Common Traffic Violations to Avoid When Renting a Car in Dubai
With state-of-the-art roads, innovative highways, and state-of-the-art traffic control systems, driving around Dubai is a breeze for most tourists and travelers. These roads can be made even more convenient when you opt for a car rental UAE and can go about your way as you please. However, you should keep in mind that there are also very strict traffic rules in Dubai that have been designed to ensure that every user of the road feels safe and secure.
The surveillance system in Dubai is among the best in the world, with most of the cameras automatically recording any traffic violation committed. If you’re a tourist who isn’t familiar with the traffic rules in Dubai, it’s quite likely that your car rental UAE provider will charge you for the violation.
There are several other fines that you can commit while you’re driving in Dubai, and if you aren’t familiar with these rules, you could find yourself in hot water, or at least overpaying for the services of your car rental UAE provider. This guide has the 10 most common traffic violations that you need to be aware of before you start driving in Dubai.
1. Speeding
Dubai, as we know, is a major transport hub for tourists and other travelers. It is also a major transportation hub for local residents. Since many of the roads have been designed for speed, there is a high chance of being fined for over-speeding.
Tips for staying safe:
Many cameras are installed along all the roads, so there is little chance of avoiding a fine.
Most roads have a buffer zone of about 20 km/h, but the signs may or may not reflect this, so pay attention.
The fine for speeding varies from AED 300 to AED 3,000 and can also incur black points or impound of the vehicle.
2. Jumping the Red Light
Driving through a red light, particularly when there are no oncoming cars, is dangerous, as it may harm pedestrians or other vehicles. This can also lead to an expensive fine.
Tips for avoiding fines:
If you want to be safe, always stop at a red light and wait for the signal to turn green before proceeding.
Remember to signal well in advance when changing lanes or making an exit.
Remember not to take quick turns around a red light, as this is common for police to fine.
The fine for speeding varies from AED 1000 and can also include black points and vehicle impoundment for severe violations.
3. Improper Lane Change
It is likely that you might find yourself being ticketed if you don’t pay attention to the signs and the flow of traffic.
Tips for avoiding fines:
Make sure you signal your lane change in advance.
Stay away from sudden maneuvers, particularly near exits.
The fine for improperly changing lanes ranges from AED 400 and can include black points.
4. Tailgating
If you have been driving in Dubai for a while, you would know that tailgating is not allowed. Cameras along the roads detect tailgating and lead to fines if you follow too closely to the car in front of you.
Tips for avoiding fines:
Always stay a safe distance from the car in front of you.
Don’t follow too closely, as it can lead to a serious accident.
Dubai police will fine drivers for aggressive driving.
The fine for tailgating is AED 400 and 4 black points.
5. Using a Mobile Phone While Driving
This includes texting, calling, or browsing while driving. Many police officers are stationed at busy intersections to watch out for these violations.
Tips for avoiding fines:
You are allowed to use a phone while driving if it’s attached to a hands-free device.
Remember that you are allowed to use a device attached to your car, such as a navigation system or a device on your phone, as long as it does not distract you.
6. Not Wearing a Seatbelt
Even if you are driving with family, you need to ensure that all passengers are wearing a seatbelt.
Tips for avoiding fines:
In case you are traveling with a child, you should know that you are not allowed to let a child below 10 sit in the front seat. Children below 4 should be seated in a child seat.
The fine for not wearing a seatbelt is AED 400 and 4 black points for each passenger.
7. Illegal Parking
Parking in Dubai has its own set of rules, which are subject to fines if violated. Some of these violations include parking near a fire hydrant, obstructing traffic, and parking in spaces reserved for people with disabilities without a permit.
Tips for avoiding fines:
Always check your meter when parking to ensure you’re not in a metered area.
Remember to always park within the lines when you park.
Never park in a place where there is a fire hydrant or on a walkway.
8. Blocking Emergency Vehicles
This is one of the most important traffic rules in Dubai, as it has an immediate consequence. If you block an emergency vehicle, whether it’s an ambulance, fire truck, or a police vehicle, you will be fined heavily.
Tips for avoiding fines:
If you hear a siren or see a flashing light, move aside and give way to the emergency vehicle.
The fine for blocking an emergency vehicle is AED 3,000, 6 black points, and vehicle impoundment.
9. Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
The DUI law in Dubai is zero tolerance, and you will find that the UAE does not tolerate the presence of alcohol in your blood. The smallest trace of alcohol can lead to an arrest and criminal charges.
Tips for avoiding fines:
Don’t drink and drive, even if you had one drink.
Take a taxi or a ride share when you are drunk.
The fine for driving under the influence can include jail time, fine, and vehicle impoundment.
10. Not Giving Way to Pedestrians
You are required to stop at a zebra crossing when you see a red crosswalk, or you can find yourself in a lot of trouble. This is particularly true for a car rental UAE, as the fines for this can vary from the driver to the rental company.
Tips for avoiding fines:
If you’re driving a car rental UAE, you should stop at the crosswalk when you see a zebra crossing.
