Dubai roads are getting busy again: 16 traffic fines you need to know
The summer holidays are winding down, which means UAE roads are about to become a lot busier
With schools reopening and some returning back from summer holidays… morning and afternoon traffic is set to pick up again. Before the school runs and rush-hour journeys return, here are 17 traffic fines rules and fines worth keeping in mind.
Watch your speed
Speed limits are there for a reason, particularly around schools and busy residential areas.
Depending on how far you exceed the limit, speeding fines can range from Dhs300 to Dhs3,000, with serious offences also carrying black points and other penalties.
Keep your phone out of your hand
Checking a WhatsApp message or changing your playlist while driving can cost you.
Using a mobile phone while behind the wheel can result in a Dhs800 fine and four black points.
Don’t ignore a school bus stop sign
If a school bus has its stop sign extended, you need to stop and wait.
Passing the bus while children are boarding or getting off can result in a Dhs1,000 fine and 10 black points.
Give pedestrians priority
School crossings can get crowded during drop-off and pick-up.
Failing to give way to pedestrians at a designated crossing can result in a Dhs500 fine and six black points.
Keep zebra crossings clear
Stopping your car on a pedestrian crossing is another road offence to watch out for.
You could receive a Dhs500 fine for blocking a pedestrian crossing.
Don’t block the road
Stopping in a live traffic lane, even for a quick drop-off, can cause serious congestion.
Drivers who stop their vehicles in a way that obstructs traffic can face a Dhs1,000 fine and six black points.
Buckle up every time
Heading just around the corner? You still need your seat belt.
Failing to wear a seat belt can mean a Dhs400 fine and four black points.
Keep children safely secured
School runs often mean young passengers in the car, so make sure everyone is sitting where they should be.
Children under 10 years old or shorter than 145cm should not sit in the front seat, while younger children must use an appropriate child restraint. Violations can result in a Dhs400 fine.
Don’t park someone in
Finding a parking space near school can be tricky, but stopping behind another vehicle isn’t the answer.
Blocking another car from leaving can result in a Dhs500 fine.
Think twice before jaywalking
It isn’t only motorists who need to follow the rules.
Crossing roads outside designated areas can carry serious penalties. Under UAE rules, jaywalking on roads with speed limits of 80km/h or more can result in fines of up to Dhs10,000 in certain circumstances.
Is your car covered in dust?
That dusty car you’ve been driving around all summer could be more than an eyesore.
Excessively dirty vehicles can result in a Dhs500 fine under local rules.
Don’t wash your car on the street
A quick DIY car wash outside your home might seem harmless, but washing vehicles in public spaces is restricted in many parts of the UAE.
You could face a Dhs500 fine, depending on where the offence takes place.
Keep the noise down
Modified exhausts and excessive engine noise can attract unwanted attention.
Driving a noisy vehicle can result in a Dhs2,000 fine, 12 black points and vehicle impoundment.
Keep rubbish inside the car
That empty coffee cup or food wrapper should go in the bin, not out of your window.
Throwing waste from a vehicle can result in a Dhs1,000 fine and six black points.
Don’t overuse your horn
Traffic jams are frustrating, but leaning on the horn won’t make the cars move any faster.
Unnecessary or disturbing use of a vehicle’s horn can result in a Dhs400 fine and four black points.
One more rule to remember
While it isn’t a traffic fine, there is another UAE law worth keeping in mind when filming on the roads.
Taking or sharing photographs or videos of people without permission, can lead to fines ranging from Dhs150,000 to Dhs500,000 in certain cases.
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