Article updated on 25-April-2023
‘Lack of lane discipline’ is one of the leading cause of death, according to the Ministry of Interior (MOI). In April 2023, the authorities raise the awareness for this important issue by introducing a minimum speed limit of 120kSheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Road – The National News article.
How to do it right:
- Be considerate, show a caring attitude, watch out for others, show good road side manners.
- Keep your vehicle always in the center of your lane, don’t hang to the left or right side of your lane.
- On highways with multiple lanes, keep to the right and allow faster cars to use the lanes left of you. If you notice that cars have to overtake you on your right side, move to a slower lane to the right of you.
- Note, that overtaking from the right is not legal (A driver must only pass other vehicles travelling in the same direction on the left – Article 10.5, UAE Federal Traffic Law Number 21, 1995)
- Use your indicator before any lane changes, check properly around you and make sure you can change your lane safely.
- Position yourself in the correct lane early and avoid unnecessary lane changes.
- When lining up at a red light, be in the lane you want to be in after the interchange. Especially at intersections where traffic turns to one side in more than one lane. This way, you don’t have to cut across and in front of other traffic participants.
- Don’t use a lane which is free (for example a lane turning to the right) when you want to go straight, only to jump the line and to squeeze into the lane where you wanted to be in the first place.
- When merging with traffic from the acceleration lane, give way to oncoming traffic and don’t bully your way in.
- When lanes merge, in dense traffic, the zip-lock system (‘merging in turn’) is to be applied, meaning the left car goes, then the right one, the left one, the right one, and so on.
- Strictly do not drive on the hard shoulders!
- Do not cross solid lines – stay in your lane until the solid lines end.
- Motorists must not drive or park in a cycle lane.
- Do not go against one-way streets.
- Only maneuver at dedicated lanes; for example: don’t U-turn at non-dedicated U-turn lanes!
Good links for the topic:
- Lane swerving and how to change lanes properly – refer to: http://www.roadsafetyuae.com/changing-lanes-properly/
- Lane discipline in round abouts – refer to: http://www.roadsafetyuae.com/roundabouts-how-to-do-it-right/
- RTA provides a comprehensive overview in their handbook: http://www.rta.ae/wpsv5/eservices/PDF_Catalog/LicensingPDFCatalogue_en.html
Great video by MOI (May 2017):
Thank you Mr. THOMAS & rest of the RSUAE Online team for these Informative Topics.
I see that VOX Cinemas is one your sponsors, would be nice to have short video clips in leading cinemas in U.A.E showcasing the same. This would educate and audience of ALL AGES AND BACKGROUNDS.
Dear Reiner, thanks for your comment! VOX was so generous to support us with a seat-belt video, courtesy of RTA in all their cinemas throughout the UAE – have a look: http://www.roadsafetyuae.com/stories/vox-cinema-partnership/
We are currently evaluating with VOX to extend and deepen our cooperation to screen additional clips at VOX cinemas.
Drive safely and kind regards,
Your RoadSafetyUAE Team
I always check the mirrors and indicate when changing lanes however at times i mostly the jeep cars flashing lights from the rear even though i am within the speed limit and tailing so close that to avoid them hitting you from the rear i change lanes quickly and hence i have been given a fine for dhs 400 literally for being bullied so sad the police are never there to see these incidents specially when the speed limit doesnt give any leeway and the the more wealthier in society can afford to flaunt the rules and pay the fines
Today morning, I was driving in moderate speed and entered in alayalis exit towards DIP. I gave indicator and another motorist gave way. But it ia painful to find that I have been fined for this action as violation of lane discipline, whereas I have been driving carefully and in moderate speed throughout my journey. I also crossed a lane which is dotted. I don’t understand how I violate lane discipline. I also didn’t caused any traffic bottleneck. Kindly advise.
Greetings,
We don’t know why the fine was issued and we cannot comment. However, please bear in mind, that Police is cracking down on lane jumpers, so be mindful to enter the exit lane early to avoid being fined. It is up to us to set examples of good driving! We shall treat others with respect and in a caring manner – just in exactly the same manner we want to be treated.
Your RoadSafetyUAE Team
Totally furious I get a fine of 400 when I follow the rules yet large jeeps flash all the time and cause major accidents! My life in my hands every day on the 311! When do these people get fines, hit the little people all the time! 24 years in uae am furious to receive this fine which is incorrect!
Hi Frances, I don’t know for what the fine was issued. True, we see a lot of misbehavior on the roads around us and most get away without fines. However, we must reflect on the fact, that we are all responsible for good behavior and we set good examples which will positively rub-off to other motorists. It can be frustrating at times, but we must keep up the responsible driving!
