Caught Jaywalking in UAE? New Traffic Law Imposes Fines Up to Dh10,000

UAE traffic law introduces tougher penalties for crossing from non-designated areas

Dubai: Jaywalking in the UAE is no longer a minor offence. With thousands of violations recorded every month, the government has implemented stricter rules under the UAE Traffic Law – Federal Decree-Law No. 14 of 2024, aimed at reducing pedestrian fatalities and improving road safety.

In January 2024 alone, Dubai recorded nearly 44,000 jaywalking cases, while eight people died in run-over incidents. Authorities say crossing roads from undesignated areas remains one of the biggest contributors to these accidents.

To combat this, the updated law—effective since March 29—introduces tougher penalties, including higher fines, jail terms, and full civil or criminal liability for pedestrians whose actions lead to accidents.

Harsher penalties for jaywalking violations

Under existing rules, pedestrians caught crossing from non-designated areas face a Dh400 fine. However, the new legislation significantly raises the consequences in more serious cases:

• Crossing from an undesignated area and causing an accident can lead to
  imprisonment and fines between Dh5,000 and Dh10,000.
• Jaywalking on roads with speed limits of 80 km/h or higher carries even stricter penalties. Offenders may face:
  • At least three months in jail,
  • A minimum fine of Dh10,000, or both,
    along with potential criminal or civil liability.

Article 7 of the updated law specifies that pedestrians, cyclists, e-scooter riders, and users of personal mobility devices must not stop or cross from areas not designated for pedestrian use.

How to avoid jaywalking fines

Jaywalking refers to crossing a street from a non-designated point. Even at marked crossings, pedestrians must follow traffic lights and only cross when the pedestrian signal turns green.

The UAE offers multiple safe crossing options, including subways, footbridges, and smart pedestrian crossings, helping residents navigate busy roads safely.

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) advises pedestrians to follow these safety tips:

• Avoid using phones or texting while crossing.
• Do not wear headphones; stay alert to approaching vehicles.
• Look in all directions before stepping onto the road.
• Use pedestrian crossings and obey traffic signals.
• Make use of footbridges where available.
• Never cross on a red pedestrian signal.
• Establish eye contact with drivers and ensure vehicles have stopped.
• Wear reflective clothing during nighttime walks.
• If walking on roads without pavements, walk facing traffic.