Ensuring the safety of our roads is a top priority, as such measures significantly contribute to accident prevention. The Road and Transport Authority (RTA) and Dubai Police have been proactive in establishing and enforcing traffic regulations. They’ve also instituted traffic fines in Dubai as a further deterrent to reckless behaviour. Jointly, these organizations have defined key motorcycle safety regulations in Dubai to mitigate accidents and fatalities.

This detailed guide provides insights into the motorcycle safety regulations and initiatives in place in Dubai.

A DEEP DIVE INTO RTA’S MOTORCYCLE SAFETY REGULATIONS

In late 2021, RTA Dubai took to social media to promote motorcycle safety regulations in the emirate. Before this, the RTA had established a mandatory motorcycle licence requirement for all riders and introduced occupational permits for delivery riders. Here are the essential motorcycle safety regulations in Dubai that riders are required to adhere to, according to the RTA:

ESSENTIAL ROAD SAFETY GUIDELINES FOR MOTORBIKE ENTHUSIASTS

RTA has established designated motorcycle lanes and speed limits to ensure the safety of motorbike riders. Some important regulations include:

  1. Avoid riding on the left lane, also known as the “overtaking lane”.
  2. Abide by UAE speed limits, not exceeding 100 kilometres per hour.
  3. Maintain a safe distance from other vehicles.
  4. Do not ride on pedestrian crossings or sidewalks.
  5. When traffic is stagnant, avoid excessive manoeuvring between cars.
  6. Install a designated phone holder on your motorcycle for navigation. Avoid using your phone while riding.
  7. Follow traffic signs and lights religiously. Do not proceed when the light is red.
  8. Use direction indicators when turning or changing lanes to signal vehicles behind you.
  9. Exercise extra caution at intersections where traffic approaches from all directions.
  10. Regularly service your motorcycles to guarantee a safer ride.

These regulations apply to both regular motorcyclists and delivery riders. Additionally, RTA has specific safety guidelines for delivery riders to enhance their safety and avoid accidents. These include:

  1. Keep the delivery box lights on at night and wear company uniforms for easy identification.
  2. Do not carry passengers (pillion riding) on delivery motorcycles.

SAFETY GEAR AND PRECAUTIONS FOR MOTORCYCLE RIDERS IN DUBAI

All riders are required to wear motorcycle jackets, helmets, gloves, and shoes to mitigate the impact of potential accidents. During peak hours, motorcyclists are often overlooked. Hence, riders should wear reflective clothing and keep their lights on for better visibility.

Motorbike riders of delivery companies must not ride if they’re unwell or drowsy due to medication, as this can result in accidents. Riders should also monitor weather forecasts and ideally avoid riding in adverse weather conditions.

In the case of delivery riders who frequently receive phone calls and orders, it’s crucial to park the bike before checking the phone.

PENALTIES FOR TRAFFIC VIOLATIONS IN DUBAI

Dubai has imