Chapter 1: Traffic Rules & Signs
Understanding UAE traffic laws, road signs, and maintaining safe distances on the road.
At Pedestrian Crossings
Flashing yellow lights are used at some pedestrian crossings. When you are faced with a flashing yellow light, proceed with caution and look out for pedestrians who may want to cross the road. The lights will change to red when the pedestrian approaches.
Important Rule: Always give way to pedestrians at zebra crossings and flashing yellow indicators.
Emergency Vehicles & Buses
- Police & Emergency Vehicles: Police and Emergency vehicles have priority when their siren is on or they are displaying red or blue flashing lights. You must clear the lane immediately.
- Public Transport Buses: Always give way to public buses exiting a bus stop or changing lanes.
Box Junctions (Yellow Box)
Large intersections are marked with a large yellow box with diagonal squares. This is known as a box junction. It is to indicate to drivers that they must not block the intersection when traffic is heavily congested. Signs will warn drivers not to queue across the intersection.
Do not enter the yellow box unless your exit is completely clear. Fines apply for blocking junctions.
Safe Distance: The 2-Second Rule
You must leave enough distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front to allow you to stop if the front vehicle suddenly decreases its speed. In good road and weather conditions, you should be at least two seconds behind the vehicle in front.
How to check:
Focus on a marker in the distance, such as a signpost or tree, and note when the vehicle in front passes the marker, then count the number of seconds before your vehicle passes the same marker. If your count is not at least two seconds, then you are too close.
Stopping Distance on Dry Roads:
| Speed (km/h) |
Reaction Distance (m) |
Braking Distance (m) |
Total Stopping Distance (m) |
| 20 | 4.20 | 3.3 | 7.5 |
| 40 | 8.40 | 9.6 | 18.0 |
| 60 | 12.60 | 20.4 | 33.0 |
| 80 | 16.80 | 39.2 | 56.0 |
| 100 | 21.00 | 66.0 | 87.0 |
| 120 | 25.20 | 104.3 | 129.5 |
Chapter 2: Car Elements & Maintenance
Essential tips for vehicle checks, dashboard warning alerts, and mechanical upkeep.
Important Tips for Drivers
- Periodic maintenance: Schedule regular oil changes, brake pads inspection, and tire rotations.
- See the handbook: Always refer to your car's user manual for correct tire pressures and fluid grades.
- Driving economically: Smooth acceleration and braking can save up to 10% on fuel consumption.
- Certified parts: Use only approved manufacturer parts for safety and durability.
- Immediate repair: Do not delay vehicle maintenance when a fault occurs to prevent bigger failures.
Dashboard Warning Lights Guide
Understand these critical symbols on your dashboard instrument cluster:
Brake System Alert
Indicates low brake fluid or handbrake is engaged. Stop safely if active while driving.
Low Fuel Light
Refuel immediately. Running on empty can damage the fuel pump.
Oil Warning
Low engine oil pressure. Turn off engine immediately to avoid engine seizure.
Engine Management
Check Engine. Fault detected in emissions, ignition, or fuel system.
Battery Check Alert
Charging system failure. Alternator is not charging the battery.
Temperature Warning
Engine overheating. Stop and let the engine cool down to avoid severe head gasket damage.
Chapter 3: Driving Inside the City
Mastering city driving, lane changes, intersections, roundabouts, and speed regulations.
Turning at Intersections
Planning and lane discipline are critical. Plan your turns early. Decide which lane you need to be in well in advance and ensure that you have positioned your vehicle so that you are in the correct lane as you approach the intersection.
Uncontrolled Intersections: If the movement of traffic is not controlled by signs, signals, or police officers, you must give way to the vehicle coming from your left.
Roundabout Rules
Roundabouts streamline traffic. Follow these entry and exit lane rules:
1. Turning Right at a Roundabout
Approach in the right-hand lane. Signal right on approach. Keep the indicator active and exit into the right-hand lane.
2. Going Straight Ahead
Approach in the centre or right lane (depending on lane markings). Do not signal on entry. Signal right once you pass the exit before your intended exit, and leave the roundabout.
3. Turning Left or U-turns
Approach in the left-hand lane. Signal left on approach. Stay in the inner lane. Signal right as you pass the exit prior to your exit, and merge safely to exit.
Trucks, Buses & Blind Spots
Heavy vehicles have larger blind spots (No-Zones). Avoid driving directly next to or closely behind trucks and buses:
- Left Side: Just next to the cab door.
- Right Side: Large area stretching across lanes.
- Rear: Directly behind the truck for up to 30 meters.
Chapter 4: Driving Outside the City (Highways)
Speed regulations, lane merging, overtaking, and emergency highway protocols.
