Motorbike safety tips and traffic laws are fundamental in preventing road accidents in the UAE. In the past, there has been a significant increase in accidents and rider deaths due to a lack of motorbike training. In response to this, the Road and Transport Authority (RTA) and UAE police collaborated on a program to promote awareness of safe driving rules and precautions for motorcyclists.
This initiative includes education on safety rules and regulations, traffic violations, and specialized training for delivery service riders. The initiative was launched in 2022 after a number of accidents occurred in previous years. The program aims to enforce strict traffic laws for two-wheelers and reduce the likelihood of accidents. The RTA has issued strict traffic fines to implement these laws and ensure the safety of all road users.
In this blog, we have discussed the motorbike safety tips and traffic laws implemented to improve the safety of motorcyclists. By following these tips and obeying traffic laws, motorcyclists can reduce the potential risks and avoid receiving fines for traffic violations.
RTA Safety Rules for Motorcycle Riders
In 2021, the RTA raised awareness of motorbike safety precautions on social media. It also made the motorcycle license mandatory to ride a bike legally, especially for delivery riders. Here are some of the safety rules set by the RTA that the riders need to follow.
- Riders must drive in a motorcycle-designated lane and avoid overtaking on the road.
- Keep a safe distance between a vehicle ahead.
- Follow the set speed limits by the RTA and do not exceed the speed limit of 100 km per hour.
- Avoid using a phone while driving, and install a mobile holder on a bike to avoid distractions.
- Avoid riding on sidewalks and pedestrian lanes.
- Don’t maneuver too much when traffic is stationary.
- Don’t run over the red lights and wait for the traffic signal to turn green. Also, follow the road signs to ensure a safe ride.
- Make sure to use indicators to signal other drivers about your next move.
- Ride cautiously at the intersection where traffic comes from all sides.
- Regularly maintain your motorbike to keep it in good condition and ensure a safe ride.
Furthermore, additional safety rules are implemented for delivery riders since the percentage of delivery riders in accidents is higher than that of regular drivers. The companies give the delivery riders special training before allowing them to drive on UAE roads.
- The delivery riders should keep an illuminated delivery box to get identified in the dark and wear the company uniform to be easily identifiable.
- Avoid pillion riding (carrying passengers) on delivery motorcycles.
Safety Tips for Motorbike Riders
Here are the six motorbike safety tips you should follow to stay safe and secure on UAE roads.
Wear Safety Gear
All riders should wear safety gear, including helmets, gloves, and shoes, to adhere to safety precautions. In case of any accident, these safety gears help reduce the impact of an accident. It safeguards you from head injuries and fractures by reducing the impact of falls and collisions.
Show Visibility
Driving at night increases the risk of accidents. To avoid road mishaps, it is recommended to wear reflective clothes when riding a motorbike to improve visibility at night. Moreover, delivery riders should turn the delivery box lights on for better visibility in the dark.
Health Considerations
If you are feeling unwell or are under the influence of medication, then it is suggested to avoid driving at the time as it can result in accidents. It is better to stay at home when you are feeling drowsy than to risk your life.
Weather Conditions
Riders must also monitor weather forecasts before planning a ride. They should avoid driving in adverse weather conditions, especially during rain and sand storms, since this can cause skidding on wet roads, leading to accidents.
Focused Riding
Motorbike riders should develop defensive riding skills to avoid collisions and mishaps on roads. They should be focused when driving, avoid distractions at all costs, and be attentive to traffic signals and vehicles moving around them. Developing these skills lowers the chances of crashes.
Regular Maintenance
Regular maintenance of the motorbike is essential to reduce the risks of mechanical failure. It is also vital to inspect the bike before a ride. Make sure to check the tires, brakes, clutch, and other essential components of a vehicle. Malfunction of any of the components can cause accidents.
Traffic Fines and Violations for Motorcyclists
RTA Dubai has imposed fines on motorcyclists who don’t follow the traffic rules and regulations. The following are some of the penalties for ensuring compliance with traffic laws.
- The motorcyclist will cause a fine of AED 1,000 with 12 black points for violating traffic signal rules.
- A drive not wearing a helmet will get a fine of AED 500 with four black points.
- Using a phone while riding a motorcycle is strictly prohibited, and one is fined AED 400 with four black points.
You can check the black points on your traffic file on the RTA or UAE police websites. If you reach 24 black points, your vehicle can be seized, so make sure to avoid these violations and adhere to RTA safety rules. This approach to motorbike safety aims to reduce road accidents, encourage bike riders to follow the rules, and contribute to road safety in the UAE.