UAE renews strict warnings on school zone traffic violations

UAE motorists warned — hefty fines, black points for school zone offences

Last updated: August 23, 2025 | 17:14

3 MIN READ

One of the most frequent offences is failing to stop at the “STOP” sign displayed by school buses. Drivers must come to a full halt when the sign is raised.

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Abu Dhabi: As every new school year begins in the UAE, authorities renew their warnings against traffic violations around schools.

Federal Law No. (14) of 2024 on Traffic Regulation, along with the Penal Code, stresses the importance of protecting students and ensuring their safety on roads and in school buses.

Common violations around schools

One of the most frequent offences is failing to stop at the “STOP” sign displayed by school buses. Drivers must come to a full halt when the sign is raised — whether they are behind the bus or approaching from the opposite direction.

Another common violation is failing to wear a seatbelt. The law requires all passengers, front and back, to buckle up, and the driver is held responsible if anyone does not.

Also Read: Ministry of Education announces official school hours for public school students, denies any changes

Fake or altered licence plates

The law also penalises the use of fake, altered, damaged or unlicensed number plates. Such offences carry heavy fines and can even lead to jail time.

Other violations around schools include speeding in school zones, ignoring traffic rules, and stopping in no-parking areas outside school gates.

Fines and black points

Legal advisor Moataz Fanous said these violations come with strict penalties, including fines and black points.

Failing to stop at a school bus sign: Dh1,000 fine + 10 black points
Not wearing a seatbelt: Dh400 fine + 4 black points

He added that strict enforcement, increased traffic patrols, and awareness campaigns are all meant to improve compliance and boost road safety.

Also Read: Back-to-School alert: UAE parents rush for flu shots to protect kids

School buses and student safety

Fanous also noted that bus drivers and supervisors are legally responsible for ensuring all students get off safely. A quick check inside the bus, he stressed, “could save a life.”

Negligence can bring severe penalties, including fines, licence suspension or non-renewal, imprisonment, and in serious cases, closure of the school.

Fire safety in buses

From the 2025 academic year, all school buses in the UAE must be fitted with automatic fire suppression systems under standard UAE.S 5041:2021. These systems detect and extinguish engine fires automatically.

Also Read: UAE ready to welcome students back to school on Monday

“Day Without Accidents” initiative

To mark the first day of the new school year, the Ministry of Interior declared 25 August 2024 a “Day Without Accidents.”

The campaign, held nationwide with all police departments, aims to improve road safety during the busy school return period.

Black point reduction incentive

The Ministry also introduced an incentive: drivers who commit to no violations on the first school day of 25 August 2025 will have four black points deducted from their record.

Drivers must pledge online, and if they remain violation-free, the deduction will be applied automatically by 15 September 2025.

Also Read: UAE schools gear up for new academic year as over one million students return

Tackling repeat offences

Brigadier Hussein Ahmed Al Harthi, Chairman of the Federal Traffic Council, said the campaign is not only about safety on the first day but also about tackling repeated violations.

He urged drivers to wear seatbelts, follow speed limits, keep safe distances, avoid mobile phone use, and give way to emergency vehicles and official convoys.

Key traffic rules in Dubai school zones

Dubai Police also outlined strict rules and penalties for school areas:

Speed limits: 30–40 km/h. Fines range from Dh300 to Dh3,000. Exceeding by more than 60 km/h may lead to vehicle impoundment and licence suspension.
Stopping for buses: Drivers must stop at least five metres behind when a school bus raises its STOP sign. Fine: Dh1,000 + 10 black points.
Mobile phone use: Strictly banned while driving. Fine: Dh800.
Pedestrian crossings: Drivers must give way to pedestrians in school zones. Fine: Dh500.

Abdulla RasheedEditor - Abu Dhabi

Abdullah Rashid Al Hammadi  is an accomplished Emirati journalist with over 45 years of experience in both Arabic and English media. He currently serves as the Abu Dhabi Bureau Chief fo Gulf News. Al Hammadi began his career in 1980 with Al Ittihad newspaper, where he rose through the ranks to hold key editorial positions, including Head of International News, Director of the Research Center, and Acting Managing Editor. A founding member of the UAE Journalists Association and a former board member, he is also affiliated with the General Federation of Arab Journalists and the International Federation of Journalists. Al Hammadi studied Information Systems Technology at the University of Virginia and completed journalism training with Reuters in Cairo and London. During his time in Washington, D.C., he reported for Alittihad  and became a member of the National Press Club. From 2000 to 2008, he wrote the widely read Dababees column, known for its critical take on social issues. Throughout his career, Al Hammadi has conducted high-profile interviews with prominent leaders including UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and key Arab figures such as the late Yasser Arafat and former presidents of Yemen and Egypt. He has reported on major historical events such as the Iran-Iraq war, the liberation of Kuwait, the fall of the Berlin Wall, and the establishment of the Palestinian Authority. His work continues to shape and influence journalism in the UAE and the wider Arab world.