No random parking: Abu Dhabi enforces strict traffic rules to ensure school zone safety

The newly enforced Federal Traffic and Road Law has placed three strict obligations on motorists in areas surrounding schools, including parents who personally transport their children to and from school.

These obligations include reducing speed at school entrances and exits, ensuring pedestrian safety both on and off the road, and refraining from random parking that disrupts traffic flow or endangers other road users.

Fines for illegal parking

The penalty for stopping in the middle of the road without justification is Dh1,000 and six traffic points. Parking behind other vehicles in a way that blocks their movement incurs a fine of Dh500, while failure to give priority to pedestrians at designated crossings results in a Dh500 fine. Driving recklessly around educational institutions in a way that endangers lives is punishable by a Dh400 fine and four traffic points.

Abu Dhabi police warns against random parking at schools

As part of preparations for the new academic year, Abu Dhabi Police warned that one of the most recurring negative practices near schools is random parking by parents’ vehicles, especially blocking other cars during afternoon pickup times.

The police highlighted that such practices obstruct traffic, particularly when cars stop in the middle of the road, causing delays and inconveniencing others. They stressed the importance of using designated parking spaces, even if they are slightly further away, instead of resorting to violations. Parents were advised to wait at a side area until a spot becomes available, rather than stopping illegally.

Warning against leaving vehicles running

Abu Dhabi Police also cautioned parents against leaving vehicles running while stepping out to collect their children, as this could expose the car or its contents to theft. They emphasized that leaving children unattended in vehicles is strictly prohibited and poses severe risks.

Motorists were urged to ensure smooth traffic flow around schools by adhering to traffic laws, avoiding random parking or reckless driving, and paying close attention to children crossing internal roads leading to schools.

Safety guidelines for parents

Parents were advised to drop off children correctly at school entrances, assist them in crossing safely, and warn them against playing in the street while waiting for buses.

Abu Dhabi Police further stressed:

• Children under the age of 10 must not sit in the front seats.

• Drivers must come to a complete stop in both directions when a school bus activates its side “Stop” arm, keeping a distance of no less than five meters to allow students to cross safely.

Failure to stop for a school bus stop sign carries a fine of Dh1,000 and 10 traffic points, while bus drivers who fail to activate the sign face a fine of Dh500 and six points.

Comprehensive traffic safety plan for Abu Dhabi schools

In parallel, Abu Dhabi Police has finalized a comprehensive plan for the 2025–2026 academic year in cooperation with strategic partners to ensure the safe return of students and the highest levels of traffic safety, in line with its strategy to enhance security and road safety.

The plan includes intensified patrols at intersections and internal and external roads, as well as traffic inspectors to regulate school bus movements, and monitoring pedestrian crossings to ensure student safety from drop-off points to school gates.

Awareness messages have been directed to drivers emphasizing safe driving, reducing speed near schools, fully stopping for school buses’ stop signs, and cooperating with patrol officers to maintain smooth traffic flow and prevent accidents.

Abu Dhabi civil Defence: 'Our Students, Our Future'

The Abu Dhabi Civil Defense Authority has launched a back-to-school campaign under the slogan “Our Students, Our Future” in conjunction with the start of the 2025–2026 academic year. The campaign aims to foster a safe and sustainable learning environment, safeguard lives and property, and instill a culture of safety and prevention within the school community.

The initiative follows a comprehensive awareness approach targeting students, parents, teachers, administrators, bus drivers, and the wider community, enhancing readiness to handle emergencies in line with global best practices.

Promoting a culture of safety

The campaign focuses on strengthening safety culture among students, parents, and school staff, raising awareness of preventive measures in schools and buses to minimize risks, and empowering the school community to respond correctly during emergencies.

It also promotes safe behaviors through specialized awareness materials tailored to different age groups, while leveraging media outlets, digital platforms, and social media channels to deliver impactful and far-reaching safety messages.