One of the most frequently asked questions by expats moving to Dubai is, ‘What’s the driving like?’ There is no denying that taking to the roads is a challenge, once you’ve got to grips with the lack of lane discipline of most drivers, the inability to use indicators and the belief of many that overtaking on the hard shoulder is perfect acceptable, then you still have to get used to the constant harassment and impatience of your fellow road users. With all of this to contend with you can sometimes feel you are literally taking your life in your hands every time you get behind the wheel of your 4 x 4. 
 

Dubai’s cultural mix is one of the Emirates plus points, but when drivers from over 180 nationalities with different driving habits converge on the roads, the result is almost an ‘anything goes’ mentality. For a westerner used to abiding by some sort of highway code it can be immensely frustrating, but the good news is that behind the general mayhem, there is actually a fairly efficient roads and transport authority with a new list of over 100 do’s and dont’s on the highways and a plan to get tough on Dubai’s drivers.  

As of March 2008 the Unified Federal Traffic Law stiffened the penalties for driving offenses and also implemented a black point system for drivers in an attempt to improve safety on the roads. The new laws work on a three-tier penalty system with fines for some offences, add black points and cars being impounded for more serious misdemeanours. Repeat offenders could ultimately face suspension of their licence.

The maximum number of black points a motorist can incur in a year is 24 at which point his licence is suspended for three months. If a motorist collects 24 points for the second time, the license will be suspended for six months. If it happens for the third time, the licence will be taken away for one year and will not be returned until the driver passes a training course from an institute authorised by the traffic department.

Penalties vary from a 2000 Dirham fine, 12 points and 30 days impoundment for reckless driving to a 200 Dirham fine and four points for using your mobile while behind the wheel.

 

Speeding fines vary from 400 to 800 Dirhams depending on how far over the limit you are travelling.

Zero tolerance exists for drinking and driving and something as seemingly minor as a rude hand gesture, used in a moment of frustration at another driver, can land you in court or even jail.

Unlike the UK, if you do incur a fine you will not be notified by mail, rather you need to check with the Dubai Police Traffic department yourself. In line with the Dubai government’s policy to be an entirely e-based institution in the future, you can check and pay your fines on-line, via an Emirates Bank ATM, at a kiosk in various locations around the city or through the IVR system on your phone or mobile. Alternatively you can wait until you need to re-register your car and pay your fines on the spot for an entire year. 

 
 

On-line at www.dubaitraffic.com

In person at any Dubai Police Traffic Department

Motorists with bank accounts can pay their fines at the ATM machines of all Emirates Bank and National
Bank of Dubai branches

On your mobile or landline phone at Tel: 04 268 5555. The Interactive voice response technology
promises you can pay your bill in a maximum of two to three minutes.

On your mobile by sending an SMS to *123≠ and then selecting the ‘Dubai Police’ option.

In person annually when you re-register your car
 

For further details on all these options visit www.dubaipolice.gov.ae

 

 

The good news is that the Dubai Government has finally realised that the standard of driving has to improve; the next challenge is to educate all Dubai’s road users and stringently enforce these new measures.