- Legal age: 17 (rentals usually 21+); carry license, passport, registration & insurance.
- Tourists: foreign license + IDP; Residents: UAE license.
- Speed limits: Highways 100–120 km/h, city 70–90 km/h, residential 25–60 km/h; exceeding limits → fines & impoundment.
- Major violations: tailgating, reckless driving, mobile use, seatbelt & child seat breaches → fines, Black Points, possible impoundment.
- Lane & roundabout rules: left lane = overtake only, signal before turning, yield in roundabouts.
- Pedestrians: use crosswalks; drivers must yield.
- Salik tolls: automatic, check for admin fees.
What is Black Point System (BPS) in Dubai?
The Black Point System (BPS) in Dubai assigns demerit points to your license; accumulating 24 points in a year can lead to suspension or revocation.
Which side of the road do you drive on in Dubai?
Drive on the right-hand side; steering wheels are on the left.
Can I drive in Dubai as a tourist?
Yes, if you’re over 21 and have a valid international driving licence and a credit card.
What licence do I need to drive in Dubai?
Tourists can use an international licence; residents need a UAE licence. Citizens of certain countries can transfer their licence directly; others must take a test.
Can women drive in Dubai?
Yes, women can drive, and there are women-only taxis.
Who Can Drive in Dubai?
Based on the driving rules in Dubai, the legal driving age is now 17 years old. This change was made under Federal Decree-Law No. 14 of 2024. However, most car rental companies require drivers to be older, usually 21 or 25 years old. When driving in Dubai, you must carry these documents with you at all times:
- Your original driving license
- Your passport
- The car’s registration and insurance papers (provided by the rental company)
You should see the Required Documents for Renting a Car in Dubai.
Driving Requirements in Dubai for Tourists vs Residents
| Must have a UAE license; foreign/IDP not valid. | Tourists | Residents |
| Legal Basis | Drive with valid foreign license (IDP often needed). | Must have UAE license; foreign/IDP not valid. |
| Minimum Age | 18 (rental companies usually 21+). | 18 |
| License Needed | Home-country license; IDP recommended. | UAE license (exchange foreign license if eligible). |
| IDP | Recommended or required. | Not used. |
| Using Foreign License | Some accepted, IDP safest. | Not allowed alone. |
| Renting a Car | Allowed with foreign license + IDP. | Allowed with UAE license and Emirates ID. |
| Driving All Vehicles | Usually limited to rentals/family cars. | Can drive any registered vehicle. |
Driving Rules in Dubai 2025
Here we explain all driving rules in Dubai, including strict traffic laws, fines, and safety rules for both drivers and car renters.
1- Black Point System (BPS) in Dubai
Black Points refer to the demerit points that are associated with your driver’s license. If you accumulate 24 points within a year, your license may be temporarily taken away or permanently revoked. For example, a case of a serious violation, such as driving recklessly, can be assigned 23 points at one go, thus giving the police the right to suspend your license for that offense only.
2- Speed Limits in Dubai by Road Type
- Highways and expressways (for instance, Sheikh Zayed Road and Emirates Road): Generally vary from 100 km/h to 120 km/h.
- Main city roads (urban dual carriageways): The limits usually range from 70 km/h to 90 km/h.
- Residential areas, school zones, and construction areas: The limits are significantly reduced, usually being 40 km/h to 60 km/h, and they can even be as low as 25 km/h in parking areas and service roads.
Exceeding the 20 km/h tolerance quickly raises fines, from AED 300 for up to 20 km/h over to AED 2,000, 12 black points, and 30 days vehicle confiscation for over 60 km/h.
3- Dubai High-Risk Driving Violations
Dubai strictly punishes dangerous driving behaviors:
- Tailgating: Driving too close to the car in front can cause accidents. This is punishable by an AED 400 fine and 4 Black Points. It’s one of the most closely monitored violations.
- Reckless Driving: Dangerous actions like sudden swerving, aggressive maneuvers, or street racing carry severe penalties: an AED 2,000 fine, 23 Black Points, and immediate vehicle impoundment.
Note: The high number of Black Points shows that authorities aim to quickly remove extremely risky drivers from the road.
4- Seatbelt Laws in Dubai
In Dubai, the driver is responsible for ensuring that all passengers use safety devices correctly. Everyone in the car, front and back seats, must wear a seatbelt. Failing to do so results in an AED 400 fine per person and 4 Black Points for the driver.
5- Regulations of Child Safety Seats in Dubai
Children under 4 years old or shorter than 145 cm must use an approved child safety seat. Children must be at least 10 years old and 145 cm tall to sit in the front passenger seat. Violating these rules carries an AED 400 fine and 4 Black Points.
Note: If you are renting a car in Dubai, the driver must ensure the child seat provided meets UAE safety standards.
