During the school rush, dropping off and picking up your kids can be hectic and irritable for parents and other drivers. But if you drive safely and under the speed limit, you may simplify the whole situation for both you and other drivers.
The Abu Dhabi local transportation administration, Integrated Transport Centre (ITC), warned drivers on February 6 via a post on its official social media channels that driving speeds in school zones should not exceed 30 km/h. According to Dubai Police, the allowed speed limit in school zones is between 30 and 40 km/h (LINK).
During school drop-offs and pick-ups, remember these nine rules
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) published nine safety guidelines for drivers to comply to when driving through school zones on Friday, February 3:
- Avoid parking in People of Determination spaces.
- Use the drop-off and pick-up zones provided by the school.
- Do not stop by the side of the road across from the school to pick up or drop off your kids (to ensure they do not need to cross the road).
- Avoid driving in the emergency vehicle lanes.
- Go more slowly and abide by all traffic laws.
- When the school bus is approaching, halt.
- Follow directions from school crossing guards.
- In areas where schools are present, keep an eye out for children.
- Avoid using mobile devices or being distracted near school zones.
You should keep in mind these traffic fines when dropping off your children at school
Even though the morning rush hour commute to school can be unpleasant, breaking even the most basic traffic laws can cost you money. Here are some traffic infractions to be aware of.
Dh1,000 for using parking spots reserved for People of Determination
Parking in spaces designated for People of Determination is prohibited and is punishable by a Dh1,000 fine as well as six traffic infractions. There is a fine for those who utilise a parking permit that was given to a Person of Determination improperly in addition to misusing a location designated for People of Determination. Using a parking permit that has expired or one that has not been issued to you will result in a Dh1,000 fine. The licence must also be visible through the dashboard glass of the vehicle. A Dh1,000 punishment will be assessed to the motorist if it is not visible.
Speeding fines in the UAE
The Federal Traffic Law of the United Arab Emirates clearly spells out the fines and consequences for violating a road’s posted speed limit. The speed restriction in school zones might vary from 30 to 40 km/h.
The following are the traffic fines that drivers may incur for violating the speed limitations set forth in school zones:
A fine of Dh300 will be imposed for exceeding the speed limit by no more than 20 km/h.
A fine of Dh600 is imposed for exceeding the speed limit by no more than 30 km/h.
Exceeding the top speed limit by no more than 40 km/hr is punishable by a Dh700 fine.
A fine of Dh1,000 is imposed for exceeding the speed limit by no more than 50 km/h.
Exceeding the maximum speed limit by no more than 60 km/hour
Fine: Dh1,500
Black Points: 6
Retention period: 15 days for light vehicles
Exceeding the maximum speed limit by more than 60 km/hour
Fine: Dh2,000
Black Points: 12
Retention period: 30 days for light vehicles
Exceeding the maximum speed limit by more than 80 km/hour
Fine: Dh3,000
Black Points: 23
Retention period: 60 days for light vehicles
Dh1,000 fine for not stopping for a school bus ‘stop sign’:
When a student is about to exit, stop signs that are fitted on UAE school buses protrude from the side of the vehicle. To guarantee that kids can cross the street safely and securely, drivers must stop completely and maintain a distance of at least five metres after the stop sign is displayed.
Drivers will be fined Dh1,000 and given an additional 10 black points if they disregard this sign.
If you witness a bus using the stop sign, follow these instructions:
- On single-lane roads, drivers should stop at least five metres apart in both directions.
- On a two-lane road, vehicles travelling in the same direction as the school bus must stop at least five metres away from it on both lanes.
Dh800 fine for using a mobile phone while driving:
According to the Federal Traffic Law of the United Arab Emirates, using a mobile phone or not paying attention to the road can result in a Dh800 fine and four black points.
According to the Abu Dhabi Police, accepting a call while driving triples the probability of a traffic accident, while texting while driving increases the risk by 23 times.
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