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Driving and Transport - dda
Driving & Transportation
Public Transport in Dubai
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) manages and operates public transport services, which include the Dubai Metro, buses, trams, water taxis, and taxis.
Dubai Metro
Dubai Metro is a fully automated rail system, providing commuters with convenient means of travel across the Emirate of Dubai. Get more information about Dubai Metro.
Dubai Metro is operating on two different routes (red and green lines). The red line starts at Centrepoint and ends at the UAE Exchange or Expo 2020, while the green line starts at Etisalat and ends at Creek.
A Dubai Metro train comprises of various types of cabins, designated for different types of commuters, which include nol gold card holders cabin, a cabin designated for women and children and general cabins.
Blue line
The Dubai Metro Blue Line project will span 30 km with 14 stations, connecting key areas in Dubai and serving one million residents. The project is scheduled for completion in 2029.
Dubai Tram
Dubai Tram network covers a distance of 10.6 Km with 11 stations. It links Dubai Metro and the Palm Monorail and runs along Al Sufouh Road and Jumeirah Beach Road.
Dubai Bus
Dubai Bus network is composed of a large fleet of buses, cover 82% of the urban area in the Emirate of Dubai. Dubai Bus operates in a large number of lines, including 35 lines linking to metro stations, 12 intercity lines to transport passengers to other emirates, 62 internal lines and 8 fast lines. Learn about Dubai Bus
Dubai Taxi
Dubai Taxi is a popular means of transportation in Dubai, which operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They cover all areas of the city and are fitted with controlled fare meters.
To book a taxi and receive it at the doorstep, call 80088088 or use the DTC’s Smart App
Dubai provides special taxi services to women and people of determination through:
Marine transport
Dubai's marine transport system includes abras (traditional wooden boats), modern ferries, and water taxis. These services operate on fixed routes and schedules, connecting key areas such as Dubai Creek, Dubai Marina, and the Dubai Water Canal. Learn how to use marine transport.
nol Card (for payment)
nol card is a smart card that enables you to pay for the use of various RTA transport modes like Dubai Metro, Buses, Dubai Tram, Dubai Ferry, Dubai Water Taxi and Dubai Abra.
You can also use nol card to pay for RTA's Paid Parking.
Obtaining A Driver’s License
To get a new driving license, a citizen or a resident must approach a registered driving institute in Dubai to open a traffic file attend driving training classes and pass all required tests.
The customer initiates all procedures through the driving institute, where he or she can open a traffic file and submit the required documents. The driving institute acts on behalf of the customer to complete all procedures with the Roads and Transport Authority, from the theoretical test to the final test and license issuance.
Driving institutes in Dubai include:
The eye test
The applicant must pass an eye test according to the requested category at an eye test center accredited by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and authorized by RTA.
Eligibility
The license applicant must not be younger than the legal age specified for each type of vehicle. The minimum age requirement is as follows:
17 years for motorcycles
18 years for light vehicles
20 years for heavy vehicles and tractors
21 years for buses.
License validity
After finishing all classes and passing all tests, the applicant can get a new driving license valid for 2 years.
Road Safety
Road Accidents
To report a road accident, call the police on 999 or use Dubai Police App. Inform the police about the accident location, and listen to their instructions.
If it is a minor accident, you can move your car to the road shoulder lane to avoid blocking traffic. You should wait for the police to come.
Note that crowding at an accident site is prohibited and subject to legal penalties.
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Traffic Safety Rules
To ensure driver and passenger safety on roads, federal and local legislations outline some rules that should be adhered to:
Seat Belts: Mandatory for all passengers. Front-seat passengers must be at least 145 cm tall and over 10 years old.
Reckless Driving: Fines, black points, and vehicle impounding apply to reckless driving.
Driving Under the Influence: Licenses are suspended for one year, and fines/jail terms are determined by the court.
Traffic Signals: Ignoring signals incurs a fine, black points, and vehicle impounding for a month.
Distractions: Using phones or other distractions while driving results in fines and black points.
