Dubai driving rule series
Right-hand driving on high-speed corridors with Salik toll gates, radar enforcement, and strict zero-tolerance drink-driving.
Destination context: Multilane highways with speed limits up to 120 km/h connect districts rapidly. Salik tolls apply on key corridors; radar cameras are widespread.
How to read this guide: Prioritise lane discipline on Sheikh Zayed Road, Salik tag setup, and understanding black-point penalties before highway driving.
Quick facts at a glance
- Driving side
- Right
- Emergency number
- 999 (police/ambulance), 998 (fire)
- Urban speed limit
- 60–80 km/h (posted)
- Highway speed limit
- 100–120 km/h on major highways
- Drink-driving
- Zero tolerance – any detectable alcohol is an offence
- IDP recommended
- Yes for most foreign licences; carry home licence + IDP + passport
- Toll system
- Salik (electronic toll on key roads)
- Mobile phone use
- Handheld use prohibited; 4 black points + fine
Recommended reading order
- License Basics Foreign licence rules, minimum age, and RTA requirements for visitors driving in Dubai.
- Speed and Penalties Speed limits, black-point system, zero-tolerance drink-driving, and radar enforcement in Dubai.
- Road Signs and Priority Right-hand driving, roundabout rules, and common signs on Dubai roads.
- Parking and Tolls Salik toll tags, RTA parking zones, and mParking app usage in Dubai.
- Emergency and Incidents Emergency numbers, Dubai Police accident reporting, and insurance procedures.
Trust and evidence for this destination
Official references used
- Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) (official-regulator)
- Dubai Police – Traffic Services (official-guide)
- UAE Federal Traffic Law (official-regulator)
Evidence maintenance note
We review high-impact rule pages on a recurring schedule and update article dates when source text changes.