Dubai has one of the best road networks in the world. Driving in Dubai is one of the most liberating experiences. It opens up a whole new side of the city for you to see, one that goes above and beyond the views of a cab window or the blurred sights that you zip past while travelling on the Metro. As exhilarating as it is, the driving dynamics in Dubai may sometimes be daunting for people new to the emirate. There are a lot of things one needs to keep in mind when driving in Dubai.
Traffic signs in the UAE, just like any other country in the world, help motorists to drive better and avoid road hazards as much as possible. There are traffic signs in Arabic and English everywhere on the roads that direct drivers on speed limits, road situations, trailblazing and parking in Dubai. Knowing your traffic signs is the easiest way to avoid traffic fines in Dubai.
Even though there are heavy fines on overspeeding in Dubai, certain motorists still commit the offence and they most likely do it on the fast lane. The fast lane is the left-most lane on Dubai roads and freeways. When driving in Dubai, it is not unusual to witness unsafe manoeuvring and risky lane changes on this side of the road and sometimes you become an unwilling participant of that. Be alert and drive carefully. Do not indulge in aggressive driving.
Normally speed limits on Dubai highways range between 100 and 120 km/h and the speed cap for urban dual-carriageways ranges between 60 and 80 km/h. Try to maintain your speed with the Dubai road speed limits to avoid excessive fines. Speeding fines in Dubai start from AED 300 and can go up to AED 3,000 paired with black points and confiscation.
We hope these driving tips in Dubai come in handy for you. Driving in Dubai is just like getting into a habit. All it requires is getting used to it, but you also need to know the laws, the driving rules and safety measures to get better at it.
The Law aims to regulate the operation of autonomous vehicles in accordance with international best standards and attract investment into Dubai in respect of related activities. Amongst others, a key aim of the Strategy is to transform 25 percent of transportation in Dubai to autonomous mode by 2030, with an estimated resulting saving of AED 22 billion in annual economic costs.
In order to operate an autonomous vehicle in Dubai, the following must be granted: (i) an autonomous vehicle license; and (ii) permission from the Director General of the RTA for the proposed operator to partake in activities related to autonomous vehicles. Furthermore, the following criteria must be met for a vehicle to be licensed as an autonomous vehicle by the RTA:
The Law also sets out responsibilities relating to not only the operator of an autonomous vehicle, but also passengers of such vehicles, who must also comply with certain rules when being driven by an autonomous vehicle. The Law also sets out certain responsibilities placed upon the owner / operator of such vehicles and those parties who are responsible for the sale and distribution of the same in Dubai. Consequently, owners, operators, passengers and distributors are all subject to certain obligations pursuant to the Law. In addition, the Law also restricts the way in which autonomous vehicles are sold insofar as sales to a licensed operator are only permitted through the relevant agent and the transfer of ownership from one operator to another may only occur following prior approval of the RTA.
Anyone that violates the Law shall be subject to a fine of no less than AED 500 and no more than AED 20,000 which may be doubled in the event of repeat violations within the same year with a maximum fine set at AED 50,000.
By the end of 2023, Dubai is planning to launch autonomous taxi services which are due to be delivered by Cruise, in exclusive partnership with RTA with the first set of self-driving taxis being custom built on the foundation of the Chevrolet Bolt.
The introduction of autonomous vehicles will not only alleviate traffic congestion but also reduce the number of road traffic accidents and harmful emissions, making Dubai an even more attractive destination for tourism and business.
The law sets out provisions to govern the licensing and regulatory framework, as well as operational standards for autonomous or self-driving vehicles. The scope of this law does not seek to regulate vehicles with driver assistance systems, such as cars that contain automatic braking, lane control or parking services. Instead, the focus of the new law is on vehicles that are fully automated.
The objectives of the new law include regulating the operation of autonomous vehicles to uphold safety and quality and to address the legal and regulatory challenges that arise from artificial intelligence in transportation.
