Do not use your mobile phone whilst driving.
- Fasten your seatbelt at all times.
- If you are travelling with a child under 4, then a baby car seat is mandatory in Dubai.
- Children under the age of 10 cannot travel in the front seat.
- Do not hog your lane, drive in the right lane where possible.
- Do not eat or drink whilst driving.
- Dubai is a hot country, so do not leave your children or pets inside the car.
- Do not park illegally, and when parked safely, pay the displayed fee.
- Download the RTA App, all public parking fees can be paid from there instantly incase you do not have change.
- In an emergency dial 999 or 112 for urgent assistance.
- Not many road users in Dubai use indicators, therefore be extra alert and anticipate what the vehicles around can do.
- Drive at a safe distance, do not tailgate.
- Use a phone cradle or in-car sat-nav to ensure your hands remain on the steering wheel at all times.
- Sheikh Zayed Road is a big highway and thus it is easy to miss your exit, we recommend you drive in the middle and change lanes well in advance of your exit if it means slowing down behind a large vehicle. You will save a lot of time and fuel by doing this. If you miss your exit, you may be required to travel an extra 5-10 KM to turn around at the next exit.
- If you are a resident in UAE, it is best to convert your licence or take a driving test so you are familiar with Dubai’s roads.
- Respect other road users and always give regard to their safety. Reckless driving is a punishable offence in Dubai.
- Lastly drive safe, drive at a reasonable speed so you can enjoy the Dubai roads which are filled with worlds best buildings and landmarks.
Ability is always at hand to help, if you would like any specific query answered then please get in touch and we will be happy to help.