Entering & Leaving Freeways
- Entering: Use the acceleration lane to match the speed of highway traffic. Signal early, check mirrors, check blind spots, and merge smoothly into a safe gap.
- Leaving: Plan exit early. Position yourself in the far-right lane well before your exit. Signal and decelerate only after entering the deceleration ramp.
Highway Lanes & Speed Limits
On high-speed freeways (e.g. 120 km/h zones), lane discipline is strictly enforced:
Keep Right: When traffic is light, you should drive in the far-right lane. The far-left lane is strictly for overtaking and emergency vehicles.
Do not drive below the set minimum speed limit (typically 60 km/h or 80 km/h depending on the highway) as it block traffic and causes accidents.
Overtaking & Lane Changes
To change lanes safely:
- Plan early and look ahead.
- Check rearview and side mirrors.
- Signal left/right with sufficient warning.
- Perform a head check (shoulder check) to verify blind spots.
- Steer smoothly and cancel indicator after completing the merge.
Chapter 5: Driving Under Different Weather Conditions
Safe driving techniques for fog, heavy rain, sandstorms, and extreme summer heat in the UAE.
Driving in Fog
Fog reduces visibility drastically in UAE winters. Follow these safety rules:
- Slow down. Speed limits may be dynamically reduced on highways.
- Use low-beam headlights and fog lights. Do NOT use hazard lights while driving in fog as it confuses others; use hazards only if stopped.
- Increase your stopping distance (at least 4 seconds).
- Use demisters and wipers to clear condensation.
Rain & Aquaplaning
Rain makes roads slick with oil and dust. Aquaplaning occurs when tires lose contact with the road surface due to standing water.
Avoid aquaplaning by keeping speed below 80 km/h during heavy rainfall, checking tire tread depth regularly, and avoiding hard braking.
Sand Drifts & Dust Storms
Strong winds can blow sand across highways, reducing traction and visibility. Keep a firm grip on the steering wheel, slow down, and stay in the middle lanes away from road shoulders where sand accumulates.
Chapter 6: Driving Behavior & Road Manners
Promoting safety through emotional control, alertness, and zero-tolerance policies.
Driving When Tired
Fatigue slows reaction time. If you feel tired on a long trip:
- Get plenty of sleep before driving.
- Take regular breaks every 2 hours or 200 km.
- Share the driving with passengers.
Road Rage & Anger Management
Do not let anger affect your driving. Avoid driving cooperative and treat other road users with respect. If another driver is aggressive, do not make eye contact or react; give them space to pass.
Alcohol, Drugs & Medications
UAE has a **strict zero-tolerance policy** for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Even a tiny trace can lead to arrest, heavy fines, license suspension, and vehicle confiscation.
Medicine Warning: Check with your doctor if prescription medicine affects your alertness before getting behind the wheel.
Chapter 7: Critical Situations
Action plans for traffic accidents, breakdowns, and vehicle safety protocols.
Responsibilities in a Crash
If you are involved in a traffic accident in Ajman:
- Stop immediately and secure the vehicle (hazard lights on).
- Check for injuries. If serious, call 999 for an ambulance.
- Do not move injured persons unless in immediate danger.
- Report the accident via the **Saaed App** (for minor accidents) or call the police.
- Move vehicles to the shoulder for minor accidents to avoid blocking traffic.
Using the Reflective Triangle
If your car breaks down or is stopped on a highway, place your red reflective warning triangle at least 50 meters behind the vehicle to alert oncoming traffic. Keep your hazard warning lights turned on.
Using the Horn
The horn is a warning device only. Use it to warn others of danger or collision risks. Do not blow the horn aggressively, near hospitals, schools, or in residential areas between 12:00 AM and 6:00 AM.
Chapter 8: Safe Driving & Fines
Familiarize yourself with major traffic offenses, black points, and vehicle confiscation in the UAE.
General Safety Guidelines
- Seatbelts: Must be worn by all passengers (front and rear).
- Child Safety Seats: Mandatory for children under 4 years old. Children under 10 are not allowed in the front passenger seat.
- Distractions: Avoid texting, eating, or adjusting navigation while driving.
Common Traffic Violations & Fines (Ajman/UAE)
| Violation Type |
Fine (AED) |
Black Points |
Confiscation (Days) |
| Driving under the influence of alcohol/drugs |
Decided by Court |
24 |
60 |
| Driving a vehicle without number plates |
3,000 |
23 |
90 |
| Not stopping after causing an accident |
Decided by Court |
24 |
- |
| Dangerous overtaking by trucks |
800 |
24 |
- |
| Exceeding speed limit by more than 60 km/h |
2,000 |
12 |
- |
| Jumping a red light |
800 |
8 |
- |
Black Points Warning: Accumulating 24 black points within a year results in automatic driving license suspension.