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28 March 2024

10 most-common traffic offences in Dubai

Published
By Majorie van Leijen

Minor traffic offences in Dubai are usually met with a fine, in addition to the possibility of earning black points, which will be registered on your driving license.

If the number of black points exceeds 24 points, you will be banned from driving for a year.

Although these penalties may not sound serious, they occur all too often and can seriously challenge safety on the road. Emirates 24|7 asked Dubai Police what the most common ‘minor’ traffic offences in Dubai are.

#1 Parking in a non-designated area

In some areas of Dubai, parking can be a real hassle. Although parking fees are known to be relatively low in comparison to other major cities in the world, finding a suitable parking spot can be challenging, especially in the old part of the town.

The result: random parking.

Parking in the sand, on pavements, and even cases of double-parking can be found in the city. According to Dubai Police, parking in non-designated areas is the number one minor offense.

Fine: Dh200. Black points: 2

#2 Obstructing traffic

There are numerous situations where the obstruction of traffic occurs, and it is the second most common minor offence in Dubai.

Obstructing traffic causes congestion and a risk of accidents.

Fine: Dh200. Black points: none

#3 No lane discipline

Lane discipline is a broad concept and very rarely strictly followed. Overtaking only when necessary, using the left lane only for overtaking, or switching lanes in time to reach an exit are ideal situations.

Although not all instances of bad lane discipline are instantly fined, Dubai Police is clear on a couple of lane discipline violations, such as using the hard shoulder in a non-emergency situation, or the movement of trucks in the left lane.

Fine: Dh200. Black points: 2

#4 No seatbelt

It is mandatory for drivers and front seat passengers to wear a seatbelt. Wearing a seatbelt in the rear seat is advisable, but not yet compulsory although it has been recommended as a rule of law by the Federal Traffic Council.

Dubai Police is strict on the seatbelt issue, insisting that wearing a seatbelt saves lives. The impact of an accident is often likely to be fatal if the person wasn’t wearing a seatbelt. Nevertheless, the offence made it to the top 5 in Dubai.

Fine: Dh400. Black points: 4

#5 Using a mobile phone while driving


Although using a phone while driving is not completely forbidden, it is so if the call is not received with a hands-free set.

Using the mobile phone while driving without a hands-free set is very dangerous, as it distracts the driver and can lead to serious accidents, urges Dubai Police.

Nevertheless, over 20,000 tickets were issued in the first half of last year. The frequent campaigns to emphasise the dangers have led to a decrease in this number, but the violation still makes the top 5.

Fine: Dh200. Black points: 4

#6 Stopping vehicle on a sidewalk


While the vehicle may not be stopped in many locations, it certainly may not be stopped on a sidewalk.

Pedestrians are the most vulnerable road users, and sidewalks and pedestrian crossings are there for their safety.

However, motorists often find reasons to utilise this part of the road. Whether in a hurry, stuck in a traffic jam or intending to make a short-cut, this behaviour is forbidden and penalised.

Fine: Dh200. Black points: 3

#7 Turning in a non-designated area

Often for the same reasons as described above, motorists may find a reason to make a quick turn. Unfortunately for these drivers, a turn can only be made where this is explicitly permitted.

Traffic lights and traffic signs will inform if the driver is permitted to make a turn or a U-turn. When these signs are not there, it is not permitted.

Fine: Dh200. Black points: 4

And the three cardinal traffic sins

# 8 Sudden swerving


Sudden swerving is common on the road. When a motorist does not use an indicator when changing lanes or when an attempt to move lanes is made without prior warning, it is considered as sudden swerving by Dubai Police.

The violation is said to be the cause of most damages on the road, in addition to number of deaths and injuries. It may not be the most common minor offense, but it made it to the top 10.

Fine: Dh200. Black points: 4

# 9 Overtaking on the hard shoulder

Overtaking on the hard shoulder is considered a serious offence, and many campaigns have been held by Dubai Police to urge motorists to refrain from this behaviour.

The hard shoulder is dedicated for emergencies and emergency vehicles.

However, motorists are often seen taking to the emergency lane to overtake, when traffic is jammed or just not moving fast enough.

This year Abu Dhabi Police announced a prison sentence of up to a month as a penalty for the violation, and said this was in accordance with the Federal Traffic Law. As far as it appears, prison sentences have not yet been handed out in Dubai, but the penalties are serious.

Fine: 600. Black points: 6

# 10 Jumping a red signal


The most punishable traffic offence in Dubai is jumping a red signal.

While it may seem unthinkable for most drivers to rush through a red signal, more than 1,000 road users every year are caught doing so.

The bad behaviour is dreaded so much by the authorities that a jail sentence may be enforced when the offence leads to deaths.

Not unsurprising, the penalty for the offense is much higher than for other offences, with impounding of the vehicle for a period of 15 days.

Fine: Dh800. Black points: 8