If you are a tourist or have recently migrated to the UAE, you might become fascinated by the way the authority has developed the roads. The roads in the UAE are absolutely one of the finest and smoothest networks. Not only the highrise skyscrapers, but you must also admit the way UAE authorities have ensured safe and smooth driving in their country.
With the help of sophisticated technology, they are able to detect any kind of violation. They charge careless drivers with both money and black points. So it’s essential to know the driving rules in the UAE, especially in Abu Dhabi. This guide will discuss all the best tips that will help you have a smooth and safe driving experience in the UAE. You can explore more info here.
Never drive without your registration papers
Renew your car and driving documents before they expire. UAE authorities can seize your car if they find your registration paper outdated or if you are driving without papers. Paper missing while you drive is a severe issue in the UAE. You may be charged up to AED 10,000 following a black point of four.
Use headlights for better visibility
There’s no doubt about the importance of headlights for better visibility during the evening and night. They not only see the roads clearly, but they also help other fellow drivers with their presence. Thus, everyone can keep a safe distance and avoid collisions.
But the true fact is that even though the headlight is so important to avoid an accident, not all but a good number of drivers have a bad habit of being overconfident while driving by turning their headlights off. And it’s not enough for you to be careful alone; also, be careful if another fellow driver is moving without turning on their headlights.
Focus on the road, not on the phone
Talking over the phone and typing a message while driving diverts your attention from the road, where it’s mostly necessary.
Just avoid it.
It’s life-threatening to use your phone while driving, especially at high speeds. It’s a global problem for traffic authorities. But in the UAE, they have been trying to solve this problem by using an automated, highly developed system. With the help of AI, they can take high-resolution images and then detect if drivers are using phones while driving.
Do not cross the speed limits
You will see many locals driving so fast. It’s no wonder because the UAE has one of the highest speeds at 160 km per hour. That’s almost close to 100 miles per hour. You can still drive a little faster, like 180 km/hr as the traffic authority has an allowance of 20 km/hr. So speed cameras might not charge you, but I would suggest you be within the speed limit.
However, the UAW traffic authority has designed the roads in such a way that even the minimum speed levels can be maintained without getting stuck in high-traffic areas.
Wear your seatbelt to avoid fines and collisions
The UAE authority is super efficient at tracking traffic rule violations, and if you have faced at least one experience of being watched by radar for not wearing a seatbelt, you are not the only one. People think of radars to detect overspeeding by drivers, but the most advanced radar technology can detect if you are driving without wearing your seatbelt.
You are going to be fined AED 400 for avoiding wearing your seatbelt. Also, not only the drivers but also the passengers must wear their seatbelts in the UAE. And if you are carrying a baby under four, remember to arrange a child safety seat.
The fine is not confined only to currency; you have to face four black points as well.
Never tailgate the cars before you
Tailgating is an offense following four black points and AED 400 in the UAE. Keep a distance of 3 seconds from the car in front of you. Don’t be encouraged if you see that local people are not following a safe distance. The radars are able to detect this as well, especially in the city areas.
Do not drive passengers for money
Using your personal cars for carrying passengers is illegal and strictly prohibited according to traffic rules in the UAE. That means you can’t lift people in exchange for money. Some people still try to do that, but it might bring the worst punishment of 24 black points. That means traffic authorities can impound your car.
Do not drive recklessly
There are some rules that you need to follow to ensure the safety of other cars on the road before and after you. For example, UAE police do not welcome leaving your garbage in a running car. Besides, do not use unapproved or disallowed stickers on the windshield glass.
Check that your tires are not flat before you jump on the road. It’s not about rules alone; it can lead to an accident. Don’t drive recklessly and change lanes suddenly. You must use indicators while switching lanes. And last but not least, never try to run when you see the red light. It can cost you a fine of AED 50,000, the highest punishment applicable by the UAE traffic authority.
Do not drive drunk
The UAE traffic authority is very strict about putting drivers in jail if they find them drunk. That’s not the only charge. Drivers might face their license being suspended for a year following the seizure of the cars for 60 days.
Respect the checkpoints
In the UAE, police basically ask some usual questions; however, for tourists, they are not so hard. So answer their routine questions about your trip and destinations. Sometimes they might ask you if they want to search your car. Still, you can deny it and ask to discuss it with their controller officer.
Final Verdicts
Whichever country you live in, it’s essential to obey the local driving rules. It helps save you and your fellow drivers from accidents and collisions. And it’s similar in the UAE, too. Following the traffic rules, keeping the documents, and driving within the speed limit are most of the common tips.
Know the rules, apply them while driving, and keep yourself safe.
