Road safety is a paramount concern in the UAE, a nation known for its bustling cities, extensive road networks, and a diverse population. The UAE has made significant strides in recent years to improve road safety and reduce traffic-related accidents, emphasizing the well-being of both residents and visitors. This commitment to safer roadways is evident in the numerous initiatives, stringent traffic laws, and technological advancements implemented across the country.
Road Safety in UAE
Road Safety in UAE
Explore information on driving and traffic regulations, the system for fines, and initiatives aimed at improving road safety in UAE. Additionally, discover links for online fine payments and access the latest statistics concerning road traffic accident fatalities and injuries.
Online Accident Reporting
Reporting minor accidents online is now more convenient than ever. You can submit accident reports through various mobile apps available on Google Play and the App Store, including:
- The MoI UAE app (Google Play and App Store).
- The Saeed app (Google Play and App Store).
- The Abu Dhabi Police app (Google Play and App Store).
- The Dubai Police app (Google Play and App Store).
- The Rafid app, designed specifically for accident reporting in Sharjah available on Google Play and App Store.
These user-friendly apps make it easy to document and report accidents, streamlining the process for both authorities and individuals involved.
Paying Traffic Fines Online
Settling traffic fines related to your driving license or vehicles has never been easier. In response to the growing trend of online transactions, the UAE government has introduced a range of digital avenues that allow motorists to conveniently pay fines from virtually anywhere.
You can easily check and pay your traffic fines online through various platforms, including:
- Ministry of Interior
- MOI UAE app, available on Google Play and the App Store
- Emirates Vehicle Gate
- Abu Dhabi Police
- Dubai Police
- RTA – Dubai
- Ras Al Khaimah eGovernment
These user-friendly digital channels simplify the fine payment process, offering flexibility and ease for individuals seeking to clear their traffic-related dues.
Legal Framework and Traffic Regulations
In the UAE, road injuries are a significant cause of child fatalities, with two out of every three fatal child injuries attributed to road traffic accidents. To address road safety comprehensively, the Executive Regulations of Federal Law No. 9 for the year 2011, governing Land Transport, stipulate that land transport activities require obtaining a license from the relevant authority before practice.
Traffic police and road and transport authorities throughout the UAE play pivotal roles in upholding safety and traffic regulations. They leverage smart technology to curtail traffic violations, ensuring safer roadways for all.
The UAE enforces Federal Traffic Law No. 21 of 1995, as amended by Federal Law No. 12 of 2007, along with related executive regulations and ministerial resolutions, to regulate all aspects of traffic control and violations within the country. Adherence to speed limits is mandatory on highways, internal streets, and residential areas.
The UAE maintains a stringent zero-tolerance policy against driving under the influence of alcohol, with legal penalties in place to discourage this dangerous behavior. Similarly, using a cell phone while driving is strictly prohibited to prevent distractions that may lead to accidents.
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) recommends that drivers regularly check their tire pressure to avoid potential hazards on the road. To reinforce adherence to traffic laws, the UAE employs a system of black points. This system allocates black points to drivers who violate traffic rules, with the number of points corresponding to the severity of the violation. Black points are accumulated from the date of the violation.
National System for Electronic Tracking of Trucks and Shipments
The National System for Electronic Tracking of Trucks and Shipments offers a robust solution for monitoring the movement of shipments and trucks within the UAE, tracking their journey from the port of entry to their final destinations. This tracking process occurs in real time, facilitated by tracking devices connected to either satellites or a communication network. A dedicated operational center operates around the clock, ensuring continuous monitoring and providing real-time location reports for these trucks operating within the UAE.
Approved in accordance with Cabinet Resolution No. 95 of 2021, this system serves several key objectives:
- Enhancing the security and customs framework of the UAE.
- Elevating compliance with supply chain security standards.
- Facilitating the seamless flow of trade.
- Establishing an integrated system that caters to the requirements of all project stakeholders while fostering connections with other relevant systems.
- Identifying and preventing customs violations that may arise during the transportation process through UAE’s ports.
- Assisting transportation companies in adhering to pertinent laws and procedures.
