Guide to Dubai Tram traffic rules, fines

The moment Dubai Tram commences operations is near. Accessibility will be improved with the transportation network of Dubai getting more exciting.

The tram will cross over bridges, crawl through crowded streets and ride parallel to Sheikh Zayed Road.

For commuters, the introduction of Dubai Tram means a re-evaluation of road and traffic rules since Dubai Tram will criss-cross regular traffic at about 30 junctions, with crossings and intersections starting from Dubai Police Academy in Al Sufouh to Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence.

Additional road signs have been put up, road markings painted on the roads, barriers placed, additional traffic signs erected and new traffic fines have been approved.

In driving schools, the new traffic rules have been incorporated in the driving manual, as well as in the theory test.

Before the road is shared with Dubai Tram on November 11, Emirates 24|7 has identified the most important rules, signs and fines.

This is the first part, dealing with the rules and fines.

Tram - Right of Way

The main and most important traffic rule regarding Dubai Tram is its right of way.

The manual says: All users of the road shall give priority to the movement of the tram in the Tram Right of Way.

Exceptions to this rule:

- Emergency vehicles

- Official escorts

- Army vehicles when moving in convoy

Unless permitted by law:

- No person may obstruct a Tram in the Tram right of Way

- No person may carry out an activity in the vicinity of the Tramway, which is likely to cause the obstruction of a Tram in the Tram Right of Way.

Pedestrian Crossings

Specific rules have been incorporated for pedestrians. The manual says: 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 Littering

Tram obstruction is not only caused by vehicles or pedestrians. Littering is also considered an offense.

The manual says that 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 authorised in accordance with the law

- Interfere with any infrastructure, except in emergency to avoid damage or injury

Accidents

When accidents do happen, there is a certain way the person should behave.

The manual says: "Any pedestrian or driver of a vehicle other than a tram who is involved in an accident must remain at the scene and await the relevant authorities, unless there is reasonable justification for the person to leave the scene, in which case the person shall report to the nearest police station as soon as practicable."

Traffic fines for the violation of these rules are severe. Crossing a red traffic signal at the intersection area with the tramway causing an accident that leads to the death of a person is punishable with a fine between Dh10,000 and Dh30,000, along with suspension of the offender’s driving licence for up to one year, stated the RTA earlier.

When crossing a red traffic signal at the tramway intersection and if a motorist causes an accident leading to injuries, the offender can be fined between Dh5,000 and Dh15,000, and the license can be revoked for 30 days to six months, while crossing a red traffic light at the tramway intersection area, without causing an accident, is punishable with a fine between Dh2,000 and Dh5,000, with a possible loss of driving licence for a period of 30 days to three months.

When no serious damage or injury is caused by the accident, Dubai Tram staff will be assigned with reporting the accident. In all other cases, the accident will have to be reported by Dubai Police.

No headphones near a tramway

In the vicinity of a tramline, headphones may not be used. Although this may seem a bit of an odd rule, it results from the fact that instructions may be given by the tram driver, to anyone who requires to be instructed.

The tram instructor will be able to release instructions not only to tram passengers, but also to surrounding road users, if needed.

Through a microphone, it may give instructions to other road users and, more importantly, these instructions are binding.

Hence, road users near a tram should always be able to hear the instructions loud and clear.

In the next traffic class, the most important traffic signs will be introduced.

Also Read:  Dubai Tram traffic rules, fines: What you must know

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