Driving to Abu Dhabi? Don’t risk a fine, know these traffic rules first
Abu Dhabi has specific traffic rules and systems to enhance road safety
Dubai: If you are planning to drive to Abu Dhabi and are unfamiliar with its traffic regulations, it is important to be aware of the emirate’s unique road rules, including its traffic alert systems and specific speed limits. Abu Dhabi enforces strict traffic laws to enhance road safety, and failing to comply can result in fines, black points, or even vehicle impoundment. Understanding these rules not only helps you avoid penalties but also ensures a safer driving experience for you and others on the road.
1. Speed limits – no grace speed allowance
Speed limits in Abu Dhabi differ from those in other parts of the UAE. In most emirates, speed radars allow a grace limit of 20 km/h over the posted speed limit. However, since 2018, Abu Dhabi has removed this allowance. This means that any increase in speed above the designated limit will result in a fine.
Road alert system
If you have driven in Abu Dhabi, you may have noticed traffic signs featuring red, blue, and yellow flashing lights. These are part of the emirate’s road alert system, designed to warn drivers about upcoming traffic incidents and adverse weather conditions, thereby enhancing road safety.
The system operates as follows:
Red and blue flashing lights indicate an accident ahead, alerting drivers to be cautious.
Yellow flashing lights warn of hazardous weather conditions such as fog, dust, or rain, as well as other road incidents.
These signals are installed along major highways and can be seen clearly from a distance of up to 200 metres, both day and night.
4. AI-powered traffic radars and cameras
Abu Dhabi has implemented advanced traffic monitoring systems, incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance road safety and enforce traffic regulations more effectively. These AI-powered radars and cameras automatically detect violations at pedestrian crossings, road exits, and intersections.
The solar-powered ‘EXIT-I’ devices are designed to identify motorists who fail to give way to pedestrians at crossings. Additionally, they detect various traffic violations at intersections and road exits, including:
Overtaking in front of the intersection triangle
Illegal overtaking of vehicles
Obstructing traffic
Cutting in line at exits
Abu Dhabi’s traffic enforcement system also focuses on ‘behavioural’ violations, which contribute to distracted driving. The Vehicular Attention and Safety Tracker (VAST) is a specialised radar system that detects motorists using mobile phones or engaging in other distractions while driving. It also identifies sudden swerving, a common indicator of inattentive driving.
Abu Dhabi’s smart gates
Smart gates in Abu Dhabi serve more than just displaying variable-message warnings for traffic accidents or weather advisories. They are also part of an intelligent traffic violation detection system that automatically captures:
Speed limit violations.
Vehicles with expired registration.
Unsafe driving behaviour, such as failing to maintain a safe distance from other vehicles.
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