Dubai: As the UAE gears up for an accident-free day on August 31, with schools returning to session after a summer break, motorists have been urged to follow road rules and always yield to pedestrians, especially as children return to school.When driving in school areas, residential areas, or even on main roads that have pedestrian crossings, motorists are required to slow down and come to a complete stop to allow pedestrians to cross safely.Here are the rules you need to keep in mind.Motorists’ responsibilityDubai Police recently shared an awareness video in the run up to the Accident-Free Day on August 31, informing motorists that they are legally required to yield to pedestrians, while pedestrians, too, should ensure that the road is clear before crossing.Article 5(1) of the UAE’s Federal Traffic Law states that drivers are obliged to slow down at pedestrian crossings, and stop until pedestrians who have started to cross the road have crossed. Article 7 also states that motorists should ensure the safety of pedestrians on and off the road, especially in residential, commercial and recreational areas, places of worship, and educational and health institutions.Neither pedestrians nor motorists are allowed to stop in the middle of a road.Driving around residential areasDriving in residential areas and school zones requires extra precaution. The maximum permitted speed limit in these areas is a lot lower, to ensure the safety of pedestrians. Many zones are also equipped with interactive speed radars, which inform motorists if they are driving within the permitted speed limit.Areas which see high pedestrian movement, like parking areas, school zones or residential areas can have speed limits of 25-40km/h.Fines you should knowMinisterial Resolution No. 178 of 2017 on Rules and Procedures of Traffic Control list the following fines that are applicable on motorists for violating pedestrian safety:Blocking the pedestrian crossing – AED 500Stopping a vehicle in a way that endangers pedestrians or stopping a vehicle in a way that blocks the pedestrians’ movement – AED 400Not giving priority to pedestrians on pedestrians’ crossings – AED 500 fine, 6 black pointsDriving in residential areas, educational zones, hospitals in a way that endangers others’ lives – AED 400 fine and 4 black pointsDriving in a distracted manner that endangers the driver’s life or the lives and safety of others – AED 2,000 fine, 23 black points and vehicle impoundment for 60 days.Pedestrian guidelinesPedestrians are also required to always use designated crossings and check to ensure the road is clear. For our guide on pedestrians’ responsibilities, click here.
