A Detailed Guide to Driving Rules in Dubai, UAE

Dubai has one of the best road networks in the world, and the city's lawmakers are also very strict about enforcing rules and regulations. Driving rules in Dubai are in place for all drivers, including locals, expats, and visitors. Also, failure to comply with Dubai Road rules can result in hefty fines along with imprisonment, depending on the severity.

When you know and follow the driving rules in UAE, your experience in any Emirate will be exciting. Also, the intricacy of new traffic rules in Dubai is why the driving test is one of the hardest in the world. However, it is very important to familiarize yourself with driving rules in Dubai before heading on the road. Here is a detailed guide to help:

Important Driving Rules and Regulations in Dubai

In Dubai, vehicles are required to drive on the right side of the road. Visitors from the UK and other parts of the world where the left side of the road is for driving may find it surprising.
All passengers in any moving vehicles are required to wear seat belts at all times.
Children under the age of 12 cannot be on any of the front seats unless they are in an approved rear-facing car seat with disabled airbags. Also, children in the rear seats must be in safety or booster seats with restraints fastened up.
It is illegal to drive in Dubai under the influence of alcohol. A 0% blood alcohol law is strictly enforced. Failure to comply is an automatic jail sentence in most cases.
Using your phone while driving is a crime. It can result in fines and black points on your driving license.
It is important to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front. Ideally, maintaining a distance of at least 5 seconds when driving at high speeds is recommended.
Drive in the slower, right lane unless you intend to drive near the upper end of the speed limit. Also, the left-most lane on any road or freeway is the fast lane.
It is important to give way to emergency vehicles. Watch out for them with flashing lights stopped on the road or shoulders. Be ready to stop when you come across an emergency vehicle or staff on the road. Also, tailgating emergency vehicles with flashing lights is a crime.
Speed Limits to Keep in Mind in Dubai
Driving rules in Dubai enforce speed limits very strictly. There are different speed limit restrictions for different roads and road conditions. Also, another important thing to note is that the speed limit in Dubai is in Kilometers per hour, not miles per hour as in many countries.
Most highways and freeways have a speed limit of 100-120 kmph. Refer to road signs for exact limits.
Urban roads in Dubai have a speed limit of 60-80 kmph. Refer to road signs for exact speed limits.
Small urban roads and school or residential areas have a speed limit of 40 kmph for all vehicles.

Passing Rules and Regulations in Dubai

Cars and vehicles are required to be on the right side of the road. So, passing and overtaking must be done from the left side. Also, it is important to check all three mirrors and do a shoulder check to confirm that the road is clear when changing lanes to pass. Turn your indicators on to let drivers behind you know before changing lanes.

Turning Rules to Keep in Mind

You cannot turn right at a red light unless there is a yield sign. Also, it is important to move around only in dedicated lanes. Do not make a U-turn at a non-U-turn dedicated lane.

Parking Rules in Dubai

Drivers are not allowed to park their vehicles on the road where the curb is yellow and black. Check out our comprehensive guide on Parking rules in Dubai.
There are different parking zones with different parking charges throughout Dubai.
Street parking charges can be paid at parking meters. Also, parking mobile apps are available to pay for parking in the city.
There are special parking arrangements for disabled drivers with reserved spots.

Right of Way and Giving Way When Driving in Dubai

Drivers must give way to pedestrians at designated pedestrian crossings.
Vehicles on major roads at T-junctions have the right of way.
Give way to vehicles on the road when pulling out of a parking spot.
Vehicles on major roads have the right of way when you approach from minor roads.
Stop and give way to children boarding their school bus with flashing lights.
Drivers must give way to emergency vehicles and military convoys.
Vehicles arriving at a traffic junction or roundabout with no signals first have the right of way.

Driver's License Requirement in Dubai

All drivers in Dubai are required to have a valid driver's license. Also, driving rules in the UAE require foreign tourists and drivers to have valid driving licenses as well. Drivers from some countries are allowed to use their home country's valid driver's license, as outlined in our detailed guide on Foreign Driving Licenses Accepted for Car Driving in UAE. The minimum age for driving in Dubai is 18 years. Although it is not a requirement under Dubai's new traffic rules, it is still ideal to carry your vehicle registration document and proof of insurance while on the road.

Tolls Drivers Are Required to Pay in Dubai

New traffic rules in Dubai must be followed at all times. Also, toll roads exist in Dubai, and drivers are required to pay the toll price when using them. Toll roads in the city include:

Sheikh Zayed Road
Al Garhoud Bridge
Al Maktoum Bridge
Beirut Street
Al Ittihad Street

Register with Salik to pay your tolls and attach the Salik tag to your vehicle's windshield. The tag is scanned when you drive through the gates of these tolls, and the toll fee is deducted electronically. Also, Salik tags are available at local gas stations.

Emergency Numbers in Dubai

Police – 999 or 112
Ambulance – 998 or 112
Fire Department – 997 or 112

Car Rentals in Dubai

Driving a rental car has all the same driving rules in Dubai, which are applicable to driving your personal car. However, if you need the best car rental experience, Faster Rent a Car will provide professional service. We have over a decade of experience providing the best car rental services for businesses, residents, and visitors in the city. Our extensive range of luxury cars, sports cars, exotic cars, SUVs, and all other types of vehicles offers the perfect option for all requirements. So, call us today and rent the best car. Also, if you are not familiar with car restrictions in Dubai or driving rules in UAE, our car rental with a chauffeur service will assist.