Rules of the road in Dubai – Learn more in DCR blog

Dubai is a city with the best roads in the world that any driver is dreaming of riding along.  However, roads are not race tracks — you have to obey road traffic regulations

You should know that compliance with road traffic regulations, just like with any other public order rules, is closely monitored in Dubai.  All violations are punishable by massive fines, and it's really strict — no excuses, bribes or disputes will help you; on the contrary, they could make things worse.

Road traffic rules in the UAE are mostly the same as in other countries, but they do have some peculiarities that a tourist should know about before renting a car in Dubai and going on a conquering mission in this amazing city.

PECULIARITIES OF ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATIONS IN DUBAI

• One of the main peculiarities on the roads in the UAE is a large number of traffic circles. Tourists who are not used to this kind of arrangements could find it pretty hard to sense their way in a heavy traffic. It's important to stick to the following rule: priority is given to the cars moving along the circle. This rule applies by default; therefore, if you see no road signs at an intersection, stick to this rule, too. If there's a sign though, you must comply with it.
• Speed limit within city boundaries is up to 60 km/h, on highways — up to 100 km/h. This rule also applies by default, even if there's no relevant restriction road sign close by. Yet again, if you see a sign, you must stick to the speed limit indicated on the sign, for instance, 40 km/h.
• Even if you see no police close by, it doesn't mean that you can violate regulations with impunity — it just won't work. All city roads and highways are equipped with multiple radars that register speeding violations and take a picture of the infringing car. The information about the violation is immediately transmitted to the police database — and you're on the hook.

• Please note there's a “permissible speeding limit” — 20 km/h — so you don't need to panic about going at 101 km/h. If the speed limit is 100 km/h, the radars will only be triggered if you drive at 120 km/h.
• If it's your first time driving around Dubai, we recommend buying a CD with information about all roads and highways in the UAE or downloading a navigator with a detailed road map online. ad.
• The driver and the passengers must be buckled up while driving. Children below 4 years old must only be transported in a special safety seat.
• If you've stopped at an intersection with yellow road marking around the perimeter and you can see a traffic jam on the other side, you mustn't move forward even if the traffic lights are green for you, until the traffic jam has “cleared up”.
• Despite the UAE having right-hand traffic, drivers on the roads must yield to the driver on the left, not on the right. This rule is often overseen by tourists which could cause an accident. Please be careful and remember about his unusual rule.
• You must report even minor road traffic accidents to the police; otherwise, you will get no insurance — insurance companies will only pay a compensation based on a certificate issued by the police. You must report the accident by calling 999 — note it down just in case.

On the whole, it can be said that driving around Dubai is not complicated. If you have had driving experience in your country, you will surely handle this task confidently in the UAE. A reliable, comfortable and safe car that you can rent from us will boost your confidence while driving! 

Have a nice vacation and an unforgettable experience!