Emergency vehicles such as ambulances, police cars and fire trucks need to reach their destination on time. Even a little delay is not acceptable. Therefore, the government has been running several awareness campaigns as well as implementing rules and regulations to discourage the practice of not giving way to emergency vehicles in the UAE.
Here is all you need to know about emergency vehicles and the consequences of failing to give way to them.
Emergency Vehicles in the UAE
An emergency vehicle is any means of transportation used to respond to any incident. Employed by emergency services, these vehicles must reach the site of the incident on time to prevent dire consequences. One of the main reasons behind the delaying of these vehicles is people not giving way to emergency vehicles, especially in heavy traffic or during rush hours. Such behaviour is punishable by fines and penalties throughout the world, including the UAE.
Moreover, since the arrival of emergency vehicles at the emergency area is of the utmost importance, such transportations are allowed to neglect traffic laws as long as it doesn’t create another emergency situation.
List of Emergency Vehicles
As a rule, any vehicle with a red or blue flashlight on and a siren sounding is considered an emergency vehicle. However, for further clarity, here is a list of the emergency vehicles one should know about:
- Ambulances
- Fire cars
- Fire engine
- Police van
- Police car
- Traffic police vehicles
- Rescue vehicles
- Tow trucks
While some of the emergency vehicles are cars, a lot of these are heavy vehicles such as trucks, vans and buses. Moreover, emergency motorcycles, bicycles, choppers and airplanes are also found in this category.
How to Give way to Emergency vehicles
Usually, on the road, either an emergency vehicle will be approaching your car, or you will be approaching the emergency vehicle. In both cases, it is your responsibility to facilitate the emergency vehicle. Here are a few tips to drive around heavy trucks or emergency vehicles:
Giving way to an emergency vehicle coming your way
- Do not play sounds at high volumes in your vehicle so the sirens of emergency vehicles drown in it making you oblivious to their arrival
- In case an emergency vehicle is approaching, stay alert, do not panic and do not be distracted
- Follow UAE rules for hard shoulder driving
- Do not apply brakes abruptly, block any road or junction
- Drive slowly and carefully at the intersections where emergency vehicles often slow down or stop to check for safe passage
- You should always give way to the emergency vehicles at intersections even if there is a green traffic light
- Let the emergency vehicle pass and wait for more emergency vehicles that might be following this one before making your move
- Ensure the signal and the way is clear before you merge back into traffic
What to do when you approach an emergency vehicle
- Watch for any emergency vehicle stopped and engaged on the road or the shoulders
- Slow down, pass cautiously and be ready to stop
- Drive slowly and carefully around any emergency staff moving around the emergency site
- Clear way for additional emergency vehicles arriving
- Follow the directions provided by the traffic guides and the police
- Avoid rubbernecking at all cost
Moreover, you should never engage in the following activities when there is an emergency vehicle around:
- Driving or blocking the hard shoulders
- Tailgating or overtaking the emergency vehicles
- Following emergency vehicles
- Overspeeding even to allow the emergency vehicles to pass
- Jumping a red light to allow the passage of an emergency
Fine for not giving way to emergency vehicles in the UAE
There have been several awareness campaigns running all across the UAE to educate the public about the importance of giving way to emergency vehicles on the roads. One of these efforts includes message transmissions via car radios in emergency vehicles in the UAE. These vehicles can run messages on the roads to the drivers not giving way to them.
Furthermore, to ensure the implementation of the driving rules in the UAE, the government has increased the fine for blocking the way of an emergency vehicle. Previously, the penalty for not giving way to an ambulance was AED 1000 with one-month vehicle impoundment and 6 black points. However, it’s been increased to 3000 AED for not making way for emergency vehicles while the black point and month-long vehicle confiscation are also in place.
Also, in case of rainy conditions, doing so will cost a fine of AED 1,000, 4 black points and vehicle confiscation for 60 days.
For the timely arrival of emergency vehicles at the incident site, Abu Dhabi Police has designated the right-hand lane (both sides) of the King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Street road for emergency vehicles use. Any motorist caught running on this lane will be subjected to a fine of AED 400.
FAQs
Is it illegal to not stop for an ambulance in the UAE?
Yes, it is illegal to not stop for an ambulance in the UAE. It is subjected to a fine of AED 3000 along with 6 black points and one-month vehicle impoundment.
What should drivers do when an ambulance is coming?
Drivers should move away from an ambulance’s way, drive slowly, don’t panic and avoid blocking any road and intersection when an ambulance is coming.
Is there an emergency lane for ambulances in the UAE?
Yes, the right hand lane on the UAE roads is designated for emergency vehicle usage. Drivers found trespassing on the lane will have to pay a fine of AED 400.
This is all about emergency vehicles and the consequences of not giving way to them on the UAE roads. Always follow all the traffic laws to avoid getting fines along with ensuring road safety. Keep tuning in to the UAE’s top auto blog to stay updated on the road safety rules and traffic laws across the Emirate.
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