Dh3,000 Fine and Six Black Points for Failing to Give Way to Emergency Vehicles, Warns Abu Dhabi Police

Abu Dhabi: The Abu Dhabi Police have issued a fresh warning to motorists regarding the severe penalties for failing to yield to emergency vehicles. Drivers who do not give way to ambulances, police, civil defence, or official convoys will face a Dh3,000 fine, 30-day vehicle impoundment, and six black points on their driving licence.

This directive is part of the latest awareness campaign titled “Don’t Hesitate… Give Way Immediately”, launched in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority, Department of Health, and the Integrated Transport Centre under the Department of Municipalities and Transport.

Campaign Focus: Timely Response Saves Lives

The campaign aims to instill a culture of immediate and responsible driver response when emergency vehicles approach. Authorities stressed that every second counts during emergencies, and delays caused by drivers failing to yield can jeopardize rescue efforts and put emergency responders at risk.

“Sirens symbolize hope,” the campaign states. “Whether it’s an accident, fire, or a medical emergency, giving way could mean the difference between life and death.”

Legal Penalties

Under UAE traffic law, failing to give right of way to emergency vehicles carries the following penalties:

• Dh3,000 fine
• 30-day vehicle impoundment
• Six black points on the driving licence

Abu Dhabi Police stressed that these strict measures reflect the gravity of the offense and its potential life-threatening consequences.

Six Key Guidelines for Drivers

To ensure proper compliance, Abu Dhabi Police outlined six essential rules that motorists must follow:

1. Main Roads: Emergency vehicles use the leftmost lane. Upon seeing flashing lights or hearing sirens, all drivers must immediately shift to the right lane.
2. Traffic Congestion: Do not use road shoulders, which are exclusively reserved for emergency vehicles.
3. Internal Roads Without Shoulders: Drivers must move left or right to create a clear path.
4. Intersections: Even if the signal is green, vehicles must stop completely to allow emergency vehicles to pass safely, even on a red light.
5. Roundabouts: Emergency vehicles have priority. Do not enter the roundabout when one is approaching. Vehicles already inside should move to the right at the earliest safe point.
6. Single-Lane Roads (Two-Way): Emergency vehicles will pass through the center. Oncoming vehicles must move to the far right without using the shoulder to allow a clear route.

Community Involvement and Education

The initiative includes extensive outreach via media, digital platforms, on-site events, and educational programs aimed at enhancing public understanding of traffic laws concerning emergency response. It also seeks to promote collective responsibility toward public safety.

Abu Dhabi Police called on all drivers to act not only in accordance with the law but with moral duty and social responsibility, emphasizing that public cooperation is essential to improving emergency response times and saving lives.