Overtaking on the road shoulder carries a fine of Dh1,000 and six black traffic points.
aalhammadi@gulfnews.comAbu Dhabi Police have issued a warning to motorists about hazardous driving behaviors commonly observed during peak traffic hours, particularly the act of driving on the road shoulder.
Authorities emphasised that the shoulder is a designated emergency lane meant exclusively for rescue and emergency vehicles, stating, “Driving in this lane hinders those attempting to save lives.”
Through its traffic awareness campaign, Abu Dhabi Police highlighted the use of an advanced system powered by artificial intelligence called the “Dangerous Driver Monitoring System.”
This system identifies serious traffic violations and dangerous behaviours, such as overtaking via the shoulder, using a phone while driving, and failing to maintain a safe following distance.
The AI-enhanced camera network is deployed on major roads to monitor and detect reckless drivers in real time.
Legal penalties for shoulder driving
According to the UAE’s Federal Traffic Law, overtaking via the road shoulder incurs a fine of Dh1,000 and six black traffic points. More serious is the offense of failing to give way to emergency, ambulance, police, or official convoy vehicles, which results in a fine of Dh3,000, six black points, and impoundment of the vehicle for 30 days.
Cameras monitor violations during traffic jams
Traffic cameras and patrol units across the country have recorded multiple violations during congested periods, including failure to stay in lane, overtaking from the right, and driving on emergency shoulders to evade traffic delays.
According to the Ministry of Interior’s statistics, a total of 24,992 violations for shoulder driving were recorded last year across the UAE. These were distributed as follows:
- Abu Dhabi: 7,512 violations
- Dubai: 12,764 violations
- Sharjah: 3,934 violations
- Ajman: 363 violations
- Ras Al Khaimah: 79 violations
- Umm Al Quwain: 25 violations
- Fujairah: 315 violations
Abu Dhabi Police reiterated that the road shoulder is not a lane for regular driving and urged motorists not to let impatience for saving a few minutes jeopardize others’ chances of survival. The shoulder is for emergencies only, and drivers must yield the way for those who genuinely need it.
“Don’t Hesitate… Give Way Immediately” campaign
In late May, Abu Dhabi Police and the Abu Dhabi Civil Defense Authority, in cooperation with the Department of Health and the Department of Municipalities and Transport (represented by the Integrated Transport Centre – Abu Dhabi Mobility), launched the campaign “Don’t Hesitate… Give Way Immediately.”
The initiative aims to instill a culture of prompt and responsible response among drivers and to raise public awareness about the critical importance of yielding to emergency vehicles, ensuring their rapid access to accident sites to save lives and protect property.
Campaign organizers urged drivers to internalize the campaign’s principles, noting that every second counts in emergencies such as accidents, fires, or medical crises. While some may hear a siren as just another sound, to others, it represents hope—and help on the way. Drivers must act without delay and clear the road immediately.
They emphasized that failure to yield can have dire consequences, especially in fires or critical medical situations. Yielding is not just about protecting victims—it also safeguards emergency crews operating under hazardous conditions and needing safe, swift access to scenes.
Quick response times by emergency vehicles are vital to reducing the impact of accidents and fires. Authorities stressed the importance of responsible driving behavior, immediate reaction to sirens, and wise, swift decisions when seeing emergency vehicles on the road.
4,291 violations for dangerous driving in 2024
Ministry of Interior statistics reveal that traffic departments nationwide recorded 4,291 violations last year for “driving in a manner that endangers the driver’s life, or the lives, safety, or security of others.” These were distributed as follows:
- Abu Dhabi: 326 violations
- Dubai: 2,765 violations
- Sharjah: 541 violations
- Ajman: 206 violations
- Ras Al Khaimah: 131 violations
- Umm Al Quwain: 47 violations
- Fujairah: 275 violations
Additionally, the Ministry reported 96 violations for “dangerous driving of heavy vehicles,” including:
- Abu Dhabi: 24 violations
- Dubai: 62 violations
- Sharjah: 4 violations
- Ajman: 1 violation
- Ras Al Khaimah: 2 violations
- Umm Al Quwain: 2 violations
- Fujairah: 1 violation
These figures highlight the ongoing effort to ensure road safety and accountability across the Emirates, particularly during critical situations and high-risk driving conditions.
