Back from holiday? The driving fines UAE roads enforce on return
By Catherine Smith GST 3 min read
Drivers returning from summer holidays face a fresh set of hazards on post-holiday driving in the UAE, with fines ranging from Dh400 to Dh2,000 for violations that become more likely when motorists are fatigued, overloaded with luggage, or out of practice after weeks abroad.
Jaber Al Harbi, managing director at Bin Yaber Driving Institute, said many motorists treat landing as the end of the difficult part of their journey. ‘In reality, driving home tired, overloaded with luggage, and out of practice after weeks abroad is its own hazard,’ Al Harbi said.
Fatigue and the case for skipping the wheel altogether
Residents arriving after long-haul or overnight flights are being urged to avoid driving if they are struggling to stay alert. Al Harbi recommended using a taxi or ride-hailing app, or arranging for someone else to collect them.
‘Your body after a long flight is nowhere near a suitable state to drive,’ Al Harbi said. ‘Arrange a taxi, a ride-hailing app, or ask someone else to do the pickup.’
There is no separate UAE traffic fine for jet lag. Driving in a manner that endangers the driver or others can, however, attract a Dh2,000 fine, 23 black points, and vehicle impoundment for light vehicles.
Bin Yaber Driving Institute, which has issued more than 60,000 licences since 2020, runs programmes covering light motor vehicles through to heavy trucks and buses, as well as specialist courses for motorcyclists and people of determination.
Post-holiday driving fines UAE motorists should check before they pull out
Airport pickups typically involve large amounts of luggage, and drivers are required to make sure bags are secured and do not obstruct visibility or shift inside the vehicle. Overloading a light vehicle or carrying cargo beyond permitted limits carries a Dh500 fine and four black points.
A falling or leaking load also carries a Dh500 fine, confirmed under violation 102 of the UAE Government traffic and patrol laws document. ‘Take the extra minute to stack and secure everything properly in the boot,’ Al Harbi said.
Motorists who have not driven for several weeks may need time to readjust to UAE traffic speeds and following distances. Al Harbi recommended leaving more space than usual on the first drive back. Failing to maintain a safe following distance carries a Dh400 fine and four black points.
‘Give yourself more space than you think you need on that first drive back,’ he said.
Using a mobile phone while driving carries a Dh800 fine and four black points. Al Harbi said any navigation should be set up before leaving the airport car park. ‘Circling arrivals traffic while glancing at a phone screen is exactly how avoidable collisions happen,’ he said.
Drivers arriving late at night may find the roads quieter, but speed limits and camera enforcement remain active regardless of the hour. Speeding fines start at Dh300 for exceeding the limit by up to 20 kilometres per hour and rise to Dh2,000 for the most serious offences, with higher-level violations also attracting black points and vehicle impoundment.
‘Airport roads look wide and empty at 3am, but the cameras don’t care what time it is,’ Al Harbi said.
Al Harbi’s overall advice for the first drive after returning: ease back gradually. ‘Ease back into UAE speeds slowly, the same way you’d ease back into UAE traffic,’ he said. Drivers who feel unable to do that safely have a simpler option, let someone else take the wheel.
