Restrictions on Dubai Roads You Should Know

The responsible thing to do when traveling and driving a rented car is to check the rules. The UAE has strict laws for drivers, and police officers are always on the lookout for anyone who breaches them. This article explores the ten most important traffic rules for responsible driving in Dubai.

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Speed Limits

Dubai has strict speed limits to maintain road safety. There are heavy penalties for violations, especially for repeated offenders. Technically, the country has a special system where people accumulate black points. These black points influence the penalty: the more points you have, the heavier your penalty. Therefore, you must pay fines and sometimes can even lose access to the vehicle.

You also get a ban for driving if you break the rules repeatedly. These are some fines for exceeding limits:

Moreover, you get black points (4) and must pay a penalty (400 AED) if you drive below the minimum speed limit. The limit in Dubai is 120 km/h. It's worth mentioning that the UAE has the common grace rule, which says that the authorities won't fine you if you've been speeding at around 20 km/h too much. However, it won't work for people intentionally speeding. Thus, it might be difficult to convince an officer that it was an honest mistake if you're driving a Ferrari, so don't break this rule.

Driving As A Tourist Without An International Permit

Tourists must have valid documents to drive legally in Dubai and the entire UAE. These include an international driving permit (IDP) and a driver's license for the home country.

Penalties for breaches include fines from AED 400 to AED 5,000. Repeat violations can result in vehicle impoundment (even if you've rented it) or imprisonment. Always carry your international driving license, passport, and visa while you drive.

Prepare the required documents before your trip to avoid problems as authorities conduct frequent checks, and violations lead to severe consequences. A police officer may stop you simply to check if you have all the right documents.

Age To Rent And Drive A Car

There are different driving rules for residents, tourists, and owners of vehicles related to age restrictions on Dubai roads. For example, an owner of a car can drive once they ht 18. However, they can't rent a vehicle, as most companies require customers to be 21 or older (depending on the model).

Car rental companies set higher age limits to guarantee that only responsible individuals drive their cars and to decrease risks associated with younger drivers. Rental agencies usually allow drivers aged 21 and above to rent vehicles for standard cars.

However, most companies request clients to be 25 or older to rent sports cars like Lamborghini, Mclaren, and so on. Companies view younger drivers as high-risk clients for such vehicles, and insurance providers typically agree. Therefore, companies can't get insurance for such customers, so luxury car rental is not an option for people below the 25 age limit.

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Children Inside The Vehicles

Dubai also has strict rules for children inside vehicles. Children under four must sit in a child safety seat or pay a fine of AED 400 and receive four black points. Children younger than 12 years or shorter than 145 cm can't sit in the front seat. These rules are important when planning a vacation with your family and kids. Ignoring priority rules like this one will lead to bad consequences, including heavy fines and problems with authorities in the United Arab Emirates.

No Alcohol

It's pretty obvious that drunk driving is forbidden in any country, but the consequences will be especially severe in the UAE. You must generally be cautious when you drink alcohol, as it's prohibited to walk on the streets if you're drunk simply. Moreover, the UAE is a Muslim country, so it's essential not to drink excessively during Ramadan.

Drivers must have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of zero while operating a vehicle. Police will fine and arrest individuals who test positive for alcohol. Anyone caught driving under the influence doesn't just pay heavy fines: they can be sent to jail and may be deported with a ban from visiting the country again.

These Dubai driving rules apply to all drivers, regardless of their nationality or the amount of alcohol consumed. Thus, taking alcohol and driving are strictly prohibited. Authorities also enforce zero-tolerance policies in areas like Dubai Marina and Sheikh Zayed Road. Visitors to the UAE should understand the seriousness of this law. They should avoid drinking any alcohol before driving: beer and cider included.

Seat Belts Policy

It's mandatory to wear seat belts for all passengers, including front and back seats. Authorities will fine drivers and passengers who don't comply with this law. Moreover, the fine applies to both the driver and passengers, regardless of age or position in the vehicle. This means that if your child is not wearing a belt, you will be fined for this breach of safety + as another fee for driving without a seatbelt.

The law applies to all vehicles, whether private cars, taxis, or commercial cars (the ones you rent). Authorities regularly monitor compliance through both police patrols and traffic cameras. Drivers should make sure that all passengers wear their seat belts before starting a journey.

Speeding On Different Lanes

Dubai driving rules also include guidelines for changing lanes. There are lanes with certain purposes where you can or can't speed. Moreover, improper changing lanes could lead to a 400 AED fine.

Here's a list of a few important rules:

• Use the left lane only to overtake. Move back after you complete overtaking.
• Use the middle lanes to maintain normal speeds.
• Use the right lane for slow vehicles and those preparing to exit.
• Check mirrors and use indicators before you switch lanes.
• Don't move suddenly to prevent accidents.

Never stay in the left-most lane longer than necessary because this violates the law: it's a part where you can drive to a maximum speed limit. Drive on middle lanes if you don't plan to test the technical capabilities of your rented Porsche or Lamborghini.

No Talking On The Phone

Drivers in Dubai mustn't talk on the phone while they drive, or they'll be penalized. The law imposes a fine of 800 AED and adds four black points to the offender's license. In severe cases, authorities impound the vehicle for up to 30 days.

Keep your mobile phone out of reach to avoid distractions. Use a hands-free device only if a call is urgent, and ensure you have headphones connected to the phone so you can talk without taking the phone.

Parking Rules

Here's a list of a few important parking rules:

• Parking isn't allowed when the curb is painted yellow and black.
• You may park on the street or in a parking garage in Dubai's downtown. Garage parking is significantly easier to find than street parking.
• You may pay for the service at parking meters or through the special mobile app, which will also notify you when your ticket is about to expire.

Disabled drivers have special parking places on the street and in parking garages, and they have universal signs.

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Traffic Signal For Tram Safety

An update in Dubai driving rules recently added tram safety traffic lights. A white cross on a gray signboard indicates that your lane is about to cross a tram line. Thus, you must proceed cautiously and stop when there is a red light. It's one of the most important rules, and you will pay a big amount, 30,000 AED if you don't stop before the tram. Moreover, this failure can lead to your arrest and even deportation.

Rental Companies In Dubai

You should consider contacting the best company to get a luxury vehicle now that you understand all the important rules. One of the best options is Trinity Rental, and here's what it offers:

1. No deposits. You don't lock a deposit to get a vehicle; just pay for rent.
2. Collection of more than 80 top models. The range also includes exclusive models from 2024. All vehicles have low mileage.
3. Payments. Clients pay in cash, Visa/Mastercard, cryptocurrency, and so on.
4. Price of rent with several services. It includes VAT, 300 km of daily mileage, toll roads, and even a full CASCO. You also get a full gas tank unless you rent an electric vehicle.
5. Premium customer support. You get help from a dedicated manager assigned only to you.
6. Delivery to most locations. Request delivery to a hotel, resort, or even your airport in Dubai.

You may also rent a car with a personal driver. It's a perfect option if you're going to drink alcohol or the many restrictions and rules confuse you. You can relax and trust the experienced driver.