Marriage Certificate
Marriage Certificate
Marriage Certificate
Motor Vehicle
Handbook
A Guide to Safe Driving
Licensing Agency
10th Edition
8009090 rta.ae
Training and
Testing Process
Theory Test
START Preparation
(Optional)
END
ISSUE
Driving License
Open File
Re-training
YES NO
Mandatory Theory Lecture
Completed
PASS
RTA Road Test
PASS
RTA Theory Test
YES
When you are reading the handbook, you will notice the word
“must” in bold. That clearly means this is a law that you must obey.
You are breaking the law if you do not follow this information.
Introduction 7
Part 1 9
A License To Drive 9
Steps to Obtain and Keep Your License 9
Expats Driving in Dubai 11
Licenses Recognised by the UAE 12
License Renewal 14
Part 2 15
Learning to Drive 15
Learning to Drive in 5 Stages 16
Your Driving Instructor Will Help You to Learn 17
Theory Training Curriculum 18
Practical Training Curriculum 21
The Challenge of Driving Safely 36
Practice is the Best Way 36
Driving Defensively 37
You Will Continue to Learn for Years .... 41
Part 3 42
Managing Risk 42
Speed 43
Seat Belts 44
Alcohol, Drugs and Medicines 46
Driving in Different Conditions 47
Driving in Fog 49
Driving Safely at Night 51
Driving When Tired 54
Driving When Angry 55
Floods in Dubai 56
Vehicle Maintenance 58
Driver Assistance Systems 59
Light Motor Vehicle Handbook - A Guide to Safe Driving 4
Table of Content
Electric Vehicles 65
Reducing Your Risk of a Crash 67
Mobile Phones and Other Driver Distractions 69
Part 4 70
Road User Safety 70
Dealing with Vulnerable Road Users 75
Sharing the Road With Other Vehicles 79
Giving Way To Emergency Vehicles 84
Dealing with Cyclists on the road 87
Bus & Taxi Lanes in Dubai 95
Dubai Tram and Dubai Metro 99
Signs and Markings Related to Dubai Tram 101
Part 5 106
Rules and Responsibilities 106
Being a Responsible Driver 106
Disciplined Driving 106
What are Road Rules 110
Road Signs 110
Regulatory Signs 111
Warning Signs 116
Road Markings 126
Traffic Control at Intersections 130
Speed Limits 133
Giving Way to Pedestrians 133
Turning 135
Roundabouts 140
Changing Lanes and Overtaking 143
Driving on Freeways 148
Interchanges 150
Safe behavior and your responsibilities in the event of a collision 151
Part 6 153
Driving in Dubai 153
Parking 156
European Countries
Canada USA
African Countries
South Africa
(!) GCC citizens with Emirates ID - license will be taken and sent back to the issuing country by the Drivers Licensing
Department. Holder of GCC license but non GCC citizens, direct to driving test.
(*) License will be taken by the Drivers Licensing Department and sent back to the issuing country.
If a license is not written in Arabic or English, must be legally translated and with a letter from the consulate/embassy.
If you do hold a license from a recognised country and you want to exchange it to a
UAE driver’s license , you must provide these documents:
• A copy of your passport/visa.
• An eye test certificate.
• A passport size photograph.
• UAE National ID (original and copy).
• The fees required – check with the RTA office for current fees.
Note the following requirements:
• Original documents must be presented.
• Licenses from non-English or non-Arabic speaking countries should be
submitted with a notarial certificate in English or Arabic with the photocopy of the
license (valid full license only).
• Permanent licenses for Residence Visas are issued for a period of up to 10 years if
driver is 21 and above, yearly if the driver is below 21.
Changing Your License From a Foreign License to a Permanent Dubai License
(non-recognised countries - Residence Visa only
You will need to undertake driving lessons as determined by the licensing
authority if:
• You hold a driver’s license from countries whose licenses are not recognized by
the UAE, or.
• Your passport and driver’s license have not been issued in the same country.
• Driving Centres will arrange the necessary paperwork and permits.
What you will need to bring:
• Original passport (valid Dubai Residence Visa)/UAE National I.D.
• 1 passport copy with visa page.
• 4 photographs (passport size).
• An affidavit from the consulate stating that you have a valid license of that
country (for non-English/Arabic speaking countries).
• An original license of your country and copy of the same.
Fees
Training Fees vary depending on the Driving Centre so check by contacting individual
centres.
License Renewal
Who are eligible: Individual customers, citizens and residents, are eligible to apply
for this service.
Note: Delays in renewing the driving license for less than 10 years has a fine of AED
10.00 per month, with a maximum of AED 500. If expired for more than
10 years, renewal is allowed only after passing the road test.
Check the RTA website for more information on license renewal: www.rta.ae
Lesson Contents
• Car drivers
• Dubai Tram and related traffic rules
• Pedestrians
3. Characteristics • Heavy vehicle and articulated vehicles
of road users • Motorcyclists
• Cyclists and related traffic rules
• E-scooter riders
• Animals
Lesson Contents
• Night driving
- How our eyes see at night
- Colors affecting visibility
- Headlight and high beams
- Accident at night
• Fog and sand storm
- Visibility and Speed
5. The - Reports on accident causalities
environment • Rain and floods
- Visibility and Aquaplaning
- Braking distance and Following distance
- Assessing the flood waters
- Passing through and thereafter
• Slippery and sandy roads
• Rules of freeways
- Lane discipline
- Dos and Dont’s
6. Driving on
• Common traffic accidents and offences
freeways,
• Planning for suitable route
Traffic
- Sufficient time for journey
violations and
- Selecting best routes
Route plannings
- Detours to avoid congestion
• Eco driving
• ADAS (advance driver assistance system)
Lesson Contents
1.04 • Door check (including child locks), Know how to lock the
Cockpit drill and • Mobile phone switched off • Clean door, child lock and
visibility windscreens/mirrors apply the cockpit drill
1.08
Procedures of turning on engine. Able to turn on the
Safety precautions &
(handbrake, gear, steering lock) engine safely.
turning on the engine
Able to:
• Co-ordinate
accelerator and clutch
1.12 • Friction control / knowing the biting
pedals well. • Identify
Moving off and point (manual cars) • Coordination of
the biting point. • Move
stopping. foot controls to move and stop the car
the vehicle smoothly
with accelerator and
clutch control.
Able to:
1.13 • Prevent the engine
• Preventing a stall by pressing in the
Prevent Stall engine from stalling. • Re-start
clutch • Re-start stalled engine.
(manual vehicles) stall engine quickly and
safely.
Able to:
1.16 • Know when to change gear • Change • Know when to
Gear changing up to 3rd gear • Managing steering change gears • Change
(manual cars) when changing gear up 3rd gear smoothly
without zigzagging
Able to:
1.19 • Smooth braking and stopping at • stop the vehicle
Stopping the car at a a precise spot • Importance of rear within 0.5 m of a target
precise spot observation when stopping • To check the rear view
mirror before stopping.
Able to:
• Actively looking for information
• check mirrors and
2.02 (mirrors, head check) • Communicate
perform head check
Systematic driving your intentions (indicate) at the
• give signals at least 3
procedures (safety appropriate moment • Only move (i.e.
sec in advance
routine) change your speed or direction) when
• Confirm safety before
safe to do so
moving.
Able to pass an
• Scanning for on-coming traffic
2.06 obstacle safely
• Judgment of on-coming traffic
Meeting oncoming by judging and
• Speed adjustment when oncoming
traffic consideration to on-
traffic • Safety routine before passing.
coming traffic.
Able to:
• Accelerate rapidly
and change to up
• Smooth gear changing up to 3rd or
to 4th gear in clear
2.10 4th gear at appropriate speeds
traffic. • For AT, able to
Using higher gears: • Function of 1-2 on automatic gearbox,
‘kick-down’ for power
shifting up and down ‘kick-down’ phenomenon • Know the
and speed. Know the
speed limit on your road
function of 1&2 gear
function. • Obeying the
speed limit.
Able to stop and give
2.11 • Understand the general priority rules
way when required at
Give Way, STOP at junctions • Know the difference
junctions in accordance
signs, priority rules between Give Way and STOP signs
to the mandatory signs.
Able to :
• Know the rules for pedestrian
2.12 • Give way and stop
crossings • Understand why vulnerable
Pedestrian crossings safely for pedestrians
road users are particularly at risk at
and vulnerable road at pedestrian crossings.
junctions • Understand the function and
users • Anticipate vulnerable
rationale of speed humps
road user’s behavior
• Give Way, STOP signs, pedestrian
crossings • Approach phase: MSM Able to:
PSL (mirror-signal-maneuver, • Give way and stop
2.13
positioning-speed-look) • Turning safely for pedestrians.
Approaching
phase (emerging from junction): Gap • Apply standard safety
& emerging at
selection and vulnerable road users procedures • Give way
T-junctions on the
(e.g. motorcyclists), ‘creep and peep’ before entering major
right.
if visibility is restricted • Exit phase: road safely and pick up
Mirrors on entry into new road – Pick up speed thereafter.
speed to match the traffic conditions
• Give Way, STOP signs, pedestrian
crossings • Approach phase: MSM Able to:
PSL (mirror-signal-maneuver, • Give way and stop
2.14
positioning-speed-look) • Turning safely for pedestrians.
Approaching
phase (emerging from junction): Gap • Apply safety routine
& emerging at
selection and vulnerable road users • Give way before
T-junctions on the
(e.g. motorcyclists), ‘creep and peep’ entering major road
left.
if visibility is restricted • Exit phase: safely and pick up
Mirrors on entry into new road – Pick up speed thereafter.
speed to match the traffic conditions
• Adjust speed prior to crossroads Able to enter the
2.15
• Look into crossroads • Oncoming crossroads at a safe
Negotiating
traffic may pull across you (turning left) speed and anticipate
unmarked crossroads
• Proceed when safe dangers
Able to:
• Lane-changing phase: Mirrors –
• Apply the steps in
Check for sufficient gap – Signal – Head
overtaking. • Judge on
check – Mirrors – Maneuver into lane
the on-coming traffic
(positioning/speed) • Stabilization
3.09 accurately to avoid
phase: Mirrors, speed and safety
Overtaking (lane head-on collision
margins after lane change • Return to
change & return to • Accelerate for power
lane: Mirrors – Signal – Head check –
lane) and speed. • Return
Mirrors – maneuver (positioning/speed)
safely to the lane
• Re-stabilization phase: Mirrors, adjust
after overtaking. •
speed and safety margins after lane
Identify areas that are
change
prohibited to overtake.
• Know the appropriate left filter lane
to choose, if more than 1 lane (U-turn,
left-turn, next turn) • Approach phase
(entry into left filter lane and to traffic Able to:
lights): Mirrors – Signal – Maneuver • Position correctly
(adjust positioning and speed) • Turning for left turn. • Ensure
phase (through lights): look into turn – vehicles have stopped
3.10 enter turn when appropriate – maintain before turning.
Turning left at traffic appropriate positioning (lane selection • Turn correctly into the
lights during and after turn, positioning in lane. • Identify dangers
relation to other turning vehicles) and and take preventive
speed – beware of merging traffic from actions. • Regulate
the right • Risk factor: at some traffic speed after the turn
lights, oncoming traffic may also be on
green! • Risk factor: the vehicle in front
may intend to make a U-turn (rear-end
shunt?)
• Understand U-turn signs, including
when prohibited • Identify U-turn (and
STOP) sign, type of U-turn (open,
closed…) in advance • Approach phase:
Able to:
Mirrors – Signal – Adjust positioning
• Position correctly for
& speed • At STOP sign: Positioning
U-turn. • Turn correctly
towards right of lane to create space
3.11 into the lane • Identify
for turn. • Give way to any oncoming
U-turns (at traffic dangers and take
traffic in all lanes (and opposing traffic
lights, open and preventive actions.
if an open U-turn) Judgment of speed
closed) • To return the steering
and distance of approaching vehicle is
without zigzagging.
essential. • At traffic lights: choice of
• Regulate speed after
left-most filter lane for U-turns
the turn.
• Turning phase: Gap selection – look
into turn – choose appropriate lane on
turn – beware of merging traffic from
the right (traffic lights)
• Examples: lane-changing or
Able to:
merging without prior warning or prior
3.13 • Read road users’
observation
Coping with the intentions and react in
• Know that other drivers may not drive
unexpected actions of appropriately.
according to the rules
other road users • Exercise courtesy and
• Giving way to other road users where
consideration to them.
considerate and safe: share the road
Able to:
• Position the vehicle
• Park without ‘DRY
turning’ of steering
wheels
• Understand why it is safer to reverse
• Park without touching
into a garage parking space
the sides and the rear
• Pre-entry phase: observation /
boundary lines and
assessment of parking space on arrival
4.02 poles. • Completely
• Entry phase (in reverse gear):
Garage parking inside the lot.
Positioning of the vehicle before
(90°reverse and to • Complete in 3
reversing – Mirrors – Signal – Maneuver
the right only) minutes.
into the parking space when safe
When leaving, able to:
• Exit phase: Observation (approaching
• Confirm safety by
road users) – Signal – Maneuver out of
looking left and right
the parking space when safe
before moving off.
• Drive out without
touch any of the
boundary lines and
poles.
Able to:
• Position the vehicle
• Park without ‘DRY
turning’ of steering
wheels
• Park without touching
• Pre-entry phase: observation /
the sides and the rear
assessment of parking space on arrival
kerbs and poles.
4.03 • Entry phase: Positioning of the
• Completely inside
Parallel parking vehicle before reversing – Mirrors –
the lot.
(reverse, and to the Signal – Head checks (both sides) – Use
• Complete in 5
right, only) orientation points to reverse into space
minutes.
• Exit phase: Space in front to move
When leaving, able to:
off? – Signal – Head check – Maneuver
• Confirm safety by
looking left and right
before moving off.
• Drive out without
touch any of the kerbs
and poles.
Able to:
4.04 • Move off in the first
Understand the importance of the
Moving off on an or second attempt and
handbrake, correct gear, biting point
incline (forward only, does not roll back by
(manual cars) and effective observation
manual and automatic 30 cm or more.
before moving
cars) • Move off in less than
60 sec after stopping.
Able to
• Perform on public road driving 1. Drive on public road
assessment. drive according to the
• If pass, this is one of the requirements checklist of RTA road
5.01 Internal Road
to book for RTA on-road test test.
Assessment
• If fail, advise on weak areas for 2. Perform all
improvements. maneuvers without
assistance.
Able to perform all the test items according to RTA smart yard test
5.03 RTA Yard Test
system independently
Able to:
• Use ‘Trailblazing
Guide Signs’ and
• Know the routes to a predetermined arrive safely at a given
landmark/point of interest that use landmark/point of
5.04 Dubai routes. interest
Independent driving • Know the use of ‘Trailblazing Guide • Drive independently
on city roads Signs’ (Green Background). by making own
• for 20 hours learners • Independently perform driving decisions when
- minimum 120 maneuvers without instructions. perform driving process
minutes For Training Vehicles with additional e.g. lane positioning,
• for 10 & 15 hours features, able to use: lane change,
learners – minimum • Automotive Navigation system overtaking, signaling
60 minutes • Blind spot assist / monitor etc.
• Parking Sensor/Reverse camera/ For Training Vehicles
Automatic parking with additional
features:
• Able to safely use
additional features.
Each type of driving condition presents a different challenge and therefore requires a
different approach to driving.
You may find yourself driving on roads:
• Congested with traffic, or with traffic traveling at high speed, or in the desert.
• With a variety of road signs.
• With different speeds.
• With changing weather conditions.
• At different times of the day, such as sunrise, sunset and night.
• With a range of different road users, such as pedestrians, motorcyclists, cyclists,
truck and bus drivers, scooter riders and delivery riders..
You need to watch carefully all the time in case other road users make mistakes. The
ability to adjust to the situation is essential and this can only be developed through
practice.
Driving Defensively
Defensive driving goes beyond knowing the rules of the road and the basic
mechanics of driving. It aims to reduce the risk of driving by training drivers to
recognise dangerous situations early enough to avoid them, despite difficult
conditions or the mistakes of others. It is based on effective all around observation
and good anticipation and control of both yourself and your vehicle.
It is about always anticipating the actions of other road users and being prepared for
the unexpected so you are not taken by surprise.
Driving with Responsibility, Care, Consideration and Courtesy to others will help
to reduce the risks. Looking 15 – 20 vehicles ahead will help you identify possible
dangers and will give you more time to react. Always drive at a safe distance from
the vehicle ahead, and keep looking for changes of speed and position of other
drivers. Driving too close makes you less aware of possible dangers, and lessens your
reaction time if anything should happen suddenly. Always travel at the correct speed
and in the correct gear for the conditions you are faced with. If other drivers make
mistakes, help them instead of making it harder for them. In the same way you would
like them to help you when you are in difficulty.
Remember you may make mistakes as well and may need other drivers’ help one
day. Remember the following:
• CONCENTRATION – Concentrate on driving 100% of the time.
• OBSERVATION – Scan in front, beside and behind you.
• ANTICIPATION – Anticipate hazards early.
• COMMUNICATION – Let other motorists know what you intend to do. Use your
turn signals, horn, stoplights, headlights, hazard flashers and maintain your lane
position.
Look at the above scenario and see if you can identify the possible driving hazards.
Speed
The faster you go the
IMPORTANT RULE! more likely you are to
have a crash. Speed
You must not exceed 60 -
also increases how
the maximum speed serious a crash will be.
50 - For example, a driver
shown on a sign, taking
traveling at 65 km/h
into consideration the Relative risk 40 -
in a 60 km/h zone is
road, weather and vehicle 30 - twice as likely to have
conditions and related 20 - a serious crash as a
safety requirements. driver traveling at the
10 -
speed limit. Driving at
0- 70km/h in a 60km/h
(Article 10.10, UAE Federal Traffic 60 65 70 75 80 85
zone, the driver is more
Speed (km/h)
Law Number 21, 1995) than 4 times as likely
to crash.
It is important not to exceed the legal speed limit of the road or your vehicle. In Dubai,
this means traveling at no faster than 40, 60 or 80km/h on urban roads (depending
on the road) and 100 or 120km/h on highways (depending on the highway). Observe
speed limits on all roads as they may change. You should always travel at a speed
that will allow enough time for you to slow down or stop, if necessary, easily and
safely.
Speed makes a big difference to how long it will take you to stop. The faster you go
the longer it will take you to stop.
At 60 km/h 33 metres
Modern cars hide the sensation of speed. Many cars are An average car
so comfortable to travel in that it is difficult for drivers traveling at 60 km/h
to judge how fast they are going. You need to be aware may take up to 33
metres to stop under
of this. Keep checking the speedometer in your vehicle
normal road conditions.
to make sure you are not exceeding the speed limit. As At 100km/h it may
a new driver, speeding is even more risky as it is more take up to 87 metres
difficult to do all the things you have to do when you drive. to stop and at 120
Remember, you need to: km/h 130 metres (the
length of 6 to 7 cricket
• Scan the roads for possible hazards. pitches or about 11/2
• Check your speedometer. soccer pitches). A larger
• Adjust your speed to the conditions. vehicle will take even
longer to stop.
Seat Belts
Seat belts do save lives.
Wearing a seat belt correctly helps to keep you safe in a crash. Seat belts are
designed to be worn on the bony structure of the body across the front of the pelvis,
chest and shoulders. The sash part of the belt should not be in contact with the neck
and the lap section needs to be worn across the hips. The seat belt:
• Must be firmly adjusted - This is to provide the protection it has been designed
for. A slack belt will greatly reduce protection to the wearer
• Must not be twisted.
• Must only restrain one occupant.
It is important to put your seat belt on as soon as you are seated in your vehicle and
wear it at all times even if you are only driving a short distance. As a driver, you must
wear your seat belt.
Seat belts hold you securely in place. If you are a driver, this helps you control the car
in a crash situation.
Sun Glare
Dubai has a very warm climate and is sunny most of the year. However, it can be hard
to see the road ahead when you are driving into bright sunlight at sunrise or sunset.
Slow down at these times and be aware of the traffic and possible hazards around
you. Wear sunglasses when you are driving in bright sunlight and use the sun visor in
your vehicle to help reduce the glare.
Driving in Rain
Rain makes the road surfaces slippery, making
driving dangerous. Slow down especially during
the first few minutes. The first rain after a long
IMPORTANT
dry period makes the road surface slippery as oil RULE!
and dirt are washed to the surface. Until further
You must use lights
rain washes these away, skidding can occur. Slow
during the day when
down and always keep your distance from the
visibility is poor.
vehicle in front. (Article 63, UAE Federal Traffic Law
In heavy rain it may be difficult to see and the Number 21, 1995)
Aquaplaning
Aquaplaning occurs due to a combination of
speed, tyre pressure, tyre condition and depth of
water. Because of this, the steering may become
unresponsive. Aquaplaning is where
Avoid aquaplaning by reducing your speed to less than there is too much
80 km/h. Over this speed you significantly increase water on the road or
your chances of aquaplaning. Travel in the tracks of you are going too fast
the vehicle in front of you, but stay back by at least 4 in the wet. Your tyres
seconds. Try and stay in the middle lanes if possible, as may ride on the top of
water will tend to gather in the outside lanes first. the water like water
If you do aquaplane: skis and you can lose
control of your vehicle.
• Check your mirrors.
• Put on your hazard lights.
• Grip the wheel firmly and avoid braking or accelerating.
• Reduce your speed gradually by releasing the accelerator.
• Once you feel your vehicle under control either brake gently or accelerate gently.
• Check the mirrors for other vehicles getting too close.
Good tyres will help to prevent aquaplaning.
Most tyre treads have patterns that are
designed to allow water to pass through
the grooves without losing grip on the road.
Bald tyres do not have grooves, so the water
builds up in front of them. Check that your
tyres are in good condition. Even with good
tyres it is important to adjust your speed
after heavy rain.
Driving in Fog
Fog is like a cloud at ground level. It forms when the temperature drops very low and
invisible water vapor in the air condenses to form suspended water droplets. Fog can
be patchy. It can be very dense in some areas and light in some. This creates visibility
problems and very dangerous driving conditions. Fog usually comes during early
mornings on the months when the weather is changing (start or end of summer in the
UAE). Learn the Dos and Dont’s on how to drive in the fog safely:
Dos
• Drive slower than usual during foggy conditions
• Make sure the full lighting system of your vehicle is turned on.
• Use your low beam headlights. High beams reflect off the moisture droplets in
the fog, making it harder to see. If you have fog lights on your vehicle, use them,
in addition to your low beams. They will increase your visibility and could save
your life.
• Be patient. Avoid passing, changing lanes and/or crossing traffic.
• Use pavement markings to help guide you. Use the right edge of the road as a
guide, rather than the centre line.
• Increase your following distance. You will need extra distance to brake safely.
• Look and listen for any hazards that may be ahead.
• Reduce distractions in your vehicle. For example, turn off the cell phone . . . your
full attention is required for driving.
• Watch out for any electronically operated warning signs.
Dont’s
• Don’t stop in the middle of the road. You could become the first link in a chain
reaction collision.
• Don’t make sudden stops. The vehicles behind you may not be able to see you in
time.
• Don’t speed up suddenly, even if the fog seems to be clearing. You could find
yourself back in fog.
• Don’t speed up to pass a vehicle moving slowly or to get away from a vehicle
that is following too closely.
• Don’t continue driving if the fog is too dense and the visibility is greatly reduced.
Remember, to be late is better than not to arrive at all.
Remember
• Watch your speed. You may be going faster than you think. If so, reduce speed
gradually.
• Leave a safe braking distance between you and the vehicle ahead.
• Remain calm and patient. Don’t pass other vehicles
or speed up suddenly. Slow down, adjust
• Don’t stop on the road. If visibility is decreasing your speed and allow
rapidly, pull off the road into a safe parking area and enough space from the
wait for the fog to lift. vehicle in front of you.
• When visibility is reduced, use your low beam lights.
Headlights on high-beam help you see further. They should only be used:
• On highways without lighting,
not in areas with street lighting. IMPORTANT RULE!
• When the view is not clear High beam lights must only be used on
enough to drive safely. highways which do not have overhead
Because high beam may dazzle the lighting when needed to improve the
oncoming driver’s eyes, you should view ahead. They must not be used
‘dip’ to low-beam when another when another vehicle is coming from
vehicle is within sight. the opposite direction.
(Article 65, Executive By-Law, UAE Federal Traffic Law
You should also dip your headlights Number 21, 1995)
when you are approaching another
vehicle from behind.
Look to the right side of the road and Obey the road laws at all times
drive towards the right of your lane and remember to be prepared for
if a car with high beam on is coming the mistakes of other drivers.
towards you. If you are dazzled by
the lights, slow down and pull over until you can see again.
Many modern vehicles are fitted with night mirrors to reduce the possibility of being
dazzled by the lights of a vehicle behind. Learn how to use this mirror and make sure
that it is adjusted so that you can still see behind you while having the glare reduced.
Negotiating bends
Before entering a bend, reduce speed. If
your speed is too fast, centrifugal force
will push the vehicle outwards. Avoid
hard braking at the bend, as the wheels
can easily lock and slide the vehicle out
of control.
At the bend, maintain a safe speed. Do
not accelerate excessively, you will have
difficulties in keeping within the lane.
Line of vision
Look out for traffic or hazards before, and at the bend. Equally important is the space
after the bend which may not be easily visible. Scan for things like spilled oil, sand,
leaves etc. that can affect the tyre grip on the road.
Floods in Dubai
Flooding in Dubai occurs very rarely as heavy rains are not very common. But when
heavy rains come, heavy flooding also happens in many areas of the city.
Drivers need to be extra cautious when driving through flooded areas as it is difficult
to guess how deep the water really is. You can only see the surface of the water, you
can not see if there are hidden dangers in the path you are taking like sharp objects or
deep holes.
To be safe and if at all possible, it is best to avoid driving through floods. But if you
must drive through flood, do so carefully keeping in mind the following:
• For regular saloon cars, check if the flood water is above 50% of the tire height
and if this is the case, do not drive through. There is a very good chance that
water may enter the exhaust pipe and stall the engine.
• Do not drive through fast moving water even if the water level is at or below
50% of the tire height. The force of the flood water may sweep your car away.
• Engage low gear, drive slowly while maintaining smooth acceleration and
revving the engine (by slipping the clutch) to prevent the water from entering the
exhaust pipe.
• Show courtesy. Driving at speeds through flood can cause water to splash on the
sides and soak other motorists or pedestrians.
Vehicle I
G
Maintenance G
H
Carrying out simple checks on C
your car may save your life and F D
A
will also save you money. E
Check that the following parts of your vehicle are in good working order
Tyre pressure and tread depth need to be checked and
A Tyres maintained at safe levels. Safe tyres should have at least
1.5mm of tread depth. Always check tyres when cold.
B Headlights Check that both high and low beam work.
Tail lights, Brake lights
C Reverse lights Parking lights
Check that both lights work.
IMPORTANT RULE!
Your vehicle must not be driven unless it is in good mechanical condition.
(Article 34, UAE Federal Traffic Law Number 21, 1995)
Operating conditions: CCC usually only works above a certain minimum speed. CCC
is best suited to driving on long, sparsely populated roads without frequent stops
or turns (e.g. highways). It should not be used in dense traffic or hazardous weather
conditions.
CCC can be useful to drivers who want to avoid violating speed limits.
• Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), uses the same sensor technology, but
goes a step further by applying the brakes if a critical situation is detected, and
the driver does not take action after a warning has been issued. Some systems
apply full braking force, others an elevated level. Either way, the intention is to
reduce the speed with which a collision takes place. Some systems deactivate as
soon as they detect avoidance action being taken by the driver.
Operating conditions: The functionality of both systems can be affected under the
following conditions:
• The road has sharp bends
• Visibility is poor due to adverse conditions (heavy rain, snow, fog)
• Bright light (sunlight or headlight from oncoming cars)
• Obstruction of the sensors
Parking Assistance
Purpose: A driver comfort system that moves a vehicle from a
traffic lane into a parking spot to perform parallel, perpendicular, or
angle parking.
How it works: Automatic parking systems use ultrasonic sensors,
radar or cameras typically installed on front and rear bumper of
the vehicle to detect open parking spaces and objects around the
vehicle. The parking maneuver is completed by coordinated control of the steering
angle and speed, which takes into account the actual situation in the environment to
ensure collision-free motion within the available space.
When the system is engaged, the vehicle scans for a suitable spot at a low speed
and subsequently alerts the driver, who can stay in the vehicle or get out and use a
remote to finish the parking job. The car then backs itself in to the parking space. The
car automatically switches gears, accelerates, steers and brakes.
Operating conditions: The driver should monitor the safety of the maneuver and
intervene, if necessary.
Electric Vehicles
Electric vehicles include cars, transit buses, trucks of all sizes, and even big-rig
tractor-trailers that are at least partially powered by electricity.
Electric cars fall into three main categories:
2 seconds
Think Ahead
Remember when you are driving to keep your eyes moving and to scan the traffic
scene. Look well into the distance, to both sides and in your mirrors. This takes a lot of
practice. You also need to think about what other road users may do.
Plan your trips before you start out and where possible, use roads that are familiar to
you. Use a street directory to plan ahead if you are traveling somewhere that is not
familiar to you. This helps to reduce your stress while driving.
Other Distractions
Many cars today also have built-in navigation systems, high quality audio systems, TV
and DVD players. All of these electronic devices create distractions for drivers, which
can cause crashes.
Taking your eyes off the road to change the radio station, adjust the navigation
system display, scroll through your mobile phone’s numbers looking for a name
to call or sending an SMS all take time. In that time you may have missed a hazard
which could have resulted in a serious crash.
Plan your route before you leave so that you do not have to adjust the navigational
system or read a map. Preset your radio, CD and air-conditioning system and do not
engage in complex or emotional conversations. All of these things will help you to
arrive at your destination safely.
Attitude in Driving
Our attitude influences the way we drive
and react to other drivers. Many dangerous Attitude is a complex
traffic violations – such as beating the red mental state involving
light, tailgating, over speeding and weaving in our beliefs, feelings,
and out of traffic without indicating – are not values and our
the result of bad driving skills. They are due tendency to act in certain ways.
to the bad attitude of the driver. Aggressive
driving style is not only dangerous, it also increases fuel consumption, adds to traffic
congestion and makes driving more stressful.
Littering
‘Throwing waste from vehicles onto roads’ is
an offence in Dubai.
It may appear a simple act of flicking a
cigarette but, if it lands on a motorcyclist,
cyclist or even vehicles with goods, this act
becomes dangerous.
Any debris on the road that we run over or
avoid, can create serious damage to the
vehicle and unpredictable reaction by other
road users. A chain collision can happen.
The fine for such an act is Dhs 1000 and 6
black points.
We also want our Dubai roads to be clean for
the image of a world class city.
Merging
When merging onto the main road, signal your
intention and adjust for appropriate speed
once you enter the slip road leading to main
stream of traffic.
Check traffic on the main road
When safe to do so, build up your speed to
match the speed of the vehicles already on
the main road. Check your mirrors, judge the
speed of other vehicles ensuring that you can
safely merge. Confirm safety by checking the
blind spot and merge smoothly.
Whenever possible, do not drive to the end
of the slip road and merge in. The distance
on the slip road is meant to give you room
to accelerate and merge smoothly without
disrupting the flow of traffic. If you start to
accelerate from the end of the slip road, you
may disrupt the flow of traffic and force other drivers to perform evasive maneuvers.
If it is not safe, you should stop at start of the slip road.
Dont’s:
• Rush them.
• Assume they will move quickly.
• Blast your horn in their presence.
• Rev up or speed up where there are school children or at school areas or near
school buses.
• Ignore the priority rule.
Cyclists - important Information
• Cyclists have priority
• They do not have any protection (unlike drivers or passengers in the car).
• They may be difficult to see especially at night.
• On busy streets, cyclists may ride counter to your direction.
• On bumpy roads or sandy road surface, the cyclist may wobble and fall on your
path.
• Like pedestrians, cyclists may also be unpredictable
• Cyclists may come from any direction, even between parked cars.
• They may have different orientation of traffic.
• Cyclists speed may reach up to 20 kph.
• There are designated bike lanes in many areas across Dubai.
Do’s and Dont’s when dealing with Cyclists
Do’s:
• Use caution when turning.
• Check your mirrors before opening your door (if you are exiting your vehicle).
• Give priority, give way or stop if necessary.
• Be more cautious when driving at night.
• Stay out of bike lanes.
• Anticipate sudden movements or change of direction.
• Hold steering firmly with two hands for better control of your vehicle.
Dont’s:
• Assume the cyclist has seen you.
• Blast your horn when so close to the cyclist.
• Rev up or speed up where there are cyclists on busy streets.
• Ignore the priority rule.
• If you need to pass a motorcycle, pass in the same way as you would pass a car
by providing enough space. The turbulence created by a speeding car can make the
motorcycle unstable and even lose control. Small obstacles on the road like humps,
small stones and potholes may cause the rider to make sudden evasive maneuvers
which can affect you.
• Be aware that motorcycles may be able to accelerate and/or stop faster than a car.
This is important if you are following a motorcycle that may be able to stop suddenly
in case of emergency and cause you to run into it.
Do’s
• Look out for motorcyclists. If you do not, you may not see them.
• Provide ample space and check your blind spots for motorcycles especially when
changing lanes or turning at T-junctions.
• Provide increased following distance, allowing the rider time to maneuver safely in
case of emergency.
• Signal your intention when turning and keep a good look out for motorcycles
• Anticipate the motorcycle’s maneuvers especially when approaching a busy area.
The rider may change lane to prepare for upcoming traffic and road conditions.
• Watch carefully at intersections and be more of certain of the rider’s intention before
making your move.
Dont’s
• Share the space with motorcycle in a lane
• Pass too close to the motorcycle
• Tail gate a motorcycle, this may intimidate the rider and may result to loss of
control.
• Turn without indicating and confirming it is safe for all road users.
IMPORTANT RULE!
You must immediately give way to emergency vehicles which have either a siren
sounding or flashing red and blue lights by keeping to the right side of the road,
reducing speed and stopping if necessary. Priority must also be given to military
vehicles when they proceed as convoys.
(Article 4, Executive By-Law, UAE Federal Traffic Law Number 21, 1995)
On Highways
ON INTERNAL ROADS
AT ROUNDABOUTS
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
Bicycles in the road are considered vehicles and should behave as though they were
vehicles on the street, riding in the same direction as other traffic that is going their
way and following the same traffic rules. As we know, this not always the case.
Respect the right of way of Cyclists because they are entitled to share the road with
you. Motorists tend to think of cyclists as ‘’in their way,” Rather, they should think of
them as equals, just as entitled to the roadway as drivers are.
30
This indicates that the road or portion of
the road ahead is set for shared cyclists and
vehicles.
‘Bicycle Shared Ending’ Marking
Indicates that the road or portion of the
road ahead is no longer set for shared with
cyclists and vehicles
- He is small in profile.
- No headlight
- No reflective vest
- You misjudged his speed and distance.
Do not turn in a hurry. Ensure you check and double
check before making the right turn, you will see the
cyclist.
4. Anticipate Cyclist Behavior: Forecasting their actions could save lives. Not all
cyclists are experienced riders. They may not be aware of the
traffic rules and dangers of the road.
5. Give Cyclists Safe Clearance: it is necessary for motorists to give bicycles on the
road at one and half (1.5) meter of space. Cyclists really appreciate this comfort zone.
6. Group of cyclists. These cyclists may be riding a breast to each other or in a single
line. Perhaps occasionally they may be overtaking one another.
Before you open the door, look out the side view mirror on the driver side and be
sure no one is approaching. While the driver can take a few seconds to look in the
rear-view mirrors or a cyclist is approaching, a cyclist has no sure way to anticipate
whether a driver inside a parked car is about to open the door.
You need to know where a truck or bus driver’s blind spots are:
• Beside the truck’s left door.
• Directly behind the truck for quite a IMPORTANT RULE!
distance - if you cannot see the truck
You must slow down or stop if
driver in the truck’s mirror, then the truck
necessary to allow the school
driver cannot see you. buses or public buses to stop when
• Immediately in front of the truck. passengers get in or get off the bus.
You must not impede them or drive
Avoid driving on a blind spot of a truck or bus
between them and the footpath.
driver. Move to a position well in front of or (Article 66, Executive By-Law, UAE Federal
behind the truck or bus, where the driver can Traffic Law, Number 21, 1995)
see you.
Blind
Spot
Blind
Blind Spot
Spot
Blind
Spot
Stopping Distances
Avoid driving on a blind spot of a truck or bus driver. Move to a position well in front of
or behind the truck or bus, where the driver can see you.
Consider buying a cover if you do not often haul large bulky items in your truck. It
doesn’t take long to secure a tarpaulin or cargo netting over a pickup truck bed. Not
only do covers improve fuel economy and keep your goods clean and dry, they keep
your load secure.
Modified Vehicles
Drivers should be aware that modified vehicles can be dangerous for drivers and
passengers. For example, vehicles with raised suspension and over-size tyres can
become unstable, difficult to brake and prone to rollovers. Other modifications pose
similar risks. Auto manufacturers warn against modifications in owners’ manuals, and
some spare parts companies include warnings with their products.
Towing a Trailer
Towing a trailer will change the way your car performs. Acceleration will be slower
and stopping will take longer, particularly when going downhill. The car may not go
around bends as well and the trailer will cut in more on tight corners. Side winds and
passing traffic (particularly large trucks) may affect stability as may bumps in the road.
As a result, towing a trailer can be more stressful and tiring for the driver.
When towing a trailer you should:
• Avoid using fast lanes.
• Make sure that your trailer is fitted with brake lights and that they are in good
working order.
• Maintain a greater space to the vehicle in front to allow for the longer stopping
distance.
• Provide extra distance when overtaking other vehicles as this will take much
longer.
• Select a lower gear on long or steep downhill grades to increase control and
conserve the brakes.
• Avoid sudden lane changes or swerving to reduce the risk of the trailer
developing uncontrolled sideways movement (sway).
• Not apply the brakes (except as an absolute last resort) if the trailer starts
swaying.
If your trailer starts swaying a steady speed or slight acceleration should be
maintained until the sway has ceased. Alternatively, if the trailer brakes can be
applied independently, gentle application of the
trailer brakes will restore stability. Overloading a trailer can
Take more frequent rest breaks or driver changes, cause serious injury or
and check the condition of the car and trailer. equipment damage.
IMPORTANT RULE!
No person may:
• Place or cause litter to be placed on the Tramway line.
• Put up advertising materials on the Tramway or in the vicinity of the Tramway
other than advertising materials authorized in accordance with the law.
• Interfere with any infrastructure, except in emergency to avoid damage or injury.
IMPORTANT RULE!
No pedestrian may cross the Tramway line except:
• At a clearly marked crossing point.
• In the area designated in accordance with a By-law under this Regulation as an
area where crossing is allowed.
• No person may enter a restricted area unless that person has the valid prior
authorization of an operator or some other legal right to enter.
•
Warning Signs
TRAM OR RAILWAY TRAM OR RAILWAY TRAM
CROSSING TO THE CROSSING TO THE CROSSING
RIGHT LEFT AHEAD
50m
These signs warn the driver of vehicles that if they This sign warns the driver of vehicles that
intend to turn right or left they will cross a tram there is a tram route ahead and that trams
route or railway line. A supplementary plate may be may cross from right-to-left, or left-to-right.
attached below the signs indicating the distance to The plate below the sign indicating the
the tram or railway crossing distance to the tram crossing.
This signs warns pedestrians that they A bus or tram route may involve a single
are about to cross a bus or tram right-of- loop line with one direction of travel. If it
way respectively. They must look in both is intended that a single bus or tram line
directions, to right and left, to ensure may be used in either direction, then this
that no trams or bus is approaching signs may be provided to indicate the
before proceeding to cross the tram or actual direction of approach of the next
bus route. bus or tram.
RAISED TABLE
INTERSECTION TRAM BOX JUNCTION
Warning Markings
Warning pavement markings warn road users of
the existing hazardous or potentially hazardous
conditions. Warning markings do not carry a
mandatory requirement for specific action. However,
these markings do convey a message of warning and
willful disregards of those warnings may constitute a
violation when road users fail to maintain adequate
and safe control of their vehicle.
Speed Hump Marking
This is to warn drivers of the presence of a speed
hump in the roadway.
The SPEED HUMP marking comprise of yellow
triangular areas arranged at the entry up slope of the
speed hump and the long axes of the triangle are
aligned in the direction of travel.
The RAISED TABLE PEDESTRIAN CROSSING is
usually combined with the SPEED HUMP marking.
Railway or Tram Level Crossing Ahead
This marking is to provide warning to drivers that
the lane in which they are traveling is about to cross
railway or tram line(s), or that after turning from
the lane in which they are traveling they will cross
railway or tram line(s).
Driver should exercise high degree of care and
Disciplined Driving
Driving is a complex task. You are interacting with many other road users, particularly
when you are driving in busy cities, such as Dubai. Safety depends on driving in an
orderly, disciplined way.
Planning
You need to know in advance where you are going before you start your journey.
Spend some time planning your route so that you know what turns you should be
taking and what lanes you should be traveling in.
Observing
Once you know where you should be going, keep an eye out for landmarks and
most importantly directional signs. These will tell you well in advance what lane you
should be traveling in to make your next turn. Many of these signs are positioned
close together, so anticipate where they are likely to be and be ready to look at them
closely.
IMPORTANT RULE!
You must drive carefully to prevent exposing other vehicles to any harm. You must
indicate clearly your desire of changing direction by using the vehicle indicators
when leaving or entering traffic, changing lanes right or left, turning right or left,
making a U turn or reversing.
You must ensure that you do not expose yourself or others to danger Take into
consideration all other road users
Let other road users know of your intention of changing lanes by hand signals or
with the vehicle indicators
(Article 59, Executive By-Law, UAE Federal Traffic Law Number 21, 1995)
appropriately.
Road signs provide information to road users in three ways:
• As a regulation or road law (which must be obeyed by law).
• As a warning.
• As a guide.
Regulatory Signs
Regulatory signs are used to control the actions of road users. They tell you what you
must or must not do. Failure to obey a sign is an offence.
The types of regulatory signs are:
• Control signs - show right of way priority or direction of travel.
• Mandatory signs - indicate actions that must be taken.
• Prohibitory signs - indicate prohibited actions or objects.
• Parking control signs - regulate parking and stopping.
• Freeway control signs - indicate roads classified as freeways.
You are breaking the law if you do not follow these signs. The only exception is when
a police officer is directing traffic and he must be obeyed. Regulatory signs can be
blue and white or red and white.
Control signs
Control signs are used to assign right of way priority or direction of
travel. Here are some examples of control signs:
You must give way to You must You must not enter You must
pedestrians give way this road stop
Mandatory Signs
Mandatory signs are used to indicate to road users actions which they must take.
Here are some examples of mandatory signs:
Ahead only Turn right only Pass either side Keep right Keep left
Prohibitory Signs
These signs are used to indicate to road users actions that they must not take, or
which are prohibited. Here are some examples of prohibitory signs:
You must not You must not You must not exceed You must not
turn left turn right 80km/h speed limit overtake
No Hazardous
No Goods Vehicles No Pedestrians No Cyclists
Materials
Prohibition of vehicles
You must not use your Maximum Height
exceeding the maximum No ‘U’turn
horn Limits
gross weight indicated
5,5t
No Goods Vehicles Maximum Length
No overtaking No entry for buses
exceeding 10 15m
10 t
15
m
2t
06:00 -
22:00
08:00-13:00 2 hr
No Stopping
These signs tell you that you must not stop at the curb for any reason.
You must obey the signs.
You must not wait or park in the areas You must not wait or park in the areas
shown by the arrow(s) during the times
shown by the arrow(s). shown on the sign.
Warning Signs
Warning sings alert road users to potentially hazardous conditions. Sometimes these
hazards are hidden. Warning signs are divided into 3 groups:
• Advance warning signs
• Hazard marker signs
• Diagrammatic warning signs
Dual carriageway
Curve in the road to Curve in the road Curves or bends
ends (two lanes join -
the left to the right (slow in the road (drive
beware of oncoming
(slow down) down) carefully)
traffic)
Quayside or
Road works ahead Tunnel Loose chippings
river bank ahead
Risk of falling
Slippery Road Speed Hump
rocks
Two-way traffic
Road narrows Road narrows Right lane ends
crosses one-wayroad
onthe left ahead onboth sides ahead ahead
ahead
Diversion to
Other dangers Left-hand
Uneven road oppositecarriageway
ahead laneclosed ahead
ahead
U-Turn Ahead -
Maximum Maximum
Except for Heavy Maximum Width
Headroom length with
Vehicles
4.2m
15m
2.4
m
Tram or Railway
Tram or Railway Railway A Road may be
Crossing to the
Crossing to the Left Crossing Ahead closed by a Gate
Right
40
100m
Guide Signs
Guide signs provide direction. They include information about route numbers, street
names and destinations and are generally in both Arabic and English. These signs:
• Enable drivers to find their destinations.
• Avoid confusing drivers with too much information.
• Present drivers with predictable information.
• Give drivers advance notice so that directional changes can be made safely.
The colors that are used in the background of guide signs are:
• Blue – located on national routes and include the Emirates route emblem.
• Green – located on local Dubai routes and include the Dubai route emblem.
• White – these show local points, roads or destinations.
• Brown – provide additional information including symbols to describe the
destination.
The signs below are examples of the emblems used on guide signs:
To Umm Suqeim
To Jumeira, via Dubai
To Umm Suqeim. and Umm Al Sheif,
route 94. Drive
Turn left. via Emirates route
straight ahead.
11, turn right.
Supplementary
300m 200m 100m information signs
Parking Hospital
Count-down markers (normally with sign
No.212)
Reflective marker
Parking for Diplomat Diversion of Other supplementary
posts indicating edge
Cars Only traffic route information signs
of carriage way
Reduce speed
Lane ahead open Lane ahead closed
now
Comprehensive Signs
Beginning of End of
End of Tunnel
Neighborhood Neighborhood
Attention
Alternative
Routs 150m
Road Markings
Road markings provide visual information to road users to help control and regulate
the flow of traffic. As with roads signs, road markings help to keep you and other road
users safe on the road and must be obeyed where required.
Road markings will be either yellow or white.
There are three types of road markings: IMPORTANT RULE!
Every road user must respect
• Regulatory - these road markings must be
the traffic regulations and
obeyed by law. standards, follow the signs,
• Warning - these road markings should be signals and instructions of
observed appropriately as they serve as the police officer and behave
cautiously, so his conduct will
warnings of hazardous driving conditions not harm others, expose them to
ahead. danger or block their movement.
(Article 1, Executive By-Law, UAE Federal
• Guidance - these road markings help guide Traffic law Number 21, 1995)
your travel.
Regulatory Road Markings
These road markings tell you what actions you can
or cannot do. They will be either white or yellow. IMPORTANT RULE!
You must obey these road markings. You are You must not cross a single solid
breaking the law if you do not. line on the road which is dividing
traffic.
No Passing Line (Article 58, Executive By-Law, UAE Federal
Traffic law Number 21, 1995)
This is a solid line on the road as shown in the
diagram below. You must not cross this line to
overtake another vehicle or to turn (except in the case of an emergency).
Stop Line
If you are approaching an intersection with a Stop sign or traffic signals, you will also
have a white Stop line painted across your lane.
In the case of a Stop sign and Stop line, you must IMPORTANT RULE!
come to a complete stop before the line. In the a pedestrian crossing indicated by
case of traffic signals and a Stop line, you must road markings and traffic lights
not cross this line unless you have a green traffic or a police officer. If you are not
allowed to pass, you must stop
signal. Always make sure the intersection is clear
before the crossing, and when
and it is safe to proceed before doing so. the signals indicate that you
may go, you must wait until the
Give Way Line crossing is clear. Where there are
no pedestrian crossing signals or
Where there is a Give Way sign, there will also be police officers at a crossing,
a broken white line across the path of approaching you must slow down while
traffic. You must ‘Give Way’ to any vehicle or approaching and give the way to
pedestrian crossing your path. Slow down and pedestrians.
(Article 35, Executive By-Law, UAE Federal
stop if necessary to avoid a collision. Always make Traffic Law Number 21, 1995)
sure the intersection is clear and it is safe to
Pedestrian Crossings
Pedestrian crossings are marked with thick
white lines across the crossing to make the
crossing clearly visible to pedestrians and
drivers. You must give way to pedestrians
crossing at a pedestrian crossing.
Box Junctions
Large intersections are marked with a large
yellow box with diagonal squares. This is
known as a box junction. It is to indicate
to drivers that they must not block the
intersection when traffic is heavily
congested. Signs will warn drivers not to
queue across the intersection.
Rumble Strips
Lines painted on raised strips across the
road, known as ‘rumble strips’, warn
drivers that they are approaching a hazard
such as a roundabout or pedestrian
crossing. Drivers can see the rumble
strips, hear a rumble and feel a vibration
if they drive over them. This acts as a warning and is helpful for drivers on a long drive,
who may be feeling tired or sleepy if they have not had a rest.
Speed Humps
Broken yellow lines completely across the full width of the road and shoulder warn
motorists that there is a speed hump in the roadway. Speed hump warning signs will
be used to give advance warning about the speed hump.
Be alert for pedestrians, as they may use this as a crossing point.
IMPORTANT RULE!
If there is not a policeman organising traffic, or any traffic sign for the same purpose on
junctions or crossroads, the priority of crossing must be given to vehicles coming from a main
road. Where there is a roundabout, priority shall be given to whoever is coming from the left.
(Article 6, UAE Federal Traffic Law Number 21, 1995)
Do not force your way in. Remember, safety is more important than priority.
Speed Limits
Speed limit signs tell you the maximum and, in some cases, the minimum speeds
you can drive when driving condition is good.
Current Dubai rules for speed limits are as follows, unless you see a sign that tells you
otherwise:
• Parking area or service road - 25km/h. Urban IMPORTANT RULE!
single carriageway - 40 km/h. You must not drive a vehicle at a
rate of speed greater than the one
• Urban dual carriageway - 60km/h or 80km/h
shown on the sign. Respect the
(as signed). speed limit in any situation and
• Rural roads - 100k/mh. be capable of slowing down and
stopping safely.
• Freeways - 120km/h (light vehicles), 80km/h (Article 38, Executive By-Law, UAE Federal
(heavy vehicles). Minimum speed 60km/h. Traffic Law Number 21, 1995)
At Pedestrian Crossings
Flashing yellow lights are used at some pedestrian
crossings. When you are faced with a flashing
yellow light, proceed with caution and look out
for pedestrians who may want to cross the road.
The lights will change to red when the pedestrian
approaches
IMPORTANT RULE!
You must slow down while approaching a pedestrian
crossing indicated by road markings and traffic lights or
where a police officer is controlling movement of traffic.
In the case that there are neither signals nor police
officers, you must stop and give way to pedestrians.
(Article 35, Executive By-Law, UAE Federal Traffic Law Number 21, 1995)
At Intersections
IMPORTANT RULE!
When turning left or right at any intersection, you must
give way to any pedestrians crossing the road you are
turning into.
(Article 36, Executive By-Law, UAE Federal Traffic Law Number 21, 1995)
In Slip Lanes
You must give way to pedestrians using a crossing
on a slip lane.
On the Footpath
IMPORTANT RULE!
You must give way to pedestrians who are walking on a
footpath if you are going to turn across it.
(Article 36, Executive By-Law, UAE Federal Traffic Law Number 21, 1995)
Turning
Plan early whether turning or changing lanes. Decide in advance the correct position
your vehicle needs to be in prior to the turn or lane change. Remember to confirm all
around safety and use your indicators correctly.
Remember to confirm safety and use indicators when making the turn. Look for safe
gap among other vehicles, do not force your way in. This will avoid conflict with other
drivers.
Making Left Turns on Single Lane Roads Without Traffic Lights
Approach the intersection as close to the centre of the road as possible.
If there is a Stop sign or line, or a Give Way sign or line, at the intersection you
must give way to any vehicle in or entering the
intersection, or coming towards you except:
• A vehicle turning right using a slip lane
• A vehicle coming towards you which is turning
left if that vehicle is also facing a Stop or Give
Way sign or line.
If there is no Stop or Give Way signs or lines the
following rule applies.
When the road is clear, turn just left of the centre of
the intersection. Red vehicle must stop and give
way to green vehicle, which is not
Be careful and keep scanning for hazards. On-coming facing a Stop or Give Way sign
traffic making a left turn may be blocking your view
of other traffic coming through the intersection, if
you are also making a left turn. Make sure that the
road
is clear before you complete the turn. You must also
give way to pedestrians crossing the road that you
are turning into.
IMPORTANT RULE!
When the movement of traffic is not controlled by signs or police officers, you must give way to:
The vehicle coming from the left if the roads are of equal classification.
The vehicles coming from a main road to a minor road.
(Article 36, Executive By-Law, UAE Federal Traffic Law Number 21, 1995)
Turning at T-intersections
The way that you approach a T-intersection is
the same as when you are approaching any
other intersection. You need to know where you
are going and choose the correct lane well in
advance. If there are no traffic signals and you
are entering the cross road from the road that
ends, you must give way to vehicles traveling
along the cross road.
U-turns
Drivers wishing to make a U turn will face either traffic signals which will direct their
movement, or a Stop sign with a solid line on the road. In the case of a Stop sign and a
solid line on the road, drivers must stop and must give way to other vehicles
and pedestrians already on the carriageway you are turning into.
Before you make your turn, you must:
• Signal your intention for a reasonable time.
• Move into the turning lane at the earliest opportunity.
• Stop before the stop line.
• Have a clear view of traffic in either direction.
Where there is no central divider, it is advisable that the U-turn be made from the
right side of the road. Remember to watch out for traffic approaching from behind you
Open U-turns
There will usually be three lanes, so carefully
scan the intersection and, when safe to do so,
proceed with caution. You should commence
your turn from the left turning lane next to the
central divider and turn
into the right-hand lane of An open U-turn
the carriageway you are is where a
turning into. U-turn is being
Before turning, you must made opposite
another road.
give way to vehicles in
the carriageway that With an open U-turn you will be facing a stop
sign and entering a main road. You need to
you are turning into. Right turning traffic in the signal your intentions so others know what you
street opposite you should give way to you.. intend to do. Then move into the turning lane,
gradually reduce your speed and stop at the
stop line.
Closed U-turns
With a closed U-turn you will be facing a stop sign
and entering a main road. There will usually only
be two lanes so you must give way to any vehicles
or pedestrians already on the main road. You
should commence your turn from the right side of
the turning lane and turn into the right lane of the
carriageway you are turning into. This will allow any
vehicle on your left that you may not have seen to
turn into the centre or left hand lane.
You must not make a U-turn:
• Over solid lines or where there is a No U-turn
sign.
A closed U-turn is
• At a No Left Turn sign, unless there is a U-turn
where no road is located
Permitted sign. opposite the U-turn area.
Turning from One-way Roads
When turning left or right from a one-way road into a
two-way road, you must turn from a position close to
the side in the direction you are turning.
Roundabouts
A roundabout is an intersection with a roundabout sign at each entrance, a central
island and one or more marked lanes, or lines of traffic. All vehicles have to travel in
the same direction. You should always keep to the right of the central island.
As with other turning manoeuvres, good
planning is important when there is a This sign means
roundabout on your route. They can be complex you must travel
and you must know where you are going. It is around the
roundabout in an
important that you select the correct lane as
anti-clock wise
you approach a roundabout and be clear which
direction.
lane to take for exit. Check the directional signs
along the route. Know exactly which lane you
should be in to reach your destination and move into this lane early.
Once you have selected the correct lane and are about to enter the roundabout, you
must give way to all vehicles already in it moving towards you from the left. Only
enter the roundabout when it is safe to do so.
In roundabouts, good steering control, correct speed, indicators and mirrors are very
important so you do not confuse other drivers about where you are intending to
travel. If lanes are painted on the road, it is critical that you stay in the correct one for
your intended position after the roundabout.
vehicle.
Crashes may occur if you do not take the Plan ahead when you want to change
time to plan ahead. Think about what you lanes or overtake.
want to do before you do it and plan for it.
Changing Lanes
There are many multiple lane roads in Dubai, with more being built to cope with
increased traffic demand. Changing lanes on these roads must be performed
carefully.
To change lanes you need to:
• Plan what you are going to do well ahead.
• Check the position of vehicles ahead, behind and to your sides.
• Signal early, as this warns other drivers and allows them to plan what they need
to do.
• Be aware that the driver in the vehicle in front of you may signal to change lanes
at the same time. In this case, you should wait until the driver in front completes
his move to another lane.
When you have checked that it is safe to change lanes make sure you:
• Check your mirrors.
• Signal to the right or left giving sufficient warning to other drivers of your
intentions.
• Check your mirrors again.
• Check your blind spot by doing a headcheck to the right or left.
• Control your speed as you may need to maintain, increase or decrease your
speed depending on the traffic conditions.
• Steer smoothly and gradually, as this allows In making a headcheck to
other drivers to let you in. check your blind spot, do not
Once you are completely in the new lane take your eyes off the road
remember to check your mirrors again and cancel ahead for more than a second.
your indicator.
The rules for changing lanes also apply whenever you cross any broken line marked
on the road which indicates that a lane ends - for example when merging into
freeway traffic.
Maintain your vehicle’s position and do not cut into other lanes. If you want to change
lanes in slow moving, heavy traffic, check your mirrors and perform a head check
to ensure that there is sufficient space for you to
change lanes safely. When you are satisfied that Whenever you change lanes
it is safe to change lanes, signal your intentions from one marked lane or line
before moving. of traffic to another, you must
give way to vehicles already in
that lane or line of traffic.
Overtaking on a Two Way Road
Overtaking on a two way road is very similar to
a lane change, except much more dangerous because:
• You will need to drive on the wrong side of the road for quite a long time Vehicles
traveling in the opposite direction are now directly ahead of you and are moving
very quickly toward you.
• It is not safe to overtake on bends, at junctions or on the crest of a hill. So before
you overtake, ask yourself:
• Do I really need to overtake?
• Will it make a difference to my journey if I just stay in my lane? Am I permitted by
law to overtake?
• Will my overtaking cause other traffic to alter speed or position? Is it safe?
giving sufficient warning to other When overtaking, if you are not sure you
drivers. have enough time, just wait.
• Check your mirrors again and check A few seconds or minutes could save
your blind spot. your life. Make sure there is a clear space
between you and the vehicle you have
• Maintain your speed so as not to overtaken - allow at least a 2 to 4 second
hinder the vehicles around you. space. You need to be able to see both
headlights of the vehicle you
• Steer smoothly and gradually. This
have overtaken in your rear vision mirror
allows other drivers time to let you
before starting to move back in.
in. Once your vehicle is completely
in the new lane, remember to cancel
your signal.
• Check your mirrors again and adjust
your speed if necessary.
IMPORTANT RULE!
A driver must only pass other vehicles
Overtaking Vehicles on the Right traveling in the same direction on the left.
You may not overtake in the right lane. (Article 10.5, UAE Federal Traffic Law Number 21, 1995)
Overtaking Trucks
It is always best if the truck driver knows
you are there so, slow down until you can
see the driver in the truck mirrors. Keep
your distance until it is safe to overtake.
Avoid cutting in too closely in front of a
truck after you pass it. Wait until you see WIND
the whole of the truck in your rear vision
mirror. Otherwise, the truck may not have
room to stop suddenly if the need arises. It
takes about 25 seconds to overtake a large
truck on the open road. That is a long time
if you are on the wrong side of the road.
Be aware that, on open highways, strong
winds can be dangerous when overtaking
a big truck.
IMPORTANT RULE!
You must not overtake at the following places:
• Where the road is not clearly visible
• When the movement of traffic in the opposite direction
doesn’t allow you to proceed safely.
• At intersections and roundabouts.
• When vehicles stop due to movement of traffic obstruction or
due to a stop sign.
• On curves, crests of hills, slippery roads, next to pedestrians
crossings and roads with solid long lines.
• In places where the signs forbid drivers to overtake.
(Article 55, Executive By-Law, UAE Federal Traffic Law Number 21, 1995)
Driving on Freeways
A freeway is a high-speed multiple laned road. Traffic, traveling in opposite directions,
is separated by central dividers and there are ramps for entry and exit.
Speed limits are usually higher on freeways and
traffic can be heavy, so driving is demanding and The maximum speed limit for
can be dangerous. cars on freeways is 120km/h
When traveling on a freeway, ensure that you where signed. For trucks, the
maintain your position in your lane at all times. maximum speed limit will
When traffic is light, you should drive in the far be 80km/h if signed. Where
right lane unless you have to overtake a slower signed, there is a minimum
motorist. In heavier traffic, you may travel in the speed of 60km/h.
centre lane. Never travel in the left lane unless
overtaking. Once you have overtaken the slower moving vehicle, return to the centre
lane. You must not overtake on the hard shoulders of the road.
Unfortunately, many vehicles using these roads travel at speeds well above the legal
speed limit. As a safe driver you will not be doing this, but you need to realise that
these vehicles will approach you very fast, seemingly from nowhere. It is critical that
you are checking your mirrors constantly to look out for them. They represent a very
significant danger.
As traffic is moving at high speed, it is important to keep scanning the road to see
what other vehicles are doing. Use your mirrors frequently and make sure that you
check your blind spot before changing lanes.
Freeway speeds can be dangerous - never change lanes without checking your
mirrors first.
Leaving a Freeway
Exit signs are there to assist you to choose which lane to drive in depending on your
destination. Be in the correct lane well before your exit and signal your intention to
exit the freeway.
Once you are on the exit ramp, you should slow
down and obey the speed limit that applies to the Plan ahead, obey the
road you are entering. speed limit and watch out
for signs and road markings
Ramp exits on Emirates Routes have a numbered that will help you to reach
system, which shows the approximate kilometers your destination.
of that exit from the starting point of the route. This
may help you with planning.
If you have missed your exit, stay calm and keep driving on the freeway until you
reach the next exit. Remember, this is a high speed road, so you must never reverse
on a freeway. It is extremely dangerous and you are also breaking the law.
Interchanges
Interchanges in Dubai are often complex and
can be confusing to new drivers. Here some tips
on how to deal with interchanges:
• Plan ahead. Check a map before you travel,
so you know exactly which exit to take.
• Check the overhead directional signs and
position your vehicle carefully.
• As with any other situation, signal your
intentions early.
• Watch the traffic movements and make
appropriate adjustments. Check mirrors and
blind spots.
• Whether exiting or entering, ensure you do
so safely by focusing on the driving task.
• When you exit, make sure you signal early to
indicate you will be moving into a lane of the
main stream of traffic. Move into your lane as
quickly as you can do so safely, making sure
that you do not interrupt vehicles moving
across from the main stream of traffic to
enter the interchange, at the same time as
you are exiting.
In the diagram on the right the following critical
points need to be considered depending on
which car you are driving:
• Green car entering the freeway: Use your
indicators to signal your intentions early.
Allow the orange car to pass and merge at
a speed which does not disturb the flow of
traffic.
• Orange car on the freeway: Maintain your
speed. Be mindful of the green car on your
right and the yellow car trying to change
lanes.
• Yellow car changing lanes to exit the
freeway: Keep your signals on. Check your
mirrors and do a headcheck so that you are
• aware of the orange car behind you in the adjacent lane. Control your speed and
be ready for the green car suddenly slowing down or stopping.
• Orange car exiting the freeway: Keep your signal on as you exit the freeway and
adjust your speed according to the traffic flow.
You can open a Salik prepaid toll account at most Petrol Stations in Dubai, or selected
Petrol Stations at the other Emirate. Just purchase a Salik Tag and complete the
Account Opening Application form. A fee of AED 100 is charged per vehicle, of which
AED 50 is to pay for the Salik Tag and AED 50 is your first prepaid toll amount. Full
instructions on how to install your Tag are provided with the Tag.
Recharge salik account:
Recharge Salik Account: you can recharge your salik account through: salik website
- petrol station-Dubai smart government website and application E-pay/Mpay, Kiosk
Machines, E-Voucher, Banks: Emirates NBD Bank - RAK Bank - Abu Dhabi
Commercial Bank - Mashreq Bank - National Bank of Abu Dhabi - Standard
Chartered Bank - Sharjah Islamic Bank - Dubai Islamic Bank - Al Hilal Bank -
Commercial Bank of Dubai - First Gulf Bank - Citi Bank - Ajman Bank - United Arab
Bank - Noor Bank
Also you can buy your Salik Tag online through salik website (www.salik.gov.ae) with
additional 20 Dhs. as delivery fees, and the tag will delivered to the customer on the
specified location, however the delivery will be within the covered areas with the
courier in U.A.E.
Salik Violations:
If you drive through a Salik Gate without a Registration in Salik or without sufficient
balance in your account the following fines apply:
Insufficient Funds in your account AED 50.00.
Non Registered vehicles in Salik as Follows:
• First Trip AED 100.00.
• Second Trip AED 200.00.
• Third and succeeding Trips AED 400.00.
Maximum violation amount per calendar year AED 10,000.00, Customers may file
dispute within120 days from the date of salik violation.
Parking
As a driver, you will need to park your car. This IMPORTANT RULE!
may be in your own driveway, outside your A person must not cause a hazard to
place of work, at the shopping centre or at your any person or vehicle by opening a
door of a vehicle or leaving a door of
place of worship.
a vehicle open.
Parking is not as easy as it seems. You may (Article 9, Executive By-Law, UAE Federal Traffic
need to park your car in a quiet residential street Law Number 21, 1995)
IMPORTANT RULE!
You must not park a vehicle:
• At places where there is no permission to park.
• At pedestrian crossings, on the footpath, on bridges, viaducts or in tunnels.
• Next to curves, on crests of hills or next to solid centre lines which cannot be crossed.
• Where it will impede any traffic signals, signs or road markings.
• In front of the entrance to houses, parking areas, petrol stations, hospitals, emergency
stations, fire stations, police stations, military areas, schools or educational institutions.
• Places where you will block stationary vehicles from proceeding.
• Residential areas (if driving a heavy vehicle or heavy mechanical vehicle) unless they are
used for construction.
• 15 metres from intersections or in front of public transport stations.
(Article 49, Executive By-Law, UAE Federal Traffic Law Number 21, 1995)
Angle Parking
Angle parking is usually on the right side of the road.
However, there are occasions where it is also available
on the left, for example at shopping centres.
You must park at the angle indicated by the signs or
marked bays.
Most angle parking bays are at 90° or 60° to the road.
If you are parking in a 90° angle parking bay, you
can either drive in forwards or reverse in. If you are
reversing in, you will have a better view of the traffic
when you leave.
If you are parking in a 60° angle parking bay, you need
to drive forwards into the parking bay and reverse out
when you leave.
• Try not to beat the lights. The chances are that if you stop at a red light and then
try to beat all the following lights, you will use more fuel and may still have to
stop. If you drive at a more sedate speed you will usually find that by the time
you reach the next light it will have turned green again.
• Take the time of day into consideration. If possible, stagger your work hours to
avoid rush hour traffic. Sitting in stop and go traffic is the biggest waste of fuel
there is. Try leaving home for work a little earlier. You will avoid some traffic and
impress your boss.
• Maintaining the correct air pressure in your tyres saves fuel and money. One thing
you can do to stretch your fuel is to check your tyre pressures. Low tyre pressure
will make the tyres drag and use more fuel. Look in your owner’s manual and see
what the recommended tyre pressures are. Check them every time you fill up
with fuel. Think of it as adding an
extra 2 litres to your tank for free.
• Keep your engine tuned. Keeping
your engine well tuned is another
good way to stretch your fuel
costs. An engine that grinds
for ten seconds before firing up
wastes enough fuel to take you
four kilometers. Maybe it is time
for a new set of spark plugs and a
new air filter. Now is a good time
to go get them.
• Make sure you use the correct
fuel. Use the recommended
fuel to get the best performance
from your car. Check your
owner’s manual to see what the
recommended fuel is.
Black Confiscation
No. Violation Fine
Points Period
A. Driving in a way that poses danger to a driver’s
life or lives, and safety of others
1 2000 23 60 days
B. Driving in a way that harms public or private
properties
Decided by
2 Driving under the influence of alcohol 23 60 days
court
Driving under the influence of narcotic, Decided by
3 24 60 days
psychotropic or similar substances court
Black Confiscation
No. Violation Fine
Points Period
11 Falling or leaking of a heavy vehicle’s load 3000 12
Black Confiscation
No. Violation Fine
Points Period
29 Sudden swerving 1000 4
Decided by
46 Causing death of others 23 60 days
court
Black Confiscation
No. Violation Fine
Points Period
Decided by
47 Causing a serious accident or injuries 23 30 days
court
Black Confiscation
No. Violation Fine
Points Period
A. Parking in a way that poses danger to
passersby
65 400
B. Parking in a way that interrupts pedestrian
movement
Black Confiscation
No. Violation Fine
Points Period
Failure to give priority to vehicles coming from
84 400
behind or the left side
A. Failure to get the car tested after carrying out
major modification to engine
85 400
B. Failure to get the car tested after carrying out
major modification to chassis
Black Confiscation
No. Violation Fine
Points Period
101 Overload or protruding load from light vehicles 500 4
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website: www.rta.ae
Call Centre 800 90 90