Blog

With the changing weather throughout the UAE, one might come in contact with rainy or foggy conditions. These might specifically be common for those who drive a lot around the city or on long road trips on their vacations. Here are some tips that motorists should keep in mind while driving in these conditions.

1. Do not take photos while you drive

If you are found taking photos while you drive, you will face a fine of Dh800 along with four black points. At the beginning of 2020, Abu Dhabi police had warned that taking photos while driving in a penalty will be considered a traffic violation and thus result in a fine.

As stated in Article 32 of the Federal Traffic Law, using mobile phones while driving is considered dangerous and careless. Reports by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai have shown that such reckless activities have increased the chances of an accident by 32 percent and increase the reduction time of drivers by 50 percent.

2. Do not drive while having your hazard lights on

This is another common mistake that many vehicle owners make while driving. This results in low visibility for the motorists. The use of hazard lights can result in turning on all the four indicators of your vehicle, which might create confusion while changing lanes and cause low visibility. This makes it harder for other drivers to figure out the real purpose of the indicators. Thus, when the visibility is minimal in case of bad weather, it is advisable to pull out to a safe place before passing the storm. Therefore, use hazard lights in case of an emergency only.

Fine: Dh 500, four black points

3. Do not change lanes without the use of indicators

Not using indicators is considered a violation even under natural circumstances. Along with the diminished visibility and difficult driving conditions, the non-use of indicators for changing lanes further adds to the lethality towards driving. This is why the police conduct regular awareness campaigns to change motorist behavior in the UAE. Currently, around 47 percent of the motorist do not use indicators while changing lanes published by Road Safety UAE in 2019.

Fine: Dh 400

4. Do not be reckless while you drive

Reckless driving can endanger the life of both the driver and those around him. It can also lead to blocking traffic, jumping red lights, or rash swerving. This has resulted in hefty fines, especially during harsh weather conditions like rainy or foggy conditions. One such condition was in December last year, during which the Abu Dhabi police posted a video on their social media regarding the implementation of strict action for those who violate the driving rules. Also, it is mandatory to have car insurance in UAE. According to the UAE laws, reckless driving actions will result in a hefty fine of Dh 2,000 along with 23 black pints and impounding vehicles for 60 days.

Fine: Dh 2000, 23 black points, 60-day impoundment