UAE: Over 177,000 fined for jaywalking in 2024

Dubai: In cities across the UAE, more and more people are risking their lives just by crossing the street without following traffic rules. And in many cases, their mobile phones are to blame.

Drivers say it has become common to see pedestrians looking at their phones or scrolling through social media while walking across the road or even at intersections and traffic signals. Some don’t even notice when the pedestrian light turns red, putting themselves in danger of being hit by oncoming cars.

According to the Ministry of Interior statistics, traffic police across the UAE recorded more than 195,000 violations by pedestrians in 2024.

Out of those, 18,073 violations were for pedestrians not following traffic signals. Abu Dhabi recorded the highest number with 13,043 violations, followed by 4,990 in Dubai, while Sharjah recorded 23, Ajman 11, and Fujairah 6, which had smaller numbers.

Even more worrying were the 177,554 violations for crossing roads from non-designated areas, also known as jaywalking.

These included:

·         109,260 in Abu Dhabi

·         35,233 in Dubai

·         30,228 in Ajman

·         Sharjah, 2044

·         Fujairah772

·         Umm Al Quwain17

Although current traffic law does not fine pedestrians for using phones while walking, it does impose a Dh400 fine for crossing roads in the wrong place or ignoring pedestrian signals.

In some cases, the consequences could be far more serious. According to the new traffic law, anyone who causes an accident while crossing from a non-designated area could face jail and a fine between Dh5,000 and Dh10,000.

The new traffic law has increased the penalty for crossing from undesignated areas. It states that “any person crossing from non-designated areas, if it results in a traffic accident, shall be punished by imprisonment and a fine of no less than Dh 5,000 and no more than Dh10,000, or one of the two penalties.

The new law also includes provisions for pedestrian conduct on roads, specifying that pedestrians are not allowed to cross roads with speed limits exceeding 80 km/h. They will bear civil or criminal liability for failing to comply.

“It’s not just careless. It’s dangerous,” said Ali Al Naqbi, a driver from Khor Fakkan. “Many people are used to walking while using their phones, but when they do that while crossing a street, they’re putting their lives at serious risk.”

Salman Khalil, an Ajman-based driver, said: “Pedestrians have the right of way, and we’re required to stop for them. But some take that for granted. They walk slowly, stay on their phones, or cross during a red light. That’s not just irresponsible. It’s unfair to drivers too.”

Police have urged the public to use designated pedestrian crossings and stay alert, especially around busy roads. They’re also calling for more awareness campaigns and education about road safety, a message that’s especially important in a fast-paced, phone-obsessed world.

As more cars and people fill the roads of the UAE’s growing cities, staying safe means more than just following rules. It’s about looking up, paying attention, and respecting the shared responsibility of the road.