Dubai is a melting pot of many different cultures and nations despite having a solid traffic system. Therefore driving practices and traffic patterns may be fairly unpredictable.
Due to their reduced gasoline prices, Dubai offers its residents and visitors various affordable public transportation choices, but driving is still a common choice. So, in order to prevent any problems, you must read this article if you intend to relocate to Dubai, either temporarily or permanently.
However, in order to enforce the rules, the UAE’s road traffic authorities have established strict traffic laws and regulations, as well as new detecting technologies and too much of fines.
Here are a few basic driving laws you should be aware with when in Dubai.
Dubai is a great place to advance your profession or expand your business, which is the key factor contributing to the city’s huge expat population.
Driving in Dubai is more difficult than driving in most other cities in the globe because of the city’s diversified and large population, which is what causes Dubai to have the highest automobile ratio in the world.
Since roadways are crowde dall day, peak hours are essentially a notion. Therefore, we may conclude that driving in Dubai is really difficult.
Documents and Requirements
The following documentation is required to access a traffic file:
- A copy of the visa page and the passport
- Two pictures and a copy of an Emirates ID card
- Report on eye exam
- There was no protest letter from the sponsor (if required by the related traffic department)
The steps required to learn to drive a car are as follows:
- Creating a traffic record at a driving facility with a permit in the appropriate emirate.
- Getting an eye exam anywhere that the traffic department has given the go-ahead.
- Completing all driving school requirements.
- Passing all of the requirements set out by the local traffic department.
- Getting a licence to drive from the traffic authorities.
Legal Driving Age
For various types of automobiles, there are varying minimum age requirements. If you want to ride a motorbike, you need to be at least 17 years old. Driving a car or other light vehicle requires that you be 18 years old. You must be 20 years old to ride tractors or other large vehicles, and you must be 21 years old to pursue a job as a bus driver.
Dubai Road Signs
To stay safe and avoid getting on the wrong way of traffic regulators if you are visiting Dubai for the first time, you must learn basic traffic signals. Traffic signs are more crucial than ever as daily traffic increases and road networks become more complicated. These signals are simple to understand and attach to.
Important road traffic signs you need to know
- Prohibility signs
- Control signs
- Warning signs
- Mandatory signs
- Trailblazing signs and
- Parking control signs
Lanes Rules
On roads, a lot of drivers in the UAE choose for the leftmost lane, sometimes known as the fast lane. This suggests that they would cover the entire distance at the top speed allowed, which may surpass 140 kmph.
However, there are a number of traffic restrictions that regulate the use of fast lanes, and violators can be fined up to Dh400. You shouldn’t use the fast lane unless you want to pass another automobile, said the Dubai Police. Therefore, only passing and emergency vehicles are allowed to use it.
Safe Driving Distance
When moving over 80 kmph, drivers are required to maintain a minimum 5-meter (1 car size) clearance between cars. In addition to detecting automobile speed, new radars now also identify tailgating. Drivers who break the safe distance traffic law are subject to a Dh 400 fine and four black points.
Keep at least 20 metres in front of the vehicle if it is moving at 100 kph. A safe following distance is typically significantly more than the length of an automobile.
Headlights Rules
The Dubai Police issued a warning to motorists, advising them to follow safe driving practises and switch on their headlights when driving at night between sunset and sunrise. Additionally, they were urged to turn on their car lights when necessary to warn other drivers and prevent potential crashes and injuries.
According to Dubai Police, police patrols keep an eye out for these kinds of infractions and warn motorists who, whether on purpose or accidentally, drive at night without lights. Offenders will pay a 500 dirham fine and receive four black points.
Moreover, you may follow more car warning lights for your convenience Drive in Dubai.
Drinking and Driving Fine in Dubai
According to United Arab Emirates legislation, a driver who breaches the laws and regulations faces criminal penalties, including imprisonment and/or a minimum fine of 20,000 Dhs (AED).
Both driving while intoxicated and trying to drive while intoxicated, as well as using drugs like narcotics, may result in a fine. The driving licence was suspended for a certain amount of time, not to be less than three months nor more than two years.
Child Safety Rules
Children under the age of four must sit in a child safety seat. In contrast, according to Traffic Control Ministerial Resolution No. 178 of 2017, older children must strap up in the backseat. A Dh400 fine will be assessed to parents who fail to buckle their children into a child safety seat.
It’s important that you put your whole attention on the road in front of you when driving and avoid using your phone. When driving, you shouldn’t engage in unsafe activities like reading a text or taking a call.
What is the Speed Limit in Dubai?
- Regardless of whether you are in a parking lot or a service lane, the top speed restriction is 25 km/h.
- If you’re on an urban single carriage way, which is a city road with one lane open in each direction, the speed limit is 40 km/h.
- If you’re on an urban dual carriage way, which has distinct lanes in both directions, the speed limit is 60 km/h or 80 km/h.
- When driving on rural roads in the interior of the UAE, the top speed restriction is 100 km/h.
- On highways, the top speed restriction for light cars will be between 100 and 140 km/h.
Speed Zones
For you to safely and confidently enjoy the breathtaking roads in the UAE, we have all the information you want on speed limits in the country.
Urban Roads 80kph
The ones with a 25kph speed restriction are those that run alongside to a main road and provide access to homes, companies, or stores. Additionally, the maximum speed for single-lane urban roads is 40 kph.
Rural Roads 100kph
On rural roads, the speed limit is generally 100 kph, with nearly no exceptions.
Highways 100-160kph
Going at 100 kph vs 160 kph makes a significant difference in how unsafe it is and how much trouble you may get into if you make a mistake.
Which Side of the Road do you Drive on in Dubai?
Roads are broad and there are enormous road networks; motorways are frequently 8 lanes wide, but you must share them with trucks, buses, and several merging lanes.
In Dubai, you do need to be a confident driver. Cars drive on the right side of the road with the steering wheel on the left (like the US and much of Europe).
There are various speed restrictions, and driving is done on the right-hand side of the road. The posted speed restriction on residential roads is 15 to 25 mph (25 to 40 km/h). The E22 and E11 roadways between Abu Dhabi and Al Ain and Sheikh Zayed have speed restrictions of up to 100 km/h (62mph).
Conclusion
We really hope you find these driving advice for Dubai useful. Driving in Dubai is similar to becoming a habit. All it takes is some getting used to, but in order to grow better at it, you also need to be aware of the laws, driving regulations, and safety precautions.
While having a solid understanding of Dubai’s roads, traffic signs, penalties, and driving laws is a fantastic place to start, you need also be aware of the city’s parking regulations. It is now easier for drivers in Dubai to pay parking fees thanks to the variety of payment options available.
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