Driver’s Behavior: Fines apply for unsafe driving behaviors like throwing garbage, unsafe driving, crowding at accident sites, using quadbikes on roads, jaywalking, and driving with expired tires or without insurance.
Speeding: Exceeding the speed limit leads to fines.
These measures aim to enhance road safety and promote responsible driving. Read RTA safety tips for driving during rain, fog and dust.
Related legislation
Vehicle Registration
To own a car in Dubai, you must apply for vehicle registration and ensure you renew it before the expiry date to avoid traffic fines and black points. You can apply for a vehicle registration through the Roads & Transport Authority website, visit a Customer Happiness Center, or any of the Vehicle Registration and Inspection centers within 3 minutes.
Here are the required steps to apply for a new vehicle registration:
Open a traffic file, which can be done online through RTA website
Submit either a vehicle customs card, reference number of the electronic Transfer Certificate, electronic Possession Certificate, electronic Change of Possession Certificate or Export Certificate
Submit a vehicle test certificate and the electronic insurance certificate from the vehicle’s insurer, valid for 6 months or more,
Submit your Emirates ID
Provide an electronic or physical selling agreement between the seller and buyer approved by the system
The residence visa issued from Dubai (for residents)
Vehicle Registration Renewal
Individuals and companies can apply for vehicle registration renewal up to 150 days before its expiry. Insurance for at least 6 months and technical inspection report are mandatory to renew vehicle registration. New commercial vehicles purchased from a local dealer are exempted from the technical inspection for the first year, while private vehicles owned by individuals are registered and renewed 3 years without a technical examination.
Traffic Fines
In Dubai, traffic violations can range from common offenses such as speeding, and using mobile phones while driving, to more serious infractions like running red lights, or driving under influence of Alcohol. Fines also apply to improper parking, including parking in no-parking zones or in spaces reserved for people with disabilities without a permit. These fines are part of a broader traffic management system designed to deter reckless behavior and ensure the smooth flow of traffic across the city.
All traffic fines must be paid before renewing the driving licence or renewing the vehicle ownership card. Enquire about and pay traffic fines through the following websites:
Public Parking
Public parking spaces in Dubai are payable all days from 08:00 AM to 10:00 PM throughout the week except Sundays. In Ramadan, public parking is free from 06:00 to 08:00 AM. Multistorey parking buildings are payable 24/7.
Parking spaces in Dubai are divided into zones manage traffic flow and ensure efficient use of space. These zones are categorized by codes such as A, B, C, and D, which indicate different areas and fee structures. There are also specialized zones for residential parking, long-term parking, and spaces reserved for people with disabilities. Signboards in each area display the zone code, applicable timings, and payment details.
Motorists can pay for parking through the following channels:
nol Card via parking kiosks
SMS to 7275: Plate No. - space - Zone No. - space - Duration
Road toll in Dubai (Salik)
All vehicles, including taxis, are subject to a variable toll fee based on the time of day when passing through toll gates in Dubai. Vehicle owners are required to purchase Salik tags, which are available online or at petrol stations. Once purchased, the Salik tag must be affixed to the front windshield of the car or bike. The tag is rechargeable, and toll fees are automatically deducted from it each time the vehicle passes through a toll gate.
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Toll rates
During peak hours (Monday to Saturday, 06:00–10:00 AM and 04:00–08:00 PM), the rate is AED 6 per crossing, while off-peak hours are charged at AED 4. Toll gates are free between 01:00–06:00 AM daily. On Sundays, a flat rate of AED 4 applies, excluding the free early morning hours. During Ramadan, peak hours are changeable.
Passing through salik gates without the tag may attract fines. Moreover, in case of passing through Salik gate without sufficient balance in Salik tag car and not charging the card within 5 days, a fine will be levied on the vehicle.
Transport Regulations and Plans
Explore the comprehensive laws, policies, plans, and projects shaping Dubai’s roads and transport landscape. In addition to enforcing road safety through strict rules and penalties, Dubai continuously implements forward-thinking policies aimed at reducing congestion and promoting sustainability.
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