Statistics released by the Ministry of Interior revealed that traffic departments across the UAE issued 630 violations in 2024 for obstructing traffic during road accidents.
The Ministry and Abu Dhabi Police, through their official websites and social media platforms, urged drivers to clear the way for vehicles and allow emergency vehicles to pass, emphasizing the importance of swift access to accident scenes. They warned that blocking traffic in such situations poses a serious risk, stating that a single momentary action can mean the difference between life and death.
The Abu Dhabi Police General Command stressed that “every second counts during emergencies,” and any delay caused by failing to yield the road can worsen situations, especially in cases involving fires or critical medical emergencies.
Abu Dhabi Police reported receiving numerous complaints from both drivers and patrol officers about reckless and intrusive behavior by some motorists at accident scenes, where they slow down or stop out of curiosity to view damaged vehicles, causing traffic jams — particularly on highways.
On social media, Abu Dhabi Police highlighted that these drivers are responsible for causing long delays on highways and obstructing emergency and ambulance vehicles, which are racing against time to reach the injured and provide assistance.
As part of its awareness campaign, the police stated that some drivers act out of curiosity and stop at accident sites, hindering the flow of traffic and blocking oncoming vehicles. The campaign described this behavior as uncivilized, an infringement on the rights of others, and a serious obstruction to emergency response efforts, especially on roads that lack a designated shoulder for emergency vehicles.
The 630 traffic violations were categorized under “obstructing traffic during road accidents,” and were distributed as follows:
- 87 violations in Abu Dhabi
- 411 in Dubai
- 71 in Sharjah
- 4 in Ajman
- 30 in Ras Al Khaimah
- 27 in Umm Al Quwain
Additionally, traffic departments across the UAE issued 325 violations in 2024 for failure to give way to emergency, ambulance, police, or official convoy vehicles.
According to legal procedures, the penalty for failing to give priority to emergency or official vehicles includes a fine of AED 3,000, 30-day vehicle impoundment, and 6 traffic points.
In coordination with the Abu Dhabi Civil Defense Authority, Department of Health, and the Department of Municipalities and Transport (represented by the Integrated Transport Centre), Abu Dhabi Police launched the campaign “Don’t Hesitate, Give Way to Emergency Vehicles Immediately”, encouraging drivers to act responsibly and ethically, reminding them that a simple action during a critical moment can save lives. The campaign urged the public to move from passive bystanders to active contributors to the rescue process by facilitating emergency vehicle movement.
Six guidelines for drivers at accident sites
The campaign emphasized that giving way to emergency vehicles is not optional, but rather a moral and humanitarian duty that significantly reduces response time and saves lives. The campaign outlined six key guidelines for drivers:
- On main roads: Upon hearing a siren or seeing emergency lights, immediately move to the far right lane.
- During congestion: Emergency vehicles may use the road shoulder, which must not be used by other vehicles.
- On internal roads: Emergency vehicles may pass between lanes — drivers must move right or left immediately to make way.
- At intersections: Clear the intersection immediately. Do not chase emergency vehicles. If the signal is red, emergency vehicles may cautiously pass; other drivers must yield without crossing the red light, and vehicles on side roads must stop completely even if their light is green.
- At roundabouts: Emergency vehicles enter with caution. Upon hearing a siren or seeing lights, do not enter the roundabout; if already inside, exit at the nearest opportunity and move to the right.
- On two-way roads: Emergency vehicles may travel down the middle of the road. All vehicles, from both directions, must pull over to the far right.
Fines for traffic obstruction
According to the UAE traffic law:
- Obstructing traffic during an accident: AED 1,000 fine
- Obstructing traffic in any other way: AED 500 fine
- Failing to give priority to emergency/official vehicles: AED 3,000 fine, 30-day vehicle impoundment, 6 traffic points
