Road Safety Rules & Law In Dubai

The modification to the UAE’s traffic law took effect on July 1, 2017. Following the path set forth in Vision 2021, the regulations aim to reduce traffic-related deaths from around 6 per 100,000 to 3 per 100,000 people, as well as to maintain peace and order following the 2014 modification of road safety and traffic guidelines.

If you live in the UAE or are considering a trip via the luxurious roads of Dubai or the Gulf, you should be aware of the region’s traffic laws and regulations. These regulations set out the rules for road safety and are intended to limit the number of people killed or injured as a result of traffic accidents.

1. Black & White Points

The UAE police, like many other governments, use a point system and fine system to punish violators of traffic laws and road safety protocols. The UAE government has devised an intriguing and novel approach in which, unlike other countries, the police not only levy black points against those who break the law, but also reward those who follow the law and have a clean record of no traffic violations or incurred Salik or Parking fines for a year.

Anyone who is seen not complying with or violating traffic regulations and safety norms will receive these black points. Every legal infraction will accrue points, and an individual who accumulates more than 24 points in a year may have his licence suspended for up to a year.

The government began enacting these safety standards in order to reduce traffic-related fatalities, and they were fairly successful — from 1076 fatalities in 2007 to 174 in 2016.

By 2021, the Dubai traffic safety policy intends to reduce traffic-related fatalities to 1.5 per 100,000 people in the city. They hope to achieve the goal by organising their efforts around four themes: improving motorists’ driving behaviours, reviewing vehicles for traffic safety regulations and criminal safety procedures, examining motorists’ records, and conducting traffic awareness programmes.

2. Safe Driving Rules in UAE

The Ministerial Resolution No. 177 of 2017 outlines the rules that must be followed at all times while on the road.

The law includes bullet points that will assist you in comprehending the requirement for a driver’s licence, as well as its eligibility and renewal criteria.

The driving licence is only valid for one year for citizens, GCC nationals, and other nations under the age of 21.

There are different requirements for those who are 21 years old or older when it comes to the validity of their licence. The driving licence will be valid for two years after it is initially applied for, and it will be applicable to all citizens, GCC nationals, and other nations. When the licence is renewed, it has a ten-year validity for UAE citizens and GCC nationals, and a five-year validity for people of other nations.

3. Driving in UAE – Traffic Rules

The Ministerial Resolution No. 178 of 2017 on traffic control regulations addresses a number of issues, including not only traffic control but also citizen safety, reducing casualties, and assuring seamless management.

Everyone on the road in the UAE is required to follow several road safety laws. You should be aware of the many driving safety standards, speed restrictions, and other penalties that may be imposed if you do not follow them. The following are some of the legislation that the government has enacted in order to reduce casualties and impose management in regard to citizens’ safe driving:

4. Mandatory Seat Belts 

The Ministerial Resolution No. 178 of 2017 on traffic control laws targets a number of issues, including citizen safety, decreasing casualties, and ensuring seamless administration.

Several road safety laws must be followed by everyone on the road in the UAE. You should be informed of the numerous driving safety regulations, speed limits, and other fines that may be imposed if you fail to comply. The government has established the following legislation in order to prevent casualties and enforce management in regards to people’ safe driving:

5. Violating UAE Traffic Rules 

For motorists who are found violating the traffic lights in the UAE includes severe punishment like a hefty fine of AED 1000, a penalty of 12 points and vehicle confiscation for a month.

6. Speed Limits Violation

A driver who is found with any type of distraction, such as using a phone, will be fined AED 400 and receive four black points.

The UAE’s road safety laws have a minimum and maximum limit, and drivers who do not adhere to either will face penalties, 23 black points, and car impoundment. Overspeeding is punishable by a fine of AED 3000, while driving below the speed limit is punishable by a punishment of AED 1000.

7. Driving Under the Influence

Driving while inebriated is a serious offence under the law. A person’s licence will be suspended for a year if they are discovered driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This date begins with the court’s announcement of the verdict date, and the court will be the sole arbiter of the violator’s jail term/fine.

8. Reckless Driving

The following strict traffic and road safety rules must be followed.

A driver who is discovered carelessly driving or endangering the lives of others on the road, such as by jumping red lights, driving without a number plate, or swerving suddenly, will face severe consequences, including a fine of AED 2000, 23 black points, and the vehicle being impounded for 60 days.