The new law makes it clear that it will prohibit the driving of any autonomous vehicle in the UAE unless a license has been issued by the RTA. The new law specifies certain conditions for obtaining a licence for an autonomous vehicle. This includes the vehicle passing a technical examination conducted by the RTA and meeting safety and security standards that will be set by the RTA.
The RTA will play a supervisory role over the development of the autonomous vehicles industry. Its powers will include the development of policies and plans to operate autonomous vehicles in Dubai. The RTA will put into place technical, safety and security standards. It will also periodically assess the performance of the operators of autonomous vehicles and can require any autonomous vehicle report to the RTA for technical inspections.
The RTA will determine the routes and areas in which the autonomous vehicle can operate, as well as the traffic rules that will apply and the speed at which the vehicles can operate. The RTA will be responsible for developing the infrastructure necessary to allow the autonomous vehicles to navigate the relevant areas of the city.
The RTA is the body that will deal with licensing. As part of the licensing process, it will be responsible for conducting technical inspections in accordance with standards, controls and procedures that it adopts. It will also play a role in monitoring and inspecting the authorised persons under the new law and will be the body that receives complaints and grievances.
Executive regulations are due to be passed to clarify certain aspects of the new law. However, the new law demonstrates the forward thinking nature of the regional authorities in being the first regional country to pass such a law, planning for the future to come.
We expect the area of autonomous vehicles to be a developing area of regulation and legislation as the transportation industry embraces technological innovation and the impact of artificial intelligence. Issues of regulatory scrutiny and liability will continue to develop as the regulatory framework for this novel area grows.
Nonetheless, it is clear that the UAE remains at the forefront of technological innovation. The development of the autonomous vehicle sector in the UAE also presents key investment opportunities for international and regional parties.
I have a newborn who travels with me in the car on the long distances on a regular basis. However, she cannot always patiently handle the road trip (RAK-Dubai or RAK-Abu Dhabi),especially in the traffic.
Can i carry her in the car seat on the front seat (provided thet the air bag is disactivated)? As per the International regulations it is possible.
I asked the manufacturer to disactivate the air bag for me but they said it is prohibited. I just want to ask the authorities rather than a clerc in the office.
Regards
As per UAE law, children under the age of 10 are not permitted to be placed in the front seat, even when placed in a proper child car seat. Reasons are that crash tests show that the rears eat is safer and its also to prevent the driver from being distracted.
Greetings,
The law states the following: Children up to four years of age must be provided with a child safety seat. Violators will be fined AED 400 and slapped with four black points.
Meaning: your daughter who is 2.5 years old, needs a proper child seat.
You can book services for example with our CSR-partner Careem who provide vehicles with a proper child seat (Careem Kids).
I hope this helps.
Drive safely,
Your RoadSafetyUAE Team
Greetings,
No this is not allowed and not at all safe for your child! As per the UAE law, all kids need to be transported by using the proper child restraint system and for kids below the age of 4 years old this must be proper child seats.
Hope this helps!
Your RoadSafetyUAE Team
Dear Natasha,
In both instances, when you book your Careem (a partner on our platform!) or your Taxi, make sure you mention your demand over the phone. Careem has a product called Careem Kids and are well equipped. Taxis should also be possible to cater to your need.
Drive safely and kind regards,
Your RoadSafetyUAE Team
My daughter is now four years and seven months old and weighing close to 17kgs. If I remove her from her car seat (she has outgrown it) and place her normally at the back with the seat belt fastened, will I still get a fine?
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Hi, please advise can the infant car seat be installed in front seat with deactivated air bag?
We bought car seat cybex from Mamas&Papas shop. In instruction there is 2 options where you can put the car seat.
Dear Victoria,
As per the UAE law, no child seats may be installed on the front seat. The law states front seat passengers must be 145 cm tall and not younger than 10 years old, and this includes also child seats.
You can find more info here: -seats/
Kind regards and drive safely,
Your RoadSafetyUAE Team