If you’re planning to drive in Dubai—whether you live here or you’re just visiting—it’s important to understand how traffic works. The rules in place are detailed and often strict, covering everything from the side of the road you drive on to how close you’re allowed to be to the next vehicle. This guide is meant to help you stay safe and avoid fines, especially if it’s your first time driving in the UAE.
Important Changes to Dubai’s Traffic Laws
Dubai’s traffic code isn’t static—new regulations have been introduced that you should be aware of.
One example is jaywalking. If someone crosses a road with a speed limit over 80 km/h and causes an accident, the driver might no longer be held responsible. The penalties for jaywalking in those areas have become much more serious, including fines up to AED 10,000 and jail time starting at three months.
The legal driving age has also changed. Drivers in Dubai can now apply for a license starting at 17 instead of 18. But there are conditions. You’ll need to pass a medical exam, and the Licensing Authority must approve your driving test. Depending on the license type, extra requirements might apply.Authorities can also suspend or refuse to renew a driver’s license if the person is found medically unfit or poses a safety risk. If required reassessments aren’t completed, a license can also be withdrawn.
Regulations are also being rolled out for self-driving cars. The process for registering fully autonomous vehicles is being standardized, with rules that apply not just in Dubai, but across the country. These include how testing is done and what conditions must be met for legal registration.
What Happens if You Drive Recklessly
There are serious consequences for careless or dangerous driving. If you’re involved in a hit-and-run accident that injures someone, the maximum penalty is two years in prison and a fine of AED 100,000. Driving under the influence can lead to arrest, license suspension, and a fine of AED 20,000 or more. If you hurt or kill someone in the process, the legal consequences increase. Refusing to cooperate with the police can result in additional charges or arrest on the spot.
Driving Basics in Dubai: What You Need to Know
In Dubai, drivers use the right side of the road. That’s the same as the US or Germany, but opposite from the UK or Australia. If you’re used to driving on the left, you’ll need to be especially careful with lane habits and turns. Seat belts must be worn by everyone in the vehicle, regardless of where they’re sitting. Children under 12 can only sit in the front seat if they are in a rear-facing seat and the airbag is turned off. A suitable child restraint must be used for kids in the back.
Mobile phone use while driving is banned, unless you’re using hands-free tech. Drivers are expected to keep a safe distance from the vehicle ahead. In practice, that means about five seconds’ space between you and the car in front. The left lane is for overtaking; slower drivers should stick to the right.
If you see flashing lights or hear sirens, you must let emergency vehicles pass—either by slowing down, moving aside, or stopping completely.
Drinking alcohol is not illegal in the UAE, but driving under the influence is a criminal offense. Even small amounts can lead to arrest.
Speed Limits and Cameras in Dubai
Speed limits are tightly monitored using radar cameras, which are installed throughout Dubai. You’ll find different limits depending on the type of road:
- Highways: 100–120 km/h
- City roads: 60–80 km/h
- Residential or internal roads: 40 km/h
Exceeding the limit even slightly can result in fines. The more over the limit you are, the harsher the penalties.
How to Handle Overtaking, Turning, and Parking in Dubai
In Dubai, people drive on the right. That also means overtaking should be done from the left—cutting across from the right is illegal. If you’re switching lanes, always use the indicator and check your mirrors. A quick look over the shoulder is also expected, especially when traffic is fast. Right turns at red lights? Not allowed—unless there’s a specific sign that lets you. U-turns are fine, but only at places where it’s clearly marked. Turning randomly or guessing isn’t a good idea—roads are monitored, and signs matter.
Parking has its own set of rules. Black and yellow painted curbs mean don’t park there. In most central areas, there are street-side paid zones or underground garages. You’ll usually need to pay through an app, and if your time’s up, you’ll get fined. The city doesn’t give much grace.
Stay away from pedestrian crossings when parking, and don’t block other cars. Also, sidewalks aren’t for parking—even if there’s room. Spaces for disabled drivers are clearly marked. Using one without a permit will cost you.
Knowing When to Yield
Pedestrians at crosswalks always come first. If someone is stepping onto a marked crossing, stop the car. That’s the law, and yes, they do check.
If you’re pulling out from a parking spot or side street, and traffic is coming down a main road, you wait. Same goes for turning onto a bigger street — the cars already moving have the right of way.
Now, if you see a school bus stopped and flashing its red lights, traffic in both directions needs to stop. No exceptions. Wait until those lights stop blinking before moving again.
At roundabouts, the rule is simple — vehicles already inside the circle have priority. Don’t try to squeeze in early. At intersections without lights, the first car to get there usually goes first, but it’s on you to watch the flow.
And emergency vehicles — ambulances, fire trucks, police with flashing lights — always get space. Either slow down and move over, or stop completely, depending on the situation.
Toll Roads and Salik System
Dubai uses an electronic toll system called Salik. No gates, no booths. You just drive through, and the fee is charged automatically using a tag fixed on the windshield.
Rental cars already have the tag installed most of the time. At alligator.rent, every car is tagged and active. Tolls get recorded and added to your final rental bill. Easy to track, no surprises.
But if the tag is missing or isn’t working, you could get fined. Ask the rental company how tolls are handled before you start driving.
Fines and Black Point System
Dubai has a traffic points system. Every serious violation comes with black points. Hit 24 points? Your license gets suspended.
Here are a few examples:
- Going over the speed limit by more than 80 km/h? You’ll get 23 points, pay AED 3,000, and your car can be confiscated for 60 days.
- 60 to 80 km/h over the limit? That’s 12 points, AED 2,000, and 30 days impound.
- Run a red light? 12 points, AED 1,000, and your car is held for a month.
Driving drunk? That’s 23 points, AED 20,000 fine, impound for 60 days, and possibly jail.
Failing to keep a safe gap between cars — AED 400 and four points. Not stopping at a pedestrian crossing — AED 500.
Blocking traffic? AED 1,000 and six points. Parking in disabled spaces without a permit? AED 1,000 and six points.
Sidewalk parking — AED 400. Parking behind other cars and blocking them — AED 500.
Entering restricted areas — AED 600. Shoulder driving? AED 1,000 and six points.
If you’re renting, these fines are sent to the company. At alligator.rent, we notify renters quickly with full details and documentation.