6- Dubai Distracted Driving Enforcement Rules
In Dubai, it is strictly illegal to use a mobile phone while driving, whether you are talking, texting, or even just holding the phone.
Violating this rule results in an AED 800 fine and 4 Black Points. The high penalty reflects the government’s strong focus on reducing distracted driving, which is closely monitored using advanced AI camera systems.
7- Lane and Overtaking Rules in Dubai
Dubai’s traffic rules are designed to keep traffic moving smoothly, especially on highways:
- Passing Lane: The left-most lane is only for overtaking or faster vehicles. If you’re not passing, stay in the right lane to let faster traffic go by.
- Overtaking: You cannot overtake from the right. All passing must be done on the left.
- Signaling: Always use your indicators before changing lanes, turning, or exiting. Sudden lane changes or swerving are violations that disrupt traffic flow.
8- Dubai Roundabouts Rules
When driving in a roundabout in Dubai, always give way to cars already inside. Slow down, check for traffic, and enter only when it’s safe. Choose your lane before entering: use the right lane for the first exit and signal right early, and use the left lane for later exits, signaling right just before you leave.
9- Pedestrian Safety and Jaywalking in Dubai (2025 Update)
Pedestrians must use crosswalks and follow traffic signals, and cannot cross roads over 80 km/h without a designated crossing. Violations can lead to up to AED 10,000 fine and jail. Drivers must yield at crossings or face an AED 500 fine.
10- Salik Toll System in Dubai
Salik is Dubai’s electronic toll system. If you rent a car, the vehicle already has a pre-installed Salik tag, so you don’t need to buy your own. Every time you pass a Salik gate, the toll is automatically deducted from the car’s account; you don’t stop or pay cash.
For 2025, the toll fees are AED 6 during peak hours and AED 4 during off-peak hours. Tolls are free between 1:00 AM and 6:00 AM, making night travel free.
11- Serious Violations Rules in Dubai
- DUI (Driving Under Influence): First offense carries an AED 20,000 fine and a 23-day license suspension. Repeat offenses can lead to three months in jail and AED 30,000 fine.
- Driving on an invalid license: Driving with a suspended or canceled license can result in an AED 10,000–50,000 fine and up to three months in jail.
12- Dubai Vehicle Confiscation (Impoundment)
Impoundment is the most severe penalty for car renters, triggered by dangerous actions:
- Running a red light: AED 1,000 fine, 12 Black Points, 30 days impoundment.
- Exceeding speed limit by 60+ km/h: AED 2,000 fine, 12 Black Points, 30 days impoundment.
For renters, impoundment is especially costly, as you must pay the fine plus daily rental fees for the full period the car is held.
Driving Etiquette & Safety Tips for Visitors in Dubai
- If a car flashes its headlights behind you in the passing lane, safely move to the right.
- Keep your vehicle centered in the lane and avoid sudden lane changes.
- Overtaking from the right is illegal.
- Be prepared for sudden fog or dust storms and reduce speed immediately.
- Increase the distance to the vehicle ahead during low visibility.
- Turn on your lights when visibility is poor.
- Do not stop on the hard shoulder or main road unless it is an emergency.
- All accidents must be reported to Dubai Police.
- Call 999 immediately in case of an accident.
- Move vehicles to the side of the road or shoulder if possible.
- If vehicles cannot move, turn on hazard lights and keep all occupants safe behind the guardrail.
- Wait for the official police report for insurance and rental claims.
Follow the Rules and Avoid Fines
You now have a complete guide to driving rules in Dubai. Following these rules and respecting local driving habits will help you avoid fines, Black Points, and costly vehicle impoundment.
Drive confidently, knowing you are informed and prepared. Check your rental agreement for Salik fees and insurance details before starting your journey. Keep the emergency number 999 handy. Always drive carefully, follow the rules, and enjoy a safe and smooth experience on Dubai’s roads.
FAQ
Can I use cruise control in Dubai?
Yes, cruise control is allowed on highways, but it must be disengaged in traffic, curves, or poor weather.
Are dashcams legal in Dubai?
Yes, dashcams are legal for personal use, but recordings cannot be publicly shared without consent.
What happens if I damage a rental car?
You are responsible for all repair costs; insurance may cover some damages depending on your rental agreement.
Is it mandatory to have a warning triangle or a fire extinguisher?
Yes, most vehicles must carry a warning triangle; fire extinguishers are recommended but not always required in rentals.
Can I drive off-road in Dubai?
Off-road driving is only allowed in designated desert areas; illegal off-roading can lead to fines and impoundment.
Are there restrictions on tinted windows?
Yes, front windshield and front side windows must meet legal tint limits; violations incur fines.
Do Dubai roads have speed cameras?
Yes, all major roads, highways, and intersections are monitored with fixed and mobile speed cameras.
Is it allowed to honk in Dubai?
Honking is only allowed to warn others of danger; improper or excessive honking can result in fines.
