How to Avoid Fines When Driving in UAE

Getting a fine or stopped by the police is the last thing you want when you’re on holiday. With our guide, you’ll be fully prepared so you don’t get caught out by traffic laws in UAE.

Don’t Drink and Drive

Whilst this might seem like an obvious one, the UAE has a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to drink driving. So, if you’re stopped by police and found to have any amount of alcohol in your system – even if you’ve just had one drink – you could face a fine.

The maximum fine is 20,000 dirhams, and more serious offences could face jail. You could also have your licence suspended. If you’ve been drinking, make sure to get a taxi rather than drive yourself.

Don’t Check Your Mobile

Checking your mobile when driving will massively affect your concentration. Taking calls or browsing your phone whilst driving in the UAE could get you a fine of up to 1,000 dirhams.

Over 90,000 motorists were fined for using their mobile whilst driving in 2019 in the UAE. Put your phone on silent and store it away whilst you’re driving, so you won’t get distracted.

Keep to the Speed Limit

If you drive in excess of 80 kmph of the speed limit in UAE, you could be fined up to 3,000 dirhams and have your car impounded for 60 days. One tourist faced a bill of £36,000 after they hired a supercar in Dubai and were caught speeding by multiple speed cameras.

You could also face a fine of 400 dirhams if you’re caught driving too far under the limit, so make sure you know the speed limit for the roads you’re driving.

Don’t Veer Out of Lane

Swerving in and out of lanes unnecessarily or recklessly can cause accidents and is illegal in UAE. You could face a fine of 1,000 dirhams and possibly even a jail sentence.

If you’re making a turn or changing lanes, do so at the appropriate time and make sure to use your indicators properly.

Don’t Park in Restricted Zones

Fines for parking incorrectly vary depending on the emirate, but there are some common rules to follow to avoid fines. Make sure to pay for a parking ticket in the relevant areas and display the ticket clearly. Don’t park in reserved parking spots or across pedestrian crossings.

Make sure to read the signs and ticket booth information carefully so you don’t break any rules and incur a fine. Parking is usually free on Fridays and public holidays in public parking facilities, but always make sure to check the signs to confirm if this applies.

Keep it Quiet

Driving a noisy vehicle is seen as a public disruption in UAE and drivers can face a fine of 2,000 dirhams. The rule against noisy vehicles also includes playing music too loudly, which can incur a fine of 400 dirhams.

By choosing the right car to hire and driving carefully, you should be able to easily avoid being fined for noise pollution when driving. Be extra careful on roads around mosques at times of prayer, as causing a disturbance during this time could result in a more severe penalty.

Wear Your Seatbelt

It’s mandatory for everyone in the car to wear a seatbelt in UAE. Children up to four years old should be in an appropriate child seat and the passenger in the front seat should be at least 145cm tall and older than 11 years.

If the driver or any of passengers aren’t wearing a seatbelt, or if children aren’t in suitable child seats, you could be fined 400 dirhams.

Drive Carefully

Reckless drivers who put people in danger could face a fine up to 2,000 dirhams and have the vehicle impounded for 60 days. Blocking traffic and jumping red lights are also classed as reckless driving, so make sure to pay attention to traffic signals and signs.

A driver can also break UAE traffic laws by throwing litter and not leaving enough space between cars when driving. Be considerate and aware of other cars when driving to avoid a fine.

Get Car Insurance

Driving without insurance is an offence in the UAE, so make sure you’re covered before you get out on the road. Carrying the appropriate paperwork with you when you’re driving will help if you get stopped and need to pass on the details.

Hire car insurance will often come with very high excess rates which will leave you out of pocket if you have an accident. Direct Car Hire Excess can make sure you’re fully protected against the cost of excess on your hire car with a worldwide insurance car hire excess policy.