Dubai, renowned for its high-end infrastructure and roads, is one of the most progressive cities in the world. It is a hub of tourism, technology, and job opportunities. Since the state is bustling with traffic, driving on Dubai’s roads can be challenging, especially for expats who are new to the state. Dubai offers an exhilarating experience, but it is also strict with its rules and regulations to ensure the safety of its people.
If you are new to Dubai and feel anxious about driving on its vast roads, it is essential to know the tips and rules of driving to adhere to Dubai’s traffic laws. Below, we have compiled some essential tips that you should always keep in mind while driving on Dubai roads. By following these tips, you can beat the traffic and avoid violations while navigating the city.
Keep Distance
It is crucial to maintain a safe distance while driving on roads to avoid traffic jams and accidents. In Dubai, many drivers do not follow this advice and occupy the space of the driver in front of them. However, it is always recommended to avoid this and pull back a bit to ensure safety. You should maintain a minimum distance of 3 to 5 seconds from the car in front of you. This will help you to react promptly to any sudden changes in the traffic flow and avoid collisions.
Maintain Speed Limits
In Dubai, it is crucial to maintain a safe and appropriate speed based on the type of road you are driving on. Highways have a speed limit set between 100-120 km/h, while urban roads have a speed limit of 60-80 km/h, and suburban areas have a speed limit of 40 km/h. Additionally, you should reduce your speed to 10 km/h when passing through places like schools, markets, or hospitals to ensure the safety of everyone around. These are usually crowded areas.
Moreover, driving too fast or too slow can result in a fine ranging from AED 300 to AED 3,000 and may also result in black points being added to your license. It is important to note that cameras are installed in every corner that can capture your speed and movement. If you notice someone driving too fast around you, it is best to let them pass by maintaining your speed limit.
Keep Your Lane
Another critical factor is to stay in your lane while driving. In Dubai, the roads have different speed limits, and each lane is marked with a specific speed limit. The far left lane is where you can drive the fastest, and the speed limit decreases with each following lane. It is essential to keep these speed limits in mind while driving. Additionally, you should never try to overtake a vehicle from the hard shoulder, as doing so will result in a fine.
Hand Gestures
Using hand gestures while driving is considered offensive and strictly prohibited. Violating this rule could result in the confiscation of your driver’s license.
Even if the other driver is at fault, it is advisable to avoid getting into an altercation with them. Using profanity or engaging in aggressive behavior is not only disrespectful but also violates traffic laws in Dubai. It is best to be mindful of others and follow traffic regulations to ensure safety on the roads.
Indicator Lights
It is crucial to remain focused while driving and use indicators when necessary. Often, drivers fail to use indicators and abruptly take turns or switch lanes without signaling to the driver behind them. This causes other drivers to panic and take turns in haste, leading to unforeseen accidents. This problem can be easily avoided if you use indicators to notify other drivers about your intended move.
Road Signs
It’s essential to learn the road signs in Dubai to drive safely. Many road signs indicate that you should take a specific action. To do so, you need to get familiar with them first. To learn about road signs, you can visit the Road and Transport Authority (RTA) website, where you can find important information about road signs in Dubai.
It’s also important to be familiar with the navigation signs on the signboards in Dubai so that you can navigate routes more efficiently and avoid getting lost. The RTA Smart Drive app can help you understand navigation signs and drive on Dubai roads with confidence.
Use of Headlights
Understanding the proper use of headlights is crucial when driving in Dubai. It is essential to turn on low-beam headlights while driving in urban areas where there is a lot of traffic coming from the front of your vehicle. High-beam headlights are only to be used when driving on highways at night when visibility is low.
It is essential to avoid using high-beam lights in areas with heavy traffic as they can blind oncoming drivers and lead to accidents. Not using headlights at all can also lead to accidents due to poor visibility.
Use of Hazard Lights
It is essential to be mindful of potential hazards while driving, particularly in Dubai, where camels and goats are often seen crossing the roads. Staying alert and aware of your surroundings is essential as these animals can suddenly appear, leading to accidents. If you encounter any hazards, be sure to use your hazard lights to signal other drivers behind you.
In the event of a vehicle breakdown, it is essential to switch on your hazard lights to alert other drivers and ensure they have enough time to adjust their speed and lanes accordingly. Being proactive in these situations can help prevent accidents and ensure that everyone on the road remains safe.
We hope that you find these driving tips helpful for navigating the roads of Dubai. Also, you can avoid hefty fines from the RTA. By making these tips a part of your driving habits, you can ensure that you drive safely. Discover the beauty of Dubai by following the traffic rules and avoiding unnecessary accidents.
Also Read: 8 Safety Tips for Driving in the Rain in Dubai