How to drive safely near schools in the UAE and avoid fines
Key school zone rules in the UAE: Speed limits, stop signs and safety tips
Dubai: As schools reopen across the UAE, drivers can expect heavier traffic, especially around school zones and during drop-off and pick-up times. To keep roads safe, the Ministry of Interior (MOI) has launched its annual initiative ‘A Day Without Accidents’, alongside the campaign ‘A Safe School Year’, which begins on August 25, 2025 — the first day of the new academic year.
Navigating school runs can be stressful, but it’s important to remember one simple rule: children always have priority. This is especially true when school buses stop and extend their safety arms. Driving carefully in these areas is not just about avoiding fines; it is about protecting young lives and fostering safer communities.
A little patience goes a long way. So whether you’re dropping your child off or just passing through a school zone, take a moment to slow down, stay alert, and follow the rules.
Driving near schools in Dubai? Keep these safety rules in mind
To protect students and avoid fines, Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) urges drivers to follow these important guidelines when driving near schools:
Don’t park in restricted spaces: Avoid parking in areas reserved for People of Determination.
Use the proper drop-off zones: Only use designated school pick-up and drop-off points. These areas are designed to keep traffic flowing and children safe.
Avoid stopping across the street: Never stop on the opposite side of the road from a school. This forces children to cross the street, increasing the risk of accidents.
Keep emergency lanes clear: These lanes are for ambulances and emergency vehicles only.
Stick to the speed limit: Most school zones in the UAE have reduced speed limits of 30 to 40 km/h. Always slow down and pay attention to signage.
Obey school bus stop signs: If a school bus extends its stop sign, you must come to a complete stop and keep a safe distance.
Follow crossing guards’ instructions: Crossing guards are there to manage student safety. Always listen to and follow their signals.
Stay alert: Children can be unpredictable, especially near schools. Watch for sudden movements and stay cautious.
Avoid distractions: Don’t use your phone or get distracted while driving in or near school zones.
Driving near school buses
School buses transport children of different ages, so they must be driven and approached with extra care.
Frequent stops: School buses may stop for several minutes, especially when multiple students are boarding or getting off.
Children crossing: When the bus stops, students may suddenly cross the road. Younger children in particular can be unpredictable when approaching or leaving the bus.
Blind spots: School buses have larger blind spots than regular vehicles, so the driver may not see you if you are too close.
Speed and braking: Over-speeding or sudden braking near a school bus can frighten children, causing them to run unexpectedly and endanger themselves or others.
Traffic rule: Drivers must come to a complete stop when a school bus halts both behind it and in front of it on a two-way single carriageway.
Common traffic fines during school runs in the UAE
Failing to follow school zone traffic rules does not just endanger lives it can also lead to hefty penalties. Here are some violations to be aware of:
Ignoring school bus stop signs: Dh1,000 fine + 10 black points
School buses across the UAE are fitted with stop signs that automatically extend when children are getting on or off. Drivers must stop completely and maintain a safe distance of at least five metres.
What to do when a school bus displays a stop sign:
On single-lane roads: All vehicles in both directions must stop and keep a five-metre distance from the bus.
On multi-lane roads: Only vehicles travelling in the same direction as the bus must stop and stay at least five metres away.
Speeding near schools: Fines from Dh300 to Dh700
Speed limits near schools are usually set between 30 and 40 km/h. Exceeding these limits can result in the following fines:
Exceeding by up to 20 km/h: Dh300
Exceeding by up to 30 km/h: Dh600
Exceeding by up to 40 km/h: Dh700
In addition to slowing down and staying alert for hazards, drivers must avoid using the horn or revving the engine near schools and school buses. Loud noises can startle children and create dangerous situations. Misusing the horn or car sound system in a disruptive way can also lead to a Dh400 fine and four black points.
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