Driving a car is a privilege that comes with a great deal of responsibility. As a driver, you must be aware of traffic laws and regulations and always follow them in the UAE. Failure to comply with these laws can lead to hefty fines and even legal penalties. While most drivers know that speeding, running a red light, or driving under the influence can result in fines. However, many may not be aware that stopping your car can also lead to fines in certain circumstances.
Following, we will explore five cases when stopping your car can result in fines and what you can do to avoid them.
Cases When Stopping Your Car Can Lead To Fines in the UAE
As a driver in the UAE, it is important to be aware of the rules and regulations when it comes to stopping your car on the road. While there may be times when you need to pull over due to an emergency or car trouble, there are several cases where stopping your car can lead to fines.
Following, we will discuss some of the instances where stopping your car can result in penalties and how to avoid these things while driving.
Stopping your car on a busy highway due to a strange noise or a flat tyre is highly discouraged, as it not only poses a risk of multiple-vehicle collisions. It also attracts a hefty fine and six black points on your driving licence under the UAE’s federal traffic law – Ministerial Resolution No. 178 of 2017 on Rules and Procedures of Traffic Control. The law outlines several situations where motorists can be fined for stopping their cars. Let’s take a closer look at them.
1. Stopping in the middle of the road without a justified reason
- Fine: AED 1,000
- Black points: Six
Always remember that stopping your car on road can be a risk to yourself and other drivers. In Dubai, you need to pay fines for stopping a car on road.
When you need to, it is recommended that you safely move towards the right-most lane and find a designated emergency area. Not following lane-changing rules can also get you fined in the UAE. Here is a complete guide on how to safely change lanes while driving.
In June 2022, Abu Dhabi Police provided some tips for motorists on what to do if their car breaks down while driving:
- Move your vehicle off the road to the nearest designated emergency area. If necessary, you may use the right shoulder of the road to stop your vehicle.
- Turn on your hazard lights to indicate that your car is not moving.
- If you have a hazard sign with you, make sure to place it on the road at least 60 meters behind your car to warn other drivers of the potential hazard.
- Do not wait inside or next to your car as this can be dangerous.
- Contact the Police for assistance.
2. Stopping the vehicle in prohibited areas on the left shoulder of the road
- Fine: AED 1,000
In 2017, Abu Dhabi Police warned motorists that drivers are prohibited from stopping at the hard shoulder on roads, and the area is specifically designated for traffic patrols and emergency vehicles. That being said, you must follow hard shoulder rules while driving in the UAE.
As per the Abu Dhabi Traffic fines, stopping your vehicle in prohibited areas on the road’s left shoulder can result in a fine of AED 1,000.
3. Stopping in the yellow box junction
- Fine: AED 500
Stopping a car at a yellow junction in an intersection when the driver is unable to see the road ahead. It is an offence under the federal traffic law of the UAE and leads to a penalty of AED 500. The purpose of the yellow box is to alert drivers not to enter the junction unless the exit is unobstructed.
4. Stopping the vehicle on pedestrian crossings
- Fine: AED 500
- Black points: Six
As per the traffic fines in Dubai, drivers who stop their vehicles at pedestrian crossings can be fined AED 500 and receive six black points on their license. Also, keep a check on black points and reduce them when you get a chance.
Drivers need to follow traffic rules and stop at pedestrian crossings to allow pedestrians to cross safely. When driving in residential and industrial areas, drivers should also slow down to ensure the safety of pedestrians. Pedestrians are advised to use designated areas to cross roads only when traffic lights indicate it is safe to do so.
5. Stopping a vehicle in a way that endangers pedestrians
- Fine: AED 400
The Federal Traffic Law contains two provisions related to the unlawful halting of a vehicle that could potentially harm pedestrians:
- Stopping a vehicle in a manner that obstructs the movement of pedestrians.
- Stopping a vehicle in a manner that creates a hazard for pedestrians.
Abu Dhabi Police’s Traffic and Patrols Directorate released a video in September 2022 showcasing drivers failing to yield to pedestrians at zebra crossings. The footage was obtained from surveillance cameras and displayed vehicles moving before pedestrians could reach the other side of the crossing safely.
The police emphasised that drivers be within UAE speed limits once they speed near zebra crossings and give priority to pedestrians crossing at designated areas. Regardless of whether they are in school areas, residential neighbourhoods, or industrial areas. Pedestrians should be allowed to cross safely at these designated crossings. Also, if you have been mistakenly indicted for a traffic violation, here is how you can contest a traffic fine in UAE.
That said, stopping your car in the wrong place can lead to significant penalties in the UAE. To avoid fines, make sure to pull over in designated areas or emergency bays. Also, if you are driving during Ramadan, make sure you follow these Ramadan safe driving tips. Remember, safety comes first on the road, and being a responsible driver can prevent accidents.
Besides, if you are planning to buy a used car for sale in the UAE or a new one, always follow the traffic rules and be aware of the risks associated to stop cars in prohibited areas.
Stay tuned to dubizzle’s car blog for more driving rules and regulations in the UAE.
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