- Creating an attractive economic environment for the business sector.
Owners of vehicles used for transporting goods and registered trucks within the UAE are mandated to enroll in this system. Oversight and enforcement of the National System for Electronic Tracking of Trucks and Shipments are under the purview of the National Centre for Tracking Trucks and Shipments, affiliated with the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP).
Heavy Vehicle Weights and Dimensions
Recent amendments to the federal law governing the weights and dimensions of heavy vehicles have introduced notable changes. Starting in 2024, heavy vehicles with a combined weight exceeding 65 tonnes will face restrictions on road access.
To enforce this regulation, a smart electronic gate system will be implemented to accurately measure and monitor the weights and dimensions of heavy vehicles.
These amendments delineate the responsibilities of heavy vehicle operators and regulatory authorities tasked with overseeing monitoring procedures and issuing violations. The primary objective of these changes is to safeguard the UAE’s advanced infrastructure and enhance road safety.
For more in-depth coverage of these developments, you can explore related news articles on WAM.
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UAE Traffic Regulations
The United Arab Emirates implemented an amended federal traffic law on July 1, 2017, with a primary objective to enhance road safety, protect the lives of road users, and reduce traffic-related casualties. The aim is to reduce traffic casualties from approximately 6 per 100,000 people to 3 per 100,000 as part of Vision 2021.
Ministerial Resolution No. 177 of 2017 – Driver’s License Issuance and Renewal
This resolution outlines the requirements for issuing and renewing driver’s licenses. The key provisions include:
For individuals aged 21 and above:
- Initial driver’s licenses are valid for 2 years for citizens, GCC nationals, and other nationalities.
- After renewal, driver’s licenses are valid for 10 years for citizens and GCC nationals and 5 years for other nationalities.
For individuals below 21 years of age:
- Initial driver’s licenses are valid for one year for citizens, GCC nationals, and other nationalities.
Ministerial Resolution No. 178 of 2017 – Traffic Control Rules
This resolution covers several important safety and control aspects, including:
Mandatory Seat Belts:
- All passengers in a vehicle, including those in the rear seats, are required to wear seat belts. Violations result in a fine of AED 400 and four black points.
- Children under four years of age must be secured in a child safety seat, and violators will be fined AED 400 and receive four black points.
- Front seat passengers must meet the following criteria: they should be at least 145 cm tall and not less than 10 years of age.
Reckless Driving:
- Reckless driving carries a penalty of AED 2,000, 23 black points, and vehicle impoundment for 60 days.
- The same penalties apply to drivers who endanger the lives of others.
- Other violations encompass blocking traffic, running red lights, sudden swerving, and driving without a number plate.
Driving Under the Influence:
- Drivers found under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol will face a one-year license suspension, beginning from the day of the verdict. Courts will determine fines and/or jail terms.
Traffic Signals:
- Motorcyclists and motorists disregarding traffic lights will be fined AED 1,000, receive a penalty of 12 points, and have their vehicles seized for one month.
Distractions:
- Using phones or engaging in any other distractions while driving results in a fine of AED 400 and four black points.
Driver’s Behavior:
- Violations encompass a range of actions, such as littering, maintaining inadequate distances between vehicles, overtaking on the hard shoulder, congregating at accident scenes, using quad-bikes on roads, jaywalking, technical and safety breaches, neglecting seat belt use, utilizing expired tires, driving without proper insurance or car registration, operating noisy vehicles, and engaging in unauthorized passenger transportation.
Speeding:
- Those exceeding the speed limit by 80 km/h will incur a fine of AED 3,000, receive 23 black points, and have their cars impounded for 60 days.
Road Safety Initiatives in UAE
Efforts to prevent road accidents and minimize their impact on lives and property have led to the launch of various initiatives and awareness campaigns by different government entities in the UAE. Here are some key initiatives:
Abu Dhabi Strategic Traffic Safety Plan
The Traffic and Patrols Directorate in Abu Dhabi has introduced a comprehensive road safety management plan with the goal of reducing traffic accident fatalities to 3 per 100,000 inhabitants by 2021. This plan is built on four key pillars: enforcement, education, engineering, and emergency medical services.
