Nearly 29,000 drivers fined for ignoring school bus ‘Stop’ signs in UAE

Sharjah: Nearly 29,000 drivers across the UAE were fined in 2024 for failing to stop when school buses extended their “Stop” signs, a mandatory rule designed to protect children as they board or exit buses.

According to the data released by the Ministry of Interior, a total of 28,920 motorists in the UAE were fined ignoring the ‘Stop’ signs displayed by school buses. The violation, which poses a serious risk to children, also carries a Dh1,000 fine and 10 black points on the driver’s license.

Must stop

The law mandates that drivers must halt in both directions on two-way roads when a school bus extends its stop sign, maintaining a minimum distance of five meters from the school bus.

“Too often, we see drivers ignoring this critical rule, putting young lives at risk,” said Major Saud Al Shaiba, Director of Traffic Awareness and Media at Sharjah Police. He stressed that both awareness and enforcement are crucial in ensuring the safety of schoolchildren.

School bus drivers are also legally required to activate the stop sign while picking up or dropping off children. Failure to comply results in a Dh500 fine and six black points. “These are not just rules, they are safeguards,” he added.

Authorities continue to urge all motorists to exercise extreme caution around school buses and respect traffic laws designed to protect children.

Where were most violations reported