UAE Authorities Remind Drivers to Give Way to Emergency Vehicles or Face Fines and Penalties

 Authorities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are emphasizing the importance of yielding to emergency vehicles on the country’s roads. Failure to do so can lead to fines and traffic points, according to recent reminders from the Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority.

In response to incidents where motorists have neglected to give way to ambulances, police cars, and other emergency vehicles, the Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority has shared a video on social media stressing the need to comply with traffic laws and prioritize the passage of emergency vehicles.

The penalties for not yielding to emergency vehicles, as outlined by the Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority, include a fine of AED 3,000 ($817), a 30-day vehicle impoundment, and the addition of six traffic points to the driver’s record. These measures serve as a deterrent against obstructing emergency vehicles that may be on life-saving missions.

Ministerial Resolution No. (178) of 2017 on Rules and Procedures of Traffic provides guidelines and regulations for motorists in the UAE, explicitly declaring it an offense to impede emergency vehicles, including ambulances, police cars, and official convoys.

To ensure compliance with traffic regulations, the Ministry of Interior conducts regular patrols and employs dashcam recordings and surveillance cameras on roads throughout the country. These measures aim to maintain road safety and facilitate the unhindered movement of emergency vehicles.

By reminding drivers to yield to emergency vehicles, the UAE authorities seek to create a safer road environment and enhance the effectiveness of emergency services in responding to critical situations promptly.