What are the essential driving rules for tourists renting cars in Dubai? What should they watch out for when driving around in Dubai? These are all important questions to have the knowledge to answer. Driving in Dubai is a blast if you know the right rules. Unfortunately, many tourists don’t know about some of these simple tips, and can get into serious trouble.
While driving in Dubai, you may encounter a lot of other drivers who only sometimes follow the traffic rules. If you need to rent a car to go on a long trip, the following tips can help ensure you get home safely and avoid becoming stranded.
This blog post will share the driving rules you should keep in mind when travelling to Dubai, especially if you’re a tourist driving in Dubai for the first time.
What Are The Essential Driving Rules For Tourists Renting Cars In Dubai?
If you’re visiting Dubai, one of the first things you should do is rent a car and explore the city on your own. Driving in Dubai can be tricky if you don’t know what to do, so here are some essential driving rules for tourists renting cars in Dubai:
- Drive on the right side of the road. This may seem obvious, but many tourists get turned around because they’re driving on the wrong side of the street.
- Don’t drink and drive – this is illegal in Dubai and could get you into trouble with the law.
- Don’t speed. Drive your rental car in accordance with the speed limit. Don’t go faster than the limit, or you could get pulled over and face fines. Trying to outrun traffic or risk getting into an accident is not worth it.
- Be aware of pedestrians and other drivers when making turns. Watch for people crossing streets and use caution when making sudden changes in direction.
- Keep a safe distance between you and the vehicle in front of you at all times. This will not only make your journey smoother, but it will also keep you safe from potential accidents.
- Obey all traffic signals and signs. If there is a stop sign at an intersection, for example, don’t try to go through it if there is someone waiting to cross the street.
- If you get lost, don’t panic. Head to a nearby hotel or police station to ask for help.
- Parking can be tricky in Dubai. Remember to pay for your parking tickets and avoid hefty penalties
- Keep in mind that Dubai has a lot of vehicles with high horsepower – obey all warning signs about narrow roads and sharp corners.
Driving Tips For Tourists Visiting Dubai
Dubai is a city that never sleeps, and traffic can be brutal during peak hours. To make the most of your time in Dubai, follow these driving tips for tourists visiting Dubai:
- Use caution when driving in Dubai – the city moves at a fast pace, and there are often large crowds of people on the streets.
- Make sure you have a good map and GPS system before departing – you’ll need them to get around.
- Always obey all traffic signals – even if they seem confusing or inconvenient.
- Avoid driving in busy areas at night or during rush hour – these are prime times for accidents.
- Be aware of the flags on public transport buses and taxis – these indicate which way they should go and should be addressed.
5 Driving Rules Every Tourist Must Know in Dubai.
Here are the Five driving rules that you must know.
- Take caution on the highways and try to keep to the slow lane on the right when possible. Please note that in Dubai, priority on the road is to the left side.
- Use caution when approaching other drivers, especially when they are changing lanes or making turns.
- Give cyclists and pedestrians the right of way.
- Don’t drive in areas that are designated as no-entry zones, such as construction zones or pedestrian areas near beaches.
- Always use your seatbelt, and never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
What is a Valid Driving Licence in Dubai?
If you’re a tourist in Dubai you can either drive with your original drivers licence (please check if your country of origin’s licence is valid in Dubai), or with an international drivers licence.
Understanding the Traffic Laws in Dubai
If you are a tourist renting a car in Dubai, it is important to understand the traffic laws. The Dubai Traffic Police can be very strict with tourists when it comes to traffic violations, and fines can range from Dhs250 to Dhs2000. Here are some tips for driving in Dubai:
- Drive defensively. Take care when turning, braking, and accelerating. In order to avoid getting fined, always drive defensively.
- Don’t drink and drive. Driving while under the influence of alcohol is not only illegal in Dubai but also dangerous. If you get caught drinking and driving, you will likely be fined and may even be banned from returning to Dubai.
Tourists should follow essential driving rules when renting cars in Dubai. These include having a driver’s licence, being aware of local regulations, and having a vehicle that is roadworthy.