Road Rules for Driving in Dubai as a Tourist

This is why most tourists in Dubai choose cars for rent as it gives them more freedom in terms of vehicle size as well as the routes they want to take. However, as a foreigner in Dubai, you are not fully aware of the local traffic rules and regulations.

Not adhering to these laws can lead to fines and even the suspension of your drivers license. This is why it is strongly suggested that you take as much time as you need to learn all the basic traffic laws of Dubai.

To make things a bit easier, this blog details some of the most essential road rules that tourists driving in Dubai must follow to have a safe driving experience so keep on reading till the end.

• General Driving Rules and Regulations in Dubai

• Restrictions/Limitations for International Driving Licenses in Dubai

• Speed Limits

• Passing, Turning, and Parking

• Right of Way

• Tolls

• Emergency Numbers

General Driving Rules and Regulations in Dubai

Following are some general driving rules that every tourist needs to keep in mind if they wish to have a safe scenic drive with a rental car in Dubai

• You must always drive on the right side of the roads in Dubai.

• The legal driving age in Dubai is 18 and tourists are required to have an international drivers license from an accepted country.  

• Wearing a seat belt is mandatory for every passenger in the car.

• Kids under 12 are not allowed to ride in the first row unless they are in a rear-facing car seat with airbags disabled.

• Kids under 12 sitting in the rear seat must be in safety or booster seats with proper restraints in place.

• Drinking and driving in Dubai can lead to a jail sentence. Since Dubai is a religious region, the alcohol rules are followed here strictly. For driving, your blood alcohol limit should be 0% at all times.

• Avoid using phones or other distracting devices while driving.

• Maintain a safe distance between you and the car in front. The rule of thumb is to leave a 5-second gap in between.

• The leftmost lane is the fastest and should only be used in emergencies or in case you have to stick to the upper allowed speed limit.

• When passing emergency vehicles with flashing lights on the road, keep your speed very slow and always be ready to stop.

• Avoid tailgating, racing, or passing an emergency vehicle and instead give it way instantly.

• Every traffic violation comes with a penalty point. Accumulating 24 penalty points can lead to a 3-month license suspension.

Restrictions/Limitations for International Driving Licenses in Dubai

Here are few restrictions that tourists must keep in mind after choosing the perfect car rental for their Dubai vacation.

• Tourists with visit visas can drive with international driving licenses along with their passports. However, if you have a golden or resident visa, then you need a Dubai license.

• Visitors with transit visas need approval from the insurance company of the vehicle.

• Tourists with international visas can only drive rental vehicles or the ones that belong to their first-degree relatives.

• It is also a good idea to carry with you the registration documents of your vehicle, proof of identity, as well as proof of insurance. 

Speed Limits

The speed limit in Dubai is in Kilometers per hour and there are cameras installed on every major point to ensure everyone follows the limits.

Following are some common rules in this regard

• A speed limit of 100-120 km/h is fixed for highways.

• For urban roads, the required speed limit is between 60-80 km/h

• For driving on small suburban roads, the speed limit is about 40 km/h.

Passing, Turning, and Parking

Here are a few rules that you need to keep in mind when making these moves

Passing

In Dubai, you have to drive on the right side and that means for passing you are always required to do it from the left side. When changing lanes, look at all three mirrors as well as do a shoulder check to make sure the road is clear. Make use of the indicators to let other drivers know your next move and only then change your lane.

Turning

Avoid turning right at the red light if you see a visible yield sign. When turning, make sure to only maneuver in the dedicated lanes. For example, you must always avoid making a U-turn at a non-dedicated U-turn lane.

Parking

You cannot park at the spots where the curb is painted black and yellow. In Dubai city center, you are required to either park in a garage or opt for street parking. You can pay for the street parking via a mobile app or you can use the parking meter.

Right of Way

When driving in Dubai, you must give way

• To pedestrians at the designated crossings.

• To vehicles at T-junctions on the major roads.

• To vehicles that are coming on the road while you are getting out of the parking spot.

• To vehicles that are on a major road while you are approaching from a minor road.

• To military convoys as well as emergency vehicles.

• To vehicles that arrive first at a junction or traffic circle where there are no traffic signals.

Tolls

Tourists who plan on moving between Emirates must pay the toll tax for using the highways. The toll tax collection process is electronic. You can obtain a tax sticker from the relevant authorities after paying the required amount. Short-term visitors can use the Salik tag for tourists in Dubai to further save time.

To pay for the toll, you simply attach the Salik tag to your windshield. This tag is scanned when you pass through the toll gate. This way, the toll fee is paid electronically without you having to stop.

Following are the common roads that have tolls in Dubai

• Sheikh Zayed Road

• Al Ittihad Street

• Al Garhoud Bridge

• Beirut Street

• Al Maktoum Bridge

Emergency Numbers

For road emergencies, you can use the DCAS SOS app to get ambulance services. This app can pinpoint the exact location of the person so that the necessary assistance can arrive promptly.

You can also use the following numbers

• Dial 999 or 112 to call for police.

• Dial 998 or 112 to call for an ambulance.

• Dial 997 or 112 to call for the fire department.

Conclusion

If you are a tourist looking to explore Dubai and its major attractions without any worry, then you definitely need to rent a car instead of using public transport or expensive taxi services.

Once you have acquired the vehicle of your choice, the next thing you need to do is to take the time to familiarize yourself with the traffic laws of the region. Though it might feel tough at first, with just a little effort you can easily navigate these seemingly complex regulations.

This way you can have a safe and stress-free experience driving around Dubai alone or with your dear ones and have endless fun.

Visit Premium Car Rentals today to rent from our diverse range of vehicles of all sizes and from major brands to have the best driving experience in the UAE.