Ok, so you have already decided that you will rent your dream car in Dubai. Well, it could be a Lamborghini for driving in style on the desert highway, a Rolls-Royce to make heads turn during your smooth city cruise, or anything else.
You might have also imagined your dream moment, where you will slide into the car’s smooth luxury seat, switch on the raising engine, and enjoy the speed of your supercar while enjoying the beautiful sights in Dubai.
However, here is something that you know before you take your luxury rented car’s keys in your hand.
A fact is that Dubai is not only known for its futuristic skyscrapers or opulent lifestyle, but also for having some of the strictest driving rules in the world.
Of course, you get to drive on a wide and smooth road, yet you must follow the designated rules to ensure a safe and comfortable ride. As a victor or first-time driver in Dubai, it might feel a lot to understand the variety of rules.
Every site will give you some and leave the others. If you have experienced it, then don’t worry. We have prepared this simple guide that includes all the important traffic rules that every luxury car renter should know in Dubai.
Top 16 Traffic Rules in Dubai Every Luxury Car Renter Must Know
- Keep Your Car On Right Hand Side of the Road
If you are arriving in Dubai from the UK or any other country where driving is done on the left, you need to remember to drive on the right-hand side. But if you are not used to it, take some time to adjust to the new practice before you hit the road.
- Constantly Adhere to the Speed Limits
Following speed limits is essential in every country, including Dubai. Although driving a smooth and powerful luxury rental car like a Lamborghini or Maserati might tempt you to push the pedal harder, it’s important to resist that thrill. If you’ve chosen a Dubai supercar rental, remember that the city’s advanced radar systems monitor every vehicle closely, so maintaining the legal speed isn’t just safe — it also protects you from costly fines.
For your information, the general speed limit on city roads ranges from 40–80 km/h depending on the area, while highways typically allow 100–120 km/h. Some even have a minimum limit of 60 km/h to ensure steady traffic flow.
- Never Drink and Drive
“Don’t drink and drive” is a universal driving rule. But if you think you might escape the violation with a small fine or punishment, don’t. Unlike other countries, Dubai has a zero-tolerance policy for driving under the influence of alcohol.
Even the slightest violation can get you in trouble. So, even if you plan to enjoy a wine along with your dinner, keep your Rolls-Royce, Ferrari, or any other car in the parking lot and take a taxi instead.
- Carry your Documents for Every Ride
As a foreign visitor driving a luxury rental car in Dubai, always carry your necessary documents with you. Some important documents you must carry with you at all times include:
- Passport copy
- International Driving Permit
- Valid Driving License (of your country)
- Rental agreement papers
- Car insurance documents
You must know that the police and traffic authorities can stop you for routine checks. As a result, you must carry all your necessary documents to avoid any last-minute fuss.
- Everyone in the Car Must Wear Seatbelts
Everyone knows that seat belts are necessary for a driver. However, in the case of Dubai, like some other countries, everyone in your car, including yourself, must wear a seatbelt, even in the back seat.
If you ever skip wearing it, you are liable to be fined. As we mentioned above, the city takes safety seriously. So, you must ensure that you and everyone in your car wears seat belts.
- Follow the Overtaking Etiquette
Dubai highways have a different yet specific set of rules to follow. The leftmost lane is for fast-moving cars or overtaking. If you drive slow, then you must stay in the middle or in the right lanes.
Moreover, tailgating is not to be taken lightly. You will have to pay a penalty for it. So, do not pressurize the car ahead of yours to drive fast. Also, use proper indicators when changing lanes.
- Do Not Use Mobile Phones While Driving
Clicking and sharing Instagram-worthy pictures might be a strong motivation behind your decision to rent a Lamborghini, Ferrari, or Rolls-Royce. But those pictures can wait. If you drive while holding a phone and try to look at it frequently, then this practice is illegal in Dubai.
There may be an exception to the use of a proper hands-free system, but otherwise the fine will come around AED 800 and 4 black points on your license.
- Follow Parking Rules
Dubai is a paradise for luxury car drivers. Not only does the city have smooth and wide roads, but it also has well-regulated places to park the car. Most of the paid parking zones are clearly marked with machines and payment apps.
You cannot park in spaces that are reserved for disabled drivers until you have the required permit. Avoid double-park and don’t leave your car along the road, as it can invite penalties and may also damage it.
In case you do make the mistake, then illegal parking fines in Dubai can fall between AED 200 to AED 1,000.
- Keep a Check on Pedestrian Crossings
Unlike other countries where Pedestrian crossing is not taken seriously, Dubai is not very strict about it. You must stop when someone is waiting to cross, even if you’re speeding in a Ferrari and feel that you cannot stop. Failure to do so can cost you around AED 500 and black points.
- Indicators Are a Must
It is a must to use indicators while changing lanes, turning, or exiting roundabouts. They are not optional. In the thrill of driving a luxury rental car like Rolls-Royce, Bentley, or Mercedes, many visitors forget this simple rule. Not using indicators is considered a part of reckless driving in Dubai.
- Don’t Miss Red Lights
This is one of the biggest no-nos in Dubai. If you miss the red light, it is taken as a major offense in the city. The mistake can cost you around AED 1,000 plus vehicle impoundment. Even if no one is there on the road, you must wait on the empty road at a red light and wait until it turns green.
- Avoid Tailgating and Road Rage Laws
Dubai has strict rules against tailgating. You can not suddenly cut through the lane, cutting or engage in aggressive driving. No matter how much fun it seems, you need to follow the road rage rules.
In case you don’t, it will invite heavy fines, black points, or even suspension of your driving rights. So, do drive like a Hollywood celebrity in your rented luxury car in Dubai, but don’t act like a movie stunt driver.
Summing Up
Dubai offers visitors a rare chance to drive their luxury rental car on wide, spacious, smooth, and beautifully built roads surrounded by the most gorgeous sights to make you live out that Hollywood fantasy.
But it comes at the cost of discipline to ensure that the glamorous experience doesn’t end up in any tragedy for you or anyone else.
So, get ready to drive your luxury car and follow the necessary precautions for an unforgettable driving experience in Dubai.
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