10 lesser-known Dubai driving offences

Much of the responsibility of keeping the roads safe lies with motorists, so it’s important to follow traffic rules. Big or small, violations usually incur penalties and black points.

In fact, the UAE traffic law states a driver accumulating 24 black points in a year could be banned from driving for a year.

So, we picked 10 traffic violations and checked with the Dubai traffic police on what it could cost you.

#1 Not giving pedestrians way on pedestrian crossings

It’s common to see cars and trucks racing over pedestrian crossings without slowing down for the pedestrian traffic to cross over. But, this hasty oversight could cost the motorists Dh500 in penalty, and 6 black points.

#2 Throwing waste out of vehicles

How often have we wiped our sweat with a tissue paper and slyly flung it out of the window of our cars? Well, if you knew that such an act could cost you Dh500 in fine, and 4 black points (now you know), you might just drive that extra mile to find a garbage bin, and empty out the trash.

#3 Reversing dangerously

Whether it’s using the back cameras, parking sensors or rear-view mirrors, reversing the car should be done with outmost care, because if it’s not, it could cost you Dh400 in fine and 4 black points.

#4 Driving at night or in foggy weather without lights

Whether it’s foggy weather or in the night, it’s a rule to drive with the headlights on. Those who forget to switch on will have to pay Dh200 in fine, and 4 black points.

#5 Taxi refusing to carry passengers

Are you among the unlucky ones who find taxi drivers unwilling to drive you to your destination? The law is on your side, and any taxi refusing to take on passengers can incur a Dh200 fine and 4 black points.

#6 Not using indicators when changing direction or turning

Imagine how many accidents can be averted if every motorist decided to use the indicator while changing lanes. If you are one of those habitual offenders who changes lanes without putting on the indicator, then it could cost you Dh200 in fine, and 3 black points.

#7 Parking in a non-designated area

Finding parking spots in the UAE is tough. Whether its residential areas or malls, we are constantly in pursuit of free slots. Often we are tempted to park on empty, sandy stretches. These, however, could land you with Dh200 in penalty and two black points.

#8 Using horn in prohibited areas

While few honk to express displeasure over another driver care must be taken to ensure it isn’t done in a “prohibited” area, because then it could get you 4 black points and Dh100 in fine.

#9 Writing phrases or placing stickers on vehicle without permission

For any writing or stickers that you want to decorate your car with, you need to get permission, or else it could land you with a penalty of Dh200.

#10 Not giving way for vehicles to pass on the left

Lack of courtesy on the roads is another common problem, with drivers almost never giving way for others. It’s almost like they are possessive about their lanes and honk grudgingly if someone moves into “their” lane. This, however, isn’t something the Dubai Police appreciates, and it can set you back by Dh200 in fine.

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