Dubai: Navigating school drop-offs and pick-ups can be a hectic experience, and can make parents or other motorists impatient. However, adhering to basic driving rules and respecting speed limits can ease the process for everyone involved.
Nine rules you should keep in mind during school drop-offs and pick-ups
To ensure safety around schools, Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) recommends the following guidelines:
- Avoid parking in reserved spaces - Do not use designated People of Determination parking spots.
- Use designated areas - Always use school-designated zones for drop-offs and pick-ups.
- Stop safely - Never stop on the opposite side of the road from the school; ensure children do not need to cross the road.
- Respect emergency lanes - Do not use lanes reserved for emergency vehicles.
- Follow speed limits - Slow down and obey all traffic regulations.
- Observe bus stop signs - Always stop when a school bus displays its stop sign.
- Heed crossing guards - Follow instructions from school crossing guards.
- Stay alert - Be vigilant for children near school zones.
- Avoid distractions - Refrain from using mobile phones or engaging in other distractions while driving near schools.
Traffic fines to watch out for during school runs
Driving during the school rush can be challenging, but neglecting traffic rules can result in hefty fines. Be mindful of these potential violations:
1. Dh1,000 fine for ignoring school bus stop signs - School buses in the UAE are equipped with stop signs that extend when children are boarding or alighting. Motorists must stop completely and maintain a distance of at least five meters to ensure student safety. Ignoring this sign results in a Dh1,000 fine and 10 black points.
When a bus displays a stop sign:
- On single-lane roads, all vehicles in both directions must stop at least five meters away.
- On multi-lane roads, vehicles in the same direction as the bus must stop at least five meters from the bus on all lanes.
2. Speeding fines: School zone speed limits typically range from 30 to 40 km/h. In Abu Dhabi, the speed limit is set at a maximum of 30 km/h in school zones. Fines for speeding are as follows:
- Exceeding the limit by up to 20 km/h: Dh300
- Exceeding the limit by up to 30 km/h: Dh600
- Exceeding the limit by up to 40 km/h: Dh700
3. Dh800 fine for mobile phone use while driving: Using a mobile phone or being otherwise distracted while driving incurs a fine of Dh800 and four black points, in accordance with the UAE’s Federal Traffic Law.
This article was originally published on February 9, 2023 and has been updated since.
