Parents and drivers reminded of key school zone rules and hefty UAE traffic fines
As schools reopen across the UAE, Dubai Police is urging motorists and parents to make the first day of school accident-free by following traffic rules and taking extra care around busy school zones.
Eligible motorists who participate in the campaign and meet its conditions can have four traffic points removed from their driving records.
The reminder comes as roads are expected to become busier during morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up times, with more school buses, pedestrians and vehicles on the roads.
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Dubai Police has called on motorists to support the Ministry of Interior’s annual Accident-Free Day campaign by following traffic rules and making a pledge to drive safely.
Motorists can join the community campaign by scanning the QR code and signing the pledge.
The Ministry of Interior initiative, organised through the Federal Traffic Council in coordination with police forces across the UAE, aims to promote road safety awareness and encourage compliance with traffic laws and regulations.
Brigadier Juma Salem bin Suwaidan, Director of the General Department of Traffic at Dubai Police and Head of the Accident-Free Day initiative, urged parents and motorists to be particularly cautious as schools reopen.
Drivers are advised to:
Obey speed limits around schools.
Give way to pedestrians at designated crossings.
Stop when a school bus displays its stop sign.
Avoid using mobile phones while driving.
Maintain a safe distance from other vehicles.
Stay within designated lanes.
Use designated drop-off and pick-up areas.
Check that their vehicles are roadworthy before setting off.
Drivers must stop when a school bus displays its stop sign and must not overtake it while the sign is activated.
Motorists must give priority to pedestrians at designated crossings, particularly around schools.
Drivers must not handle their phones while driving, including when traffic is moving slowly or during school drop-off queues.
Motorists should use designated parking and drop-off areas and avoid blocking school entrances, pedestrian crossings or other vehicles.
Speeding penalties depend on how much a driver exceeds the applicable limit and may also include black points and vehicle impoundment for serious violations.
Parents should use designated drop-off areas rather than stopping in traffic lanes. Depending on the circumstances and specific violation, penalties may include fines and black points.
With school traffic set to increase, Dubai Police is urging motorists to remain patient and alert, particularly around school buses, pedestrian crossings and drop-off zones.
The campaign’s wider aim is to turn the safe-driving habits promoted on August 31 into everyday behaviour.
Drive carefully, follow the rules and help make the new school year accident-free.