It is your responsibility to give way to pedestrians, particularly when you’re driving in a residential area or near a school.
The fine for not giving way to a pedestrian is AED 500 and 6 black points.
11. Reckless or Aggressive Driving
Reckless driving includes speeding, weaving in and out of traffic, tailgating, and honking. This type of driving is also referred to as road rage, and it can have serious consequences.
Tips for avoiding fines:
Remember to drive slowly, with no sudden movements.
Do not honk when you are driving, unless you have an important reason to do so.
Never cut off a car that is driving ahead of you.
The fine for reckless driving ranges from AED 2,000 and can also include vehicle impoundment.
12. Obstructing Traffic
Stopping in the middle of the road, letting your car idle in a lane, or stopping unnecessarily can cause you to pay a heavy fine. This also includes allowing your car to block a lane when someone wants to pass.
Tips for avoiding fines:
Never stop in the middle of the road, even if you are with your family.
Do not idle in the middle of the road, as it is not allowed.
Do not stop your car in the middle of the road when it’s empty, as it obstructs traffic.
The fine for obstructing traffic is AED 1,000 and 6 black points.
13. Driving Without a Valid License
Driving in Dubai without a valid license is a crime. When you rent a car in Dubai, you are required to carry a valid license from your country.
Tips for avoiding fines:
Always make sure that you have your valid license.
Make sure that you have an International Driving Permit if you’re coming from a country that doesn’t allow it.
If you are from a country that does not issue an IDP, you are required to bring your valid license and the vehicle registration documents.
The fine for driving without a valid license is AED 2,000 and can include vehicle impoundment and jail time in extreme cases.
Tips for Avoiding Traffic Violations in Dubai
While you may find that there are several other fines, the above list is a comprehensive guide to the most common traffic violations. With a few of these tips in mind, you will be able to avoid most of these violations.
To help you avoid these fines, here are some tips for you:
1. Familiarize Yourself with the Traffic Rules in Dubai
It is recommended that you read about the traffic rules in Dubai and get to know them before you get on the road. This is especially true if you’re using a car rental UAE service.
You can find a comprehensive list of traffic rules on the RTA website and the Dubai Police app.
2. Check Your Car Before You Drive
Make sure that your car is clean and does not have any traffic fines or red points attached to it. This is particularly important if you are renting a car in Dubai, as you may find that your provider has not cleared your log of Salik (toll) or fines.
You should also check the Dubai Police app and make sure that your car does not have any black points attached to it.
3. Use the Apps and Tools in Your Car
You can find many GPS apps and tools on the Internet that will let you know if you are going too fast, how many speed cameras are around you, and how traffic is. Many car rental UAE services also offer navigation tools that are integrated with these apps and tools.
4. Drive Defensively
Always stay alert when you’re driving and make sure you stay on the road and not lose your place in traffic. If you’re driving during rush hour, always keep an eye on the car in front of you and make sure you do not weave in and out of the lanes.
5. Keep Track of Your Driving History
If you’re driving in Dubai with a car rental UAE, always ask for a traffic report of the car at the beginning and end of your trip. Most car rental UAE services offer a history of your toll charges or any red points that you may have picked up.
You can also make use of your rental car provider’s app or dashboard and see the traffic report.
How Traffic Fines Are Handled for Car Rental UAE
In case you’re driving a rental car, you will be responsible for paying the fine, even if you’re the one driving. This is because, in most cases, the car rental UAE provider will send the fine to you and take a fine on the bill.
Things to keep in mind:
Most companies charge you an admin fee for processing the fine.
In case you do not pay the fine within the first few days, your provider may send the bill to you after your trip.
In some cases, if the violation is too serious, your deposit will be held until the matter is sorted out.
Stay Ahead:
If you’re using a car rental UAE, ask for a traffic report at the end of your trip.
Keep track of the routes you take and any fines you incur to dispute them.
What if You Dispute a Fine?
You can dispute a fine, but it takes time and sometimes requires proof of evidence, such as a picture or dashcam footage. In case you’re looking to dispute a fine, here’s what you need to do:
- Contact the Dubai Police app and website.
- Enter the traffic violation.
- Wait for the investigation to be conducted.
- Find out if you are being fined.
- If you’re renting a car, contact the provider and give them the evidence.
Summary
As you can see, Dubai’s roads are quite amazing, but they are also strictly monitored. As a tourist, you may not be familiar with the traffic rules in Dubai, but it is important to remember that most of these traffic rules can be learned with practice. You will also find that the penalties for these rules are quite severe and may even include the confiscation of your vehicle.
Dubai is a city of speed, with several fast lanes that lead to no stop signals. It is important to know that most of the violations are avoidable, as you are able to pay attention to the signs on the road and drive slowly.
By being familiar with the common traffic violations, such as speeding, improper lane changes, or not giving way to pedestrians, you will be able to drive around Dubai with ease. The goal of these rules is to keep you and others on the road safe and secure.
