Setting out on an adventure always sounds fun. The excitement is sure to tenfold when you are going on a road trip. Be it for the purpose of business or vacation, you should drive the vehicle carefully complying to the country’s regulations and Dubai driving rules.
In this article, we share some very important driving tips to make your journey a smooth and enjoyable one. We also discuss if you need insurance as per rent a car rules in UAE for rental cars.
Driving Tips for Renting a Car
Dubai is known to have the best network of roads. One that invites an experience full of excitement. But one should not get away with all the excitement neglecting safe driving tips. For a city as busy as Dubai, it is a safety measurement against any accidents and negligence to remember and implement driving tips.
If you are not the one with the ownership of car and have instead rented it out, then follow our Car Rental Guide. When you are renting a car to explore the city and show up at places, you have twice the responsibility. Planning to rent a car in UAE requires some strategic preparation.
Speed limits
One of the major driving tips Dubai include never straying from the speed limit. Always be cautious while driving and follow the speed limit determined by Dubai driving rules. There are a number of traffic cameras in Dubai for catching drivers involved in speeding on the road.
Foreigners might encounter a culture shock in the beginning as Dubai’s speed limit is in kilometers per hours. As opposed to miles per hour which they might be previously familiar with.
Highways
The speed limit here is between 100 and 120 km/h.
Urban Roads
The speed limit for urban roads is set to be between 60 to 80 kilometers per hour.
Suburban Roads
Follow the speed limit of going forty kilometers per hour when you are driving on small suburban roads.
License requirements
Our driving tips in Dubai encompass following the requirements for license too. Foreign drivers need to have an international driving permit. Along with their license, they are required to carry their passport too. Safe driving tips would suggest it is a better practice to carry your documents of vehicle registration, proof of insurance and proof of identity even when these are not explicitly required.
While the minimum age as per Dubai driving rules happens to be eighteen years, car rental companies might follow their policy of Rent a car rules in UAE. This would result in them having higher minimum ages most likely.
Right of Way
There are certain Dubai driving rules to follow as part of major safe driving tips in Dubai. You should give way to pedestrians at their designated pedestrian crossing. Vehicles on major roads at T- junctions will be given way.
Vehicles who are on a major road will be given way when you are approaching from the minor road. Give way to vehicles already on the road when you are pulling out of a parking lot. Yield to emergency vehicles with flashing lights and siren.
Give way to children boarding and alighting from a school bus. Make sure to give way to vehicle arriving first at a traffic junction.
Tolls
You have to pay for tolls in Dubai. For this you need to register with Salic. Then attach the Salik tag to the windshield of your car. When you drive your car through toll gates, the tag gets scanned and the toll fee is deducted electronically. This way you do not have to stop for paying. You will find Salik tags available at gas stations. These are the roads in Dubai that have tolls:
- Al Maktoum Bridge
- Al Ittihad Street
- Beirut Street
- Al Garhoud Bridge
- Sheikh Zayed Road
Drive Rules
Driving tips include complying to the general Dubai driving rules. This consists of driving in Dubai on the right side of the road, all occupants in a moving vehicle wearing seat belts and not using phone while driving. It encompasses keeping a safe distance and a gap between your car and the vehicle in front. It is a serious offense to drink and drive in Dubai. You risk facing a jail sentence upon breaking this law.
Stick to the slower right lanes as the left most lanes on Dubai roads happen to be the fast lanes. If you have children as passengers with you, arrange the safety booster seats for them in vehicle. Car Rental Guide says let your car rental provider know you would be having children accompanying you on the trip. They will provide you with the vehicle aligning your needs.
Passing, Turning and Parking
Driving is on right side. So make sure you pass from the left. For changing lanes, check three mirrors. Perform a shoulder check and confirm road is clear. Turn on indicator signal and then change lanes.
When it comes to turning, do not turn at a red light unless there is a yield sign.
For parking, it is prohibited to do so where curb is painted yellow and block. There are special parking arrangement for disabled drivers. They have reserved spots on streets and parking garages.
Pay for street parking at the parking meters. Or you can use parking mobile app. In Dubai city center, there are options of street parking and parking garages.
Keep track, study the map
It is not possible to remember every lane, road and street of a city you have not drove on ever before. An expanded network of road means there are going to be routes you need to be smart about. Study the map and keep track of your vehicle, distance and traffic. This will ensure you do not end up in the middle of nowhere. It will save you from being lost in an unknown city. it will assist you in reaching your destination without a hitch.
Do You Need Insurance for Rental Cars in UAE?
You are required to have a third party liability insurance when renting a car in UAE. There are additional coverages too. These are not required. But they can be helpful. Consider purchasing additional coverages such as Collision Damage Waiver, Personal Accident Insurance and Supplemental Liability Insurance.
Book your Next Car Rental for Journey with IZI Rent a Car
Turning your driving experience into a memorable one calls for renting out a vehicle form a reliable car rental service. IZI Rent a Car brings you some quite lucrative packages. Save money, follow your own pace, stick to your own schedule and drive across the city going on the road trip of your dreams.
Conclusion
Driving in Dubai is a unique experience in its entirety. Following safe driving tips in Dubai will safeguard your life and assets. Implementing these driving tips will prevent any serious injuries, accidents and harm from being caused.
FAQs
How do I prepare for a car journey?
Check vehicle preparation by inspecting tires, fluids, battery and lights. Pack an emergency trip. Plan your trip considering the distance, traffic and road conditions.
What is the recommended method of driving a rental car?
Be cautious and responsible while driving a rental car as you would be driving your own vehicle.
Do I need full protection on car hire?
It is recommendable to have full protection – known as collision damage waiver – when renting a car.