Your RoadSafetyUAE Team
I am new to the UAE this past August, and am new to the roadways. However, I am very upset to have received two different tickets regarding road discipline. I understand receiving a ticket for speeding which is a clear violation of the road safety and the law, but I don’t understand receiving a ticket for lane discipline without having a clear knowledge of why the violation may or may not have been made. There are many motorist on the road who speed up behind and force a driver to change lanes suddenly, hence causing a lane violation, yet the bullied driver receives the citation. I try to be a safe driver and have not had any driving incidents since driving in the UAE, and these expensive fines are very disheartening especially not knowing what specifically I have done to avoid having this type of fine again.
Dear Dereka,
We would need to know more about the circumstances, but there are fines issued for the non-use of indicators when changing lanes, for lane jumping and similar issues. Best to dispute a fine directly at the sites of the authorities.
Kind regards and drive safely,
Your RoadSafetyUAE Team
Hello! Could you please help me to understand the reason of my fine?
I got it from Dubai police for abiding a lane discipline. There was a long queue going to the bridge on my left. I turned the indicator on and squeezed into the queque. Is there a law which says its not allowed to do so?
Thank you in advance!
Greetings,
Queue jumping is one of the most irritating behaviors we see too much on our roads. It is a great example of utmost egoistic behavior and displays a lack of road manners and carries a lot of disrespect for other motorists (the ones queuing patiently). As you write ‘squeezing in’ means you potentially blocked the traffic in the lane behind you which potentially created a dangerous situation for motorists behind you.
We put our full trust into the police forces that they issued your fine to the best of their abilities, and we applaud their actions!
You and all motorists must be aware of the fact, that we shall not display egoistic or dangerous behavior on our roads!
Kindly reflect on this and we sincerely hope, that you will stop jumping queues in your own interest and in the interest of all other road users!
Kind regards and drive safely,
Your RoadSafetyUAE Team
If you are driving with the maximum speed in the left lane do you have to move over if a faster (over speeding) vehicle is behind you?
Dear Ivan,
The left lane is for overtaking only. Hence, as soon as you finish your overtaking maneuver, you have to merge on the right most lane (ie. go as far to the right as possible). If during your overtaking maneuver another even faster vehicle approaches from behind, make sure you safely complete your overtaking maneuver and then move to the right (see above). Do not get irritated by tailgaters, but just move out of their way.
Hope this helps.
Your RoadSafetyUAE Team
I am very happy you are doing something about the queue jumping ! It is irritating me every day to see that I’m waiting paciently in the line even though I’m late for my point of arrival and a lot of drivers are jumping in front and slowing down my path ! However I believe a lot of drivers are getting fined for no reason ! I also received a fine for 400 AED and I don’t know for what ! I believe you should adjust little bit your finning system to not affect the innocent drivers ! And to actually fine the drivers who are causing accidents ! Put more police officers in the Heavy traffic area where there is always queue jumping for ex.Hessa street and many more and not up to a camera or what ever other devices you have to record evidence of lane discipline!
Hi Cristian,
I guess you are making good proposals, and it would be great if you could directly address the proper stakeholders, ie. Police with your ideas.
We at RoadSafetyUAE (http://www.roadsafetyuae.com/about/)are working with governmental stakeholders like Police, RTA, MOI, etc. and we will also forward your comments.
Kind regards and drive safely,
RoadSafetyUAE
I have two vehicle registered under my name, noticed while checking that 2 months ago, the Audi, my wife drives collected a ” failure of a light vehicle to abide by line discipline” fine, in this case were no points marked. But in the case the fine will require DL Points marking, who is the one receiving them, the driver or the owner?
In regards to tail gating and the ones who are constantly flashing behind you in G class Mercedes or Nissan Patrol with fully tinted windows, I have a rear camera who constantly records, can I send them to Police, will Police do something about?
thanks.
Hi Daniel,
Police would not know who drove the vehicle at this stage. Hence the fine would go to the owner, but there should be an option to engage with police, eg. via their online portal and nominate the actual driver.
There is the ‘We are all police’ initiative by police and they ask the public to submit complaints to them. Hence, there is a good chance they will take action based on your footage.
Drive safely!
Your RoadSafetyUAE Team
I would like to ask about the free way exit line, because today I have cross my vehicle in Jumeirah road, Al Safa I see there is red mark on the entire junction, so I took free way right side exit, is that wrong? Please can anyone tell, I’m just worried about fined
Thank you
Dear Shaik,
We are not familiar with the specific situation you refer to.
