Hard Shoulder Driving Rules and Regulations in the UAE

The UAE boasts one of the best road networks in the world, and a well-implemented set of rules and regulations to ensure safety. If you aren’t familiar with the traffic laws of the country, you can end up with hefty fines and penalties. There are laws regarding hard shoulder driving as well. Drivers misusing the hard shoulder lane or breaking any other law when driving hard shoulder are subjected to heavy fines.

Let’s find out all about driving hard shoulder rules and regulations in the UAE.

What is Hard Shoulder in Driving

A hard shoulder is a narrow lane that allows vehicles to stop safely in an emergency. Besides, it also provides a path to ambulances, fire trucks and police vans so that they can react quickly in case of an emergency. Unfortunately, many drivers misuse the lane, which sometimes results in collisions and accidents.

Hard shoulder driving is one of the lesser-known driving offences in Dubai. The UAE traffic authorities impose serious fines and penalties to prevent hard shoulder driving and emergency vehicle blocking.

Rules for Hard Shoulder Driving in the UAE

Dubai highway with road signs and directions — Hard shoulder driving in the UAE carries a fine of AED 1,000

Hard shoulders are not just for driving or passing; it is the part of the road that is only for unexpected stops in very specific situations. The hard shoulder driving lane in the UAE is also known as a blind area. Accidents caused by passing on the hard shoulder are the most fatal. Such incidents on highways often prove fatal.

Driving unnecessarily on the hard shoulder in the UAE is absolutely prohibited and carries a fine of AED 1,000. The government has also imposed the black points system. First-time offenders will get six penalty points for driving on the hard shoulder each time they break the rule. Besides, vehicles will also be impounded for 30 days. The driving license of the offender will also be revoked if it happens in the same year.

The fine is also valid if you are caught overtaking and blocking emergency vehicles from the hard shoulder. However, you will receive four black points on the license. Even though the penalty is less severe, it is still sufficient to discourage drivers. This is why making a way for emergency vehicles in the UAE is important to avoid fines.

In case you have a flat tire or another car issue, do not stand after pulling the car on the hard shoulder. Instead, you can get behind the safety barrier and call the emergency helpline.

Tips to Use the Hard Shoulder

Man staring down at the engine on the hard shoulder of a motorway — Do not use the hard shoulder to park your vehicle

Drivers must not stop on the hard shoulder unless their car has broken down.
It is recommended to move it even beyond the hard shoulder even if your vehicle breaks down.
Take all passengers out of the car and ensure that they stand at a safe distance from the hard shoulder lane.
Warn other motorists by placing an emergency triangle at least 100 meters toward oncoming traffic.
Turn on the hazard lights to help other drivers see you’re there.

Things to Consider When Using Hard Shoulder

Mussafah road in Abu Dhabi — Make sure you take all the measures for driving safety in the UAE

Do not use the hard shoulder to park
Do not stay in the car to wait
Do not stand close to the car as you could be hurt if it’s hit
Do not use the right-hand door to get out of the car
Don’t drive on the shoulder in traffic jams or to reach the next exit
Do not let pets out of the car as they could run into the road
Do not use the hard shoulder to drive or reverse when you missed an exit
Do not stop on the hard shoulder to allow passengers to enter or exit your vehicle:
- at Metro stations
- to take photos
- or any other reason that isn’t counted as an emergency

FAQs

What is a hard shoulder in driving?

The hard shoulder is also called an emergency or breakdown lane by the verge of a road or motorway, separated by a solid white line. It allows vehicles to stop safely in an emergency.

What is the penalty for blocking hard shoulders in the UAE?

Blocking emergency vehicles from the hard shoulder carries a fine of AED 1,000 and 4 black points on the driver’s license.

What is the fine for driving on the hard shoulder in the UAE?

The drivers caught driving on the hard shoulder will be fined AED 1,000 along with the penalty of six black points on their driving licenses. Moreover, their vehicles will also be confiscated for 30 days.

That’s the wrap of our guide about the hard shoulder driving rules in the UAE. Since blocking or driving hard shoulder has heavy fines and significant penalties, driving around the country has become much safer. Read these driving FAQs for driving rules & regulations in the UAE to get more clarification on it.

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Stay tuned to the UAE’s leading auto blog to find more information about the driving rules and regulations in the Emirates.