The National Pedestrian and Cycling Centre in Dubai has issued an urgent warning to UAE residents about driving in the rain, as it could exacerbate the situation, especially with heavy rainfall expected in Dubai over the next few days, with the heaviest downpours anticipated on Thursday and Friday, December 18.

In addition to preparing for the weather, Dubai drivers should be aware of traffic restrictions and potential fines for unsafe driving.

Every time Dubai Police catch a driver violating traffic rules, black points are recorded. Accumulating 24 black points results in a six-month driving license suspension.

A comprehensive list of traffic violations can be found on the Dubai Police website, but we highlight some key rules that are more strictly enforced during rainy weather.

It is strictly forbidden to film Dubai's traffic chaos from the driver's seat during a rainstorm, and doing so could result in a fine and black points on your driving license.

This is always dangerous, as it can distract the driver and endanger others, and the risks are amplified in challenging driving conditions. This includes using your phone to take pictures of the ocean or photograph other vehicles crossing the water.

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has consistently emphasized the dangers of using a mobile phone while driving. Previous studies have shown that texting while driving increases the likelihood of an accident by up to 32%.

The RTA also found that drivers’ reaction time decreases by up to 50%.

The fine for using a mobile phone while driving is AED 800, in addition to four black points on your driving license.

Lane Change Offense

We’ve all experienced being behind a car that changes lanes at the last second, and that’s the essence of this traffic violation.

Sudden lane changes without warning are annoying and dangerous even in ideal conditions, but when cars are struggling to cross deep water, the situation becomes even more perilous.

The fine for this offense is AED 400, plus the disapproving looks from the car behind you. If you’re driving a truck, the fine will be AED 1,500, and you’ll receive 12 black points.

Reckless Driving

If you are caught driving recklessly, the consequences could be severe.

Dangerous and reckless driving includes many of the behaviors mentioned above, as well as sudden swerving and running red lights.

The penalty for unsafe driving is a fine of AED 2,000, 23 black points, and a 60-day driving license suspension.

It is worth noting that the Abu Dhabi Police Traffic and Patrols Department has previously urged drivers to adhere to safe driving rules and safety procedures, and to avoid distractions while driving in rainy and inclement weather.

They also advised drivers to respect speed limits when using speed reducers, maintain a safe following distance, avoid sudden braking, reduce speed significantly when turning to avoid skidding, and pull over to the side of the road if visibility is poor.

To reduce the risk of water entering the engine or vehicle while driving in the rain, drivers should avoid highways and flooded streets. Even if this is the only way to reach their destination, they should drive slowly and cautiously. They should also familiarize themselves with the location of the air filter and air intake.

When driving at high speeds, if water hits the front of the car, it may leak into the engine or air filter, potentially causing engine failure.