news

       Dubai: Please stay in your lane and if you want to change lanes, always follow the traffic rules.
       According to UAE traffic rules, violating the mandatory lane can result in a fine of at least AED400 anywhere in the UAE, with police authorities in different emirates warning of the dangerous consequences of not following the rule.
       Here’s everything you need to know about lane discipline and the dangers of breaking the rules.
       According to the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) guidelines for driving light vehicles, the road markings will tell you what rules you need to follow. You will see road markings in white or yellow, and not following them is a traffic violation.
       This is a solid line on the road. Overtaking and turning through this line is prohibited (except in emergency cases).
       If you are approaching an intersection with a stop sign or traffic light, there will also be a white stop line painted across your lane. If there is both a stop sign and a stop line, you must come to a complete stop at the stop line. Do not cross the stop line until the traffic light turns green and the intersection is clear.
       Where a Give Way sign is installed, there will also be a broken white line across the oncoming lane. You must give way to any vehicle or pedestrian crossing your path. If necessary, slow down and stop to avoid a collision. Always make sure the intersection is clear and safe to cross before giving way.
       The crosswalk has thick white lines to help pedestrians and drivers identify it. You must give way to pedestrians crossing the crosswalk.
       There are other traffic violations, such as using bus and taxi lanes or driving on the hard shoulder, which not only carry higher fines but also penalty points. More information can be found in our guides here and here.
       Dubai Police warned motorists in a recent article that modern traffic systems used by police are capable of detecting such violations, for example by flagging vehicles driving in lanes where crossing is prohibited and entering junctions at the last minute.
       Abu Dhabi Police had also previously warned motorists that such violations would be captured by smart cameras installed at several junctions and intersections in the emirate and could result in a fine of up to Dh400. In the case of traffic violations, including illegally overtaking from the right lane, the fine is Dh600.
       Sudden changes in the direction of a vehicle are another serious lane violation as it is one of the leading causes of accidents in the UAE and is usually caused by inattentive driving. This year alone, 32 people have died in accidents caused by swerving or inattentive driving in Dubai.
       Inattentive driving will result in a fine of Dh800 and four penalty points on your licence. New rules introduced in Dubai in October toughen the penalties for such offences: if you are distracted and using your phone or other device, your car could be confiscated for 30 days.