The Emirates of Dubai has one of the largest road infrastructures across the globe. In order to maintain this infrastructure, the government enforces a number of traffic laws. Along with enforcement, the citizens are constantly reminded of the offences mentioned in these laws. Recently, the Dubai government notified drivers regarding the penalties, rules and regulations of stopping cars on the road.
Let’s take a closer look at this violation and go through the details pertaining to the fine for stopping your car in the middle of the road.
Penalty for Stopping your Car in the Middle of the Road
Stopping your car in the middle of the road is a law breach and you may end up paying traffic fines in Dubai for this act. According to the law, any driver found guilty of stopping the car in the middle of the road will be fined AED 1000 along with 6 black points on the licence.
It may seem a minor offence, but it can create a significant impact on the traffic flow and safety of others. Several cars can get in an altercation just because of one vehicle stopping suddenly without notifying other motorists on the road.
Along with the reminder, Dubai Police also provides some statistics on the road accidents caused when a car stops on the road.
Accidents Caused Due to Vehicle Breakdown
Dubai Police provides the following statistics related to road accidents caused due to cars stopping in the middle of the road.
According to Police, 11 accidents caused due to the aforementioned issue were reported in 2021. Whereas, the number has already reached 5 in the following year. So far in 2022, 3 people have died and 9 were injured due to the violation of this traffic law. In comparison, 8 deaths and 21 injuries were reported in 2021.
These statistics are enough to elaborate the risk of stopping a vehicle in the middle of the road. However, the situation is not always ideal and sometimes this may happen due to an accident.
Potential Reasons for Stopping a Car in the Middle of the Road
Even though stopping a vehicle in the middle of the road is an offence, sometimes, it is not really in the hands of the driver to control the situation. We have listed multiple reasons for car breakdown on the road that forces drivers to stop their vehicle.
Technical Malfunction
It is difficult to predict technical malfunctions while driving as they are caused due to varied reasons. Regardless of the reason, it is better to park at the roadside and wait for roadside assistance.
If you are travelling from the Abu Dhabi, Al Dharfa or Al Ain region, contact road service patrol for immediate help and assistance.
Road Accident
In case of a major road accident that causes severe injuries to the driver or leads to an uncontrolled situation, the driver is exempted from this law. However, in case of a minor accident or hit, drivers are not allowed to stop their vehicles in the middle of the road.
Rather, drivers should pull off the vehicle to a proper parking space and settle down the issue or report it to the police. Remember not stopping after a minor accident is also a punishable offence and drivers can be fined AED 500 with 8 black points.
For more information, read our blog on what not to do after a car accident.
Tyre Burst
Any driver can encounter tyre bursting specially when you are driving in extreme temperatures like that of the UAE. In case your tyre blows off, keep calm and gain control of the steering wheel first. Do not slam the brakes and leave the accelerator pedal to reduce the speed. Turn on the indicators and slowly pull off the vehicle on the roadside.
Also, make sure to get your tyres changed periodically. Dubai police can fine you AED 500 with 4 black points and even vehicle impounding.
Running Out of Fuel
Running out of fuel is a completely predictable phenomenon and caused due to the negligence of the driver. Therefore, it is suggested to always check the fuel gauge before hitting the road. Apart from safety, it is also essential for the vehicle’s health, as driving when the vehicle is running out of fuel can damage your car.
Precautions to Avoid Car Breakdown on the Road
Here is a list of safety tips and precautions that can help avoid car breakdowns when driving.
- Always follow the car service and maintenance schedule mentioned in the driver’s manual. There are a number of car service and repair apps in Dubai and other Emirates that can help you in this regard. This will prevent your car from breaking down in the middle of the road.
- Keep a check on car fluids and regularly change them. Untimely fluid change can result in wear and tear of auto parts that lead to major malfunction while driving.
- Every car has a maximum load-bearing capacity, and overburdening the vehicle results in a malfunction. Therefore, avoid overloading your vehicle, even the commercial ones.
- Ignoring minor issues in the car is not advisable. These minor issues are generally indicating major malfunctions and timely repairs can save you from abruptly stopping on the road.
How to Deal if your Car Stops in the Middle of the Road
Despite all the precautions, if your vehicle breaks down in the middle of the road, follow these steps.
- The first step is to gain control of your vehicle and pull it off on the roadside. Remain calm during the process and watch for the traffic flow while pulling off.
- Once you have pulled off your car on the roadside, use warning signals. You can either turn on the emergency lights or palace a warning sign at a distance of 50 metres from the car. Make sure to place the sign behind the car facing the direction from where traffic is coming from.
- Avoid sitting or standing near the car. Maintain a safe distance from the vehicle and choose a safe place to wait for help.
- Immediately call police or roadside assistance companies to tow the vehicle to a safe place.
- Remain calm and comply with all the precautions to ensure the safety of yourself and others.
This was all about the penalty and fine for stopping your car on the road in Dubai. Stopping vehicles on the road is not permitted under any circumstances apart from major accidents or malfunctions.
Therefore, it is better to check your vehicle regularly and upgrade it with time. Upgrading is necessary because old vehicles are more prone to wear and tear. This increases the chances of malfunction.
If your vehicle malfunctions often and stops abruptly you can avoid this situation and save on penalties. Just browse through these used cars for sale in Dubai and upgrade your old vehicle with another.
Stay tuned to UAE’s top auto blog for more information on fines for parking your car on the road.
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