The new Federal Traffic Law, which went into force recently, imposes three strict requirements on vehicles on roads near schools, including parents of students who carry their children to and from school.

These requirements include lowering speed at educational institution entrances and exits, maintaining pedestrian safety both on and off the road, and not parking in a way that disturbs traffic or endangers road users.

The penalty for parking in the middle of the road without explanation is AED 1,000 plus six traffic points.  Parking behind a vehicle and hindering its passage costs AED 500, as does failing to provide pedestrians the right of way at marked crossings.  The penalties for driving a vehicle around educational facilities in a way that endangers the life of others is AED 400 plus four points.

Dr. Jamal Al Ameri, a traffic expert and CEO of the Sa'ed Association for the Prevention of Traffic Accidents, stated that one of the most visible negative phenomena that occurs every year on the roads surrounding schools is the random parking of students' vehicles, or parking behind them, particularly during the commute home from school.

Al Ameri told Al-Emarat Al-Youm that the negative consequences of this problem include blocking traffic flow, particularly when vehicles halt in the middle of the road, and disrupting the interests of those who want to get to their destinations swiftly. He underlined the necessity of following the directions of relevant authorities when using designated parking places near schools.

Al-Amri stressed that the lack of a vacant parking place does not justify or excuse random parking, which is a traffic infringement under the law. He also underlined that parking does not have to be done near the school gate, since parents can park their vehicles further away and stroll for a few minutes without interfering with traffic flow. They can also wait in a side space until a spot becomes available.

Al-Amri urged parents not to leave their vehicles running when they leave to pick up their children from school, as this could result in theft or theft of their contents by unscrupulous individuals. He also outlawed leaving any youngster alone in a car, as some mothers have been seen driving their infants to school.

He underlined the need of road user cooperation in ensuring smooth traffic flow around schools, including following traffic laws, avoiding random parking or reckless driving in school zones, and remaining watchful when students cross internal roads leading to schools.

Parents are encouraged to properly drop off their children at school entrances to avoid accidents, assist them in crossing the street, and tell them not to play on the street while waiting for a bus.

He underlined that youngsters under the age of ten should not sit in the front seats.

Al Ameri cautioned drivers to come to a complete stop when the side arm of a school bus is opened in both directions, at a distance of at least five metres, to protect the safety of pupils. He stated that the fine for failing to stop while sighting a school bus stop sign is AED 1,000 and 10 traffic points, but the fine for failing to open the stop sign is AED 500 and six traffic points.

In a related context, Abu Dhabi Police has finished its preparations for the new academic year (2025-2026) with a comprehensive, integrated strategy, developed in collaboration with strategic partners, to secure students' return to school and achieve the greatest standards of traffic safety for everybody. This is part of its overall plan to improve security, safety, and road safety. 

The plan calls for increased traffic patrols at intersections and internal and external roads throughout the emirate, as well as the deployment of traffic sergeants to regulate traffic flow, facilitate school bus movement, and ensure pedestrian crossings for our students as they exit their vehicles and approach the school gate.