Abu Dhabi Police have issued a fresh warning to motorists, urging them to avoid stopping randomly in the middle of active lanes. Officers stressed that such behaviour poses a severe risk, as sudden halts often catch other drivers off guard, leading to collisions or even pile-ups.
Authorities explained that in fast-moving traffic, the few seconds it takes for a trailing vehicle to react may not be enough, turning what seems like a minor stop into a fatal crash. The reminder is part of ongoing road safety campaigns across the UAE, where officials continue to emphasise the importance of disciplined driving.
Penalties for unsafe stops
Drivers who stop without a valid reason in the middle of the road face a fine of AED 1,000 and six black points. Additionally, obstructing traffic incurs an extra fine of AED 500. Police reiterated that these penalties aim not only to regulate driver behaviour but to prevent tragic consequences on highways and city roads alike.
Colonel Mahmoud Youssef Al-Balushi from the Directorate of Traffic and Security Patrols noted that if motorists need to stop after a minor accident, they must move their vehicle to the nearest safe parking area. Remaining in the flow of traffic is considered a direct threat to other road users.
What drivers should do instead?
Authorities clarified that in genuine emergencies, motorists are permitted to use the right shoulder of the road. Hazard lights must be switched on immediately to warn other drivers. If the vehicle suffers a breakdown or encounters an obstacle, drivers should signal clearly, reduce speed gradually, and pull over safely before stopping.
Police also advised motorists to:
- Keep a safe distance from vehicles ahead.
- Use indicators in advance when changing lanes.
- Maintain appropriate speeds for the road and traffic conditions.
These measures, they said, are essential for protecting lives and reducing the chance of sudden collisions.
Dubai’s roads are among the busiest in the UAE, with large volumes of daily commuters, delivery drivers, and inter-emirate travellers. Random stops in active lanes not only risk serious accidents but also cause major traffic delays during peak hours.
By following the rules, drivers contribute to smoother traffic flow between Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and the Northern Emirates. The reminder also aligns with broader national efforts to strengthen traffic safety and reduce accident-related fatalities.
Staying safe means staying alert
Abu Dhabi Police emphasised that road safety is a shared responsibility. Every motorist who avoids unnecessary stops, signals properly, and respects road rules plays a role in preventing tragedies. Authorities urged drivers to treat hazard lights as a signal of last resort—not as a substitute for careful driving.
Random stops may seem harmless, but on busy UAE roads, they can turn fatal within seconds. With fines and black points in place, the message is clear: always move to a safe spot before halting. By doing so, motorists protect themselves and others, ensuring safer journeys across the country.
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