Road Safety Audit
The Department of Transport (DoT) in Abu Dhabi has implemented a road safety audit for all new highway projects. This audit covers the design, construction, and post-construction phases, aiming to identify road safety issues and propose measures to eliminate or mitigate concerns.
Road Safety Awareness
The DoT of Abu Dhabi launched a road safety awareness program targeting drivers, riders, and pedestrians. The program specifically focuses on educating children and adolescents as future road users and drivers.
Central Traffic Control System ‘SCOOT’
‘SCOOT’ is a central traffic control system equipped with sensors to monitor vehicle volume at traffic signals, thereby enhancing traffic flow at major junctions. The sensors detect traffic flow, the number of vehicles on each approach, and average speeds towards traffic signals. This adaptive traffic control system is operational in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
Speed Management Strategy of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi
The Department of Transport in Abu Dhabi introduced the speed management strategy with the goals of reducing road crash fatalities and injuries and ensuring the safe and efficient movement of people while enhancing the quality of life. The strategy encompasses six key components, including assessing the speeding problem, engineering, laws and legislation, education and awareness, enforcement, and stakeholder coordination.
RTA Dubai Strategic Plan 2014-2018
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai launched its strategic plan for 2014-2018, aimed at supporting the overall development in the UAE and Dubai, improving performance, and serving the country’s citizens and residents. The strategy comprises eight goals, including Smart Dubai, Integrated Dubai, People’s Happiness, Smooth Transport for All, Safety and Environmental Sustainability, Financial Sustainability, Advanced RTA, and Assets Sustainability.
Dubai Traffic Safety Strategy
The Dubai Traffic Safety Strategy aims to reduce fatalities to 1.5 per 100,000 of the population in Dubai by 2021. The strategy focuses on improving motorists’ driving habits, inspecting vehicles for safety regulations, reviewing motorists’ records, and conducting traffic awareness campaigns.
Haseb Campaign
Launched by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in 2008, the Haseb campaign is an ongoing safety initiative. It addresses safety issues on roads, in transportation, at construction sites, at sea, and in other safety-related areas. The campaign identifies seven key causes of road accidents, such as excessive speeding, use of handheld mobile phones, fatigue, not maintaining safe distances between vehicles, not wearing seatbelts, lack of lane discipline, and running red signals.
For further information on road and traffic safety, you can explore the following links:
- Traffic Safety for School Students – Ministry of Interior
- Traffic and Road Legislations – RTA Dubai
- RTA Adopts Advanced Methods for Detecting and Addressing Traffic Black Points – WAM.
The 'White Points' System
In 2012, Dubai Police introduced the innovative ‘White Points’ system, aimed at encouraging drivers to strictly adhere to traffic laws and regulations. Under this system, individuals holding a Dubai Government-issued driving license can earn rewards if they:
- Avoid committing any traffic violations in Dubai or other emirates.
- Do not accrue Salik and parking fines.
- Steer clear of traffic prosecution cases throughout the entire year.
White points are awarded at a rate of two points per month, leading to a total of 24 points that eligible drivers can accumulate in a calendar year.
Earning white points entitles the driver to one of the following rewards, once per calendar year:
- Exchange traffic white points with traffic black points, up to a maximum of 12 points.
- Cancel the impoundment of the vehicle for a maximum period of 30 days.
- Eliminate a traffic violation that does not involve black points or impoundment.
- Waive the payment for the additional impoundment period, up to 30 days maximum.
UAE eCall - An Innovation in Accident Response
The Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA), in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi and Dubai Police, has introduced an eCall system designed for automatic emergency calls in the event of traffic accidents.
In the unfortunate occurrence of a collision, the eCall system automatically initiates a two-way voice communication through the cellular network to the nearest emergency center. Subsequently, the emergency center promptly dispatches a medical team to the accident location.
This cutting-edge system significantly expedites the accident response time by facilitating seamless communication with emergency teams. It allows for the automatic receipt and recording of voice information, unlike traditional methods that involve the manual input of commands.