Maybe best if you contact Dubai Police to verify.
https://www.dubaipolice.gov.ae/wps/portal/home/miscellaneouslinks/traffic_institute/contact+us
Office No: 0097143111199 / 0097143111114
Fax No: 009714 3111555
Working Hours: 7:30AM TO 2:30PM
Service No : 8004353
Fines inquiry: 8007777
Kind regards,
Your RoadSafetyUAE Team
I got a fine for lane discipline. How do I know what mistake I made. It will be good for me to know so that i don’t make same mistake again.
Dear Juliana,
Best to contact Dubai Police and inquire.
https://www.dubaipolice.gov.ae/wps/portal/home/miscellaneouslinks/traffic_institute/contact+us
Office No: 0097143111199 / 0097143111114
Fax No: 009714 3111555
Working Hours: 7:30AM TO 2:30PM
Service No : 8004353
Fines inquiry: 8007777
Kind regards and drive safely,
Your RoadSafetyUAE Team
I would like to know. When police men is giving fine to any car it should be a proper police car or it can be any car parked on the side with tinting windows?
Dear Alina,
‘Under-cover’ traffic police as a tool is applied all over the world to enforce the rules of the road. Besides marked police cars, radars (stationary or mobile), police officers in uniforms and more, under-cover (unmarked vehicles, police officers in civil cloths) has proven to be an effective means to improve road safety.
Kind regards,
Your RoadSafetyUAE Team
Today my supervisor called me that there’s a fine on your vehicle 1500 too much 12 black points
What can I do Any suggestions?
Greetings,
Wow … AED 1,500 and 12 black points is a lot! Your question ‘What can I do’ is a very good one and here are some considerations:
- follow the rules of the road
- do not drive recklessly
- respect other road users and show a caring attitude
- focus on your own safety and the safety of your passengers and other road users
- avoid conducting wrong behavior linked to the main causes of death on UAE roads like: no abrupt maneuvers (always use your indicator!), no tailgating, no distracted driving, no speeding, no bullying others, and so on!
- start your trips well prepared on leave early, so there will be no need to drive recklessly!
What you can also do, is to recommend to your supervisor and to your company to hold refresher road safety training for you and your colleagues!
I hope this helps!
Stay safe and drive safely,
Your RoadSafetyUAE Team
I will tell you how to change step by step.
Centre Mirror
Side mirror ( right or left)
Blind spot
Indicator again centre mirror
Then switch carefully to the desired lane
Note: don’t change lane near the signal
Don’t change lane near round about
Don’t change lane near junction
Don’t change lane in bends
Don’t change lane in tunnel.
Dear Ramadad,
Many thanks for your great comments! Well done!
Stay safe and drive safely,
Your RoadSafetyUAE Team
Hello, I am visiting Abu Dhabi for 3 months and have a rental car. I have been hearing so many frightening stories of massive fines that I’m almost too scared to drive. There is one thing particularly that I hope you can clarify for me about your red light camera’s. I have been told that if you stop too far forward at an intersection that it can trigger the red light camera and you will receive a very large fine – is this true? Today is was driving in the city, the light started to flash green so I braked straight away and came to a stop with the front of my car on the white line or maybe slightly over but the front wheels definitely behind the line. Is this likely to have tripped a camera and is it correct that even though I didn’t run a red light I can still be fined? Thank you.
Hello Richard,
It’s always good to drive super carefully, in Abu Dhabi and beyond! We cannot comment on the exact calibrations of individual signal installations, but logic would recommend, that for a time span after a new red phase starts vehicles entering the junction may get flashed. Certainly if your ‘overstep’ the white line a bit this should not be an issue. Also, if you enter a junction on green (except yellow boxed interchanges of course!) and then traffic stops and you cannot fully exit the junction before a new red phase starts, you should be on the safe side. Don’t forget, you can also dispute fines and enter into direct communication with the authorities. They are very helpful indeed! I can say this out of personal experience.
Good luck with your (careful) driving in Abu Dhabi and continue driving safely!
Your RoadSafetyUAE Team
Only lane discipline fine issue rush hours??
Greetings,
Not to our knowledge. Police is always patrolling and monitoring our roads to keep us all safe, be it rush hours or non-rush hours. we all must obey to the rules of the road, at all times to make sure we, our passengers and others around us are safe!
Drive safely,
Your RoadSafetyUAE Team
Hi,
How is this traffic violation (‘Lack of lane discipline’ ) monitored? by camera artificial intelligence (technology detection) or manually observed by police thru cameras? Is it possible that the violation was mistakenly charged to me? I remember that day of violation that I received, an SUV overtaken my lane and i was carefully driving that time keeping on my lane and giving indicator if i need to.
Dear Julius,
Police are monitoring our driving in may ways and pretty much all of what you state is used. In addition, police officers in police or plain cars are patrolling our roads to spot out rule offenders. We cannot comment on individual cases, but it’s always good to approach police and ask for the details of the fine.
Good luck and drive safely!
Your RoadSafetyUAE Team
Hi,
I had no intention of queue jumping but the road where is was, was new to me first time I was there. I entered the lane with indicators there was no traffic behind me and was given space by the other driver to join the lane. And I entered way before intersection. Police took the picture of my car. How much fine I will get for this.
Hi Mohammed,
It’s really good that the police is more serious in fining lane jumpers. It is so annoying why some people think they can squeeze in front of others and spare themselves from queuing like they should do. Besides an act of utmost lack of respect for other road users, it is also dangerous for oncoming traffic as lane jumpers often block lanes or part of lanes in their reckless attempt. Also, funnily, we see indicators (only) used when lane jumper squeeze in, while in many other instances motorists prefer to break the law and not use their indictors when changing lanes, merging onto a highway, etc.
I take it your lane jumping was not intentional and hopefully the police will see it the same way. It seems officers where there on spot and certainly they have great knowledge of this particular interchange. You should try your luck after your receive a fine to contact Dubai Police online and explain your case.
Drive safely (and don’t lane jump!),
Your RoadSafetyUAE Team
Hello, i have a question regarding the lack of lane discipline ticket, because i received a 5 tickets in 1 month in a same street which is Al meydan street. and i am curious to know exactly what is the mistake im doing just to be take more concern and to correct this behavior, because as i truly remember i am someone who is taking super car especially with all the factors such as speed and abiding lane discipline.
So is it possible to know exactly where and what exactly was the mistake ?
Dear Omar,
It’s best if you contact Police online to contest a fine if you feel it has been handed out unjustified.
Good luck!
Drive safely,
Your RoadSafetyUAE Team
I was driving in a minimum speed towards dubai al ain road .coming from the ramp towards above the bridge in ras alkhor road there is only one lane open and the other lane is close due to the road works. I don’t understand why still i got fine 400 for driving in that lane where else no cars also there but the Police standby on the roadside. Is it possible that there are times that this police radars can also have put fines mistakenly or how can we contest or check if what was exactly the reason. Do police car have videos on that specific time to show us? Atleast pictures or videos is attached when they are putting fines so that we are aware on what we commit.
Dear Erick,
It’s best if you contact Police online to contest a fine if you feel it has been handed out unjustified.
Good luck!
Drive safely,
Your RoadSafetyUAE Team
I just got a fine for jumping a red light at Corniche and Airport road intersection. But I am sure i have not jumped the red light and have contested it. It is a unique intersection where the red/green lights in all directions are fully synced. Also there is a U turn first and then one has to go 80 yards and then make a left turn. In order not to change lanes at an intersection and do it 100 yards before, one must come into the left most lane. The first signal is all U turn signal ( u- turn green, u- ember, u red). One is not making a u turn there but going straight. When the U-turn red is on, the straight is green ( there can be no pedestrians crossing and all the lanes are going straight and there is no cross traffic either. One goes straight and then abides by the left turn signal. However because the U-turn signal is red ( with a U red in it) it is being interpreted as a red light jump! This has never been the case in 15 yrs and also is definitely not a breach as the lights to go straight are red and this is a unique intersection. I think the camera has been set wrong, There is no risk at all. But if they want all traffic o stop then there should be full red light and not U turn red. U turn red indicates that a U-turn is forbidden and I am not doing a U -turn. There have been quite a few people also have got flashed recently and it is not clear. I have contested this fine online but have had no response. This needs t be raised with the traffic authorities, could you please do the needful. Who else can we escalate this to, and what else can I do to get this removed? Note also that every lane at an intersection in Abu Dhabi does not have traffic light and the motion is governed by the direction of the green light.
Dear Srishti,
Thanks for your comments. Best to raise it with Abu Dhabi Police or ITC. They are always keen to listen to proposals and in your case it might also help you with the fine.
Good luck!
Your RoadSafetyUAE Team
Hi, We love to do and follow the traffic rules always and all the lows that are established. But the way some fines are issued it’s annoying. I was fined 400 for line change non discipline yet I turned in the right line with green arrow showing to turn left and my indicator was in use but still fine was issued. Which I think was really unfair. Please let our beloved police be so kind and give right fines please. Thank you.
Greetings,
Thanks for your comment. Unfortunately we cannot comment as we have not witnessed the situation. We observe a lot of late lane changing just in front of traffic lights or exits, cutting across multiple lanes and often without using indicators. Motorists turn into intersections on the wrong lanes. Motorists jump queues and squeeze in front of others. Police wants to raise awareness for proper and safer behavior via education efforts, but also via fines it not avoidable.
Drive safely and kind regards,
Your RoadSafetyUAE Team
I am using one of our company car and monitoring our traffic file number daily. Just yesterday and today, I got 4 fines for line change non discipline dated 06 of March(1), 13 March(1) and 21 March(2). I may have avoided those three fines if the very first fine appeared within 24 hours after I committed the violation.
Greetings,
In road safety we speak about the 4 E’s. Enforcement is definitely vital for motorists to respect the laws and rules, meaning fines are charged to offenders. The E standing for Education means that yes, we got our driving license and hence we are Educated of how to drive in a safe and respectful manner. We also know that we have to show a caring manner to ourselves, our passengers and other road users. Education should actually prevail over Enforcement – that’s easy to achieve.
Enforcement = fines = also a form of Educating offenders. And yes, ideally the fines should be communicated instantly to send a strong message to those offending that they change the behavior instantly to the better, for the benefit of all other road users, and the violator itself.
Fingers crossed that in the future (if you still get fines for rule violation at all (which we sincerely do not hope!)), you will get potential fines communicated to you instantly.
Kind regards and drive safely,
Your RoadSafetyUAE Team
Hi! Just this afternoon I saw that most of the traffic signals in Abu Dhabi City including those those traffic signals where I got my fines for taking left turn on the second lane are repainted. you can clearly see that the second left lane are painted with Straight & left Arrow. My question is, can I contest those fines that they gave?
Hi Alex,
Yes, you should contact Abu Dhabi Traffic Police and explain your case to them.
Kind regards and drive safely,
Your RoadSafetyUAE Team
hi! just wanted to know that i got a traffic fine recently while switching lane with proper signaling in dotted lane with enough gap between vehicles. fine was created by the police man which he parked his car on the left shoulder of the road.
Thanks in advance.
Hi Siva,
It’s difficult to give an opinion as we have not seen your maneuver. Police cars often attend to such locations where we observe many queue jumpers who squeeze in front of others. Police want to make sure we all behave well and show good manners by queuing and waiting patiently for our turn. Could this be the reason?
Best you inquire directly at the traffic police to explain to you.
kind regards and drive safely,
Thomas Edelmann
Hello,
I am bit confused about the Lane Numbering in UAE, 50% of the drivers says its numbered from right to left and rest says it from Left to right. I tried searching over the internet but didnt find any useful information, I also referred the EDI book but failed to get the information.
Any help in this regards will be great.
The Problem:
In my office area near SKMC, Abu dhabi there are two lanes followed by 3 Lane Roundabout and a single lane exit towards DOH Office. My confusion is while coming from SKMC and if I am on left Lane will I have an option to select center or inner most lane, OR do I have to take only Inner most lane?
The difficulty is, if I take the inner most lane it creates trouble for me to exit on single lane, because there will be other 2 lane traffic on my right side may also trying to exit on the same lane. Hence, from the road safety perpective for myself and others kindly suggest what shall I follow.
Regards
Aley
Greetings,
Learn more about how to safely navigate in a round about here - https://www.roadsafetyuae.com/roundabouts-how-to-do-it-right/
In your case, just make sure, that you are the right most lane before your exit in the round about comes up.
In terms of lane numbering, use ‘left most lane’, ‘right most lane’, ’2nd lane from the right’, etc.
Drive safely!
Your RoadSafetyUAE Team
Hi,
I want to know about safety distance fine details, i am driving for past 2 year ,
recently i mean in last 2 months I received 4 fines for safety distance in 311 near Dubai silicon oasis,
How to avoid these fines even I keep enough distance between vehicles,
please help my hard earning money going just like that
Hi Surendar,
Well, it seems you are not keeping the proper and safe distance! 4x fines cannot be an error? I know the exit from 311 into DSO can be tricky, especially in rush hours. We see lots of misbehavior there and many unpolite and careless drivers.
To be on the safe side, just do the following: merge into the proper lane on time, don’t jump the queue and squeeze in, always use your indicator, keep a safe distance (ideally 2 seconds) to the vehicle in front of you.
Drive safely!
Your RoadSafetyUAE Team
I’m sorry to stay, that for all the good intentions for improving driving etiquette, the majority of poor drivers out weigh the good ones.
I truly believe there are far too many drivers who just don’t care. They have only one intention and that is doing what they need to do with out considering the potential consequences. Driving skills and being able to read the road are limited resulting in a combination of misdemeanors.