Dubai: Think twice if you believe that you are a safe driver because you always stick to the speed limit. It is dangerous and can land you with a heavy fine if you drive too slowly on UAE highways or in a way that hampers traffic movement.
Here’s what you need to know about minimum speed limits and what it means to be a ‘road turtle’.
What is the minimum speed limit?
On highways and major roads, signs indicate the minimum speed separately so that slow drivers do not pose a traffic hazard. You can find out the maximum and minimum speed limits by watching for road signs. Blue circular signs always indicate a minimum speed limit.
Fine for slow driving
The UAE can fine you Dh400 for driving too slowly.
In addition, if your slow driving becomes dangerous for other drivers, you may also receive four black points.
How do I report slow drivers?
When people on road encounter a slow driver, they can use the ‘We are all police’ platform to report it. For reporting traffic hazards report directly on ‘We are all police’ platform, or call Dubai Police’s customer service line on 901, and select ‘5’.
The speed limit is no reason to not give way on the fast lane
When you are driving on a road with a 120km/h speed limit, what should you do if another motorist drives up behind you at a faster speed? Despite adhering to the speed limit, many motorists choose to stay in the fast lane, but police authorities regularly advise them to allow faster motorists to pass by, by moving to the right lane.
There are five basic rules you need to know when driving in the fast lane:
1. It is illegal not to give way.
Unless you are overtaking another vehicle, avoid the fast lane, as giving way in the fast lane is illegal.
2. Stay in the second lane.
After you have used the fast lane to overtake, you should move to the lane on the right.
3. Always make way, regardless of your speed
Even if you are driving within the speed limit, make way if a fast vehicle approaches you from behind.
4. You shouldn’t tailgate.
Keep a safe distance from the other vehicle if the driver does not make way for you.
5. Emergency vehicles are given priority.
You should only use the fast lane when overtaking, and emergency vehicles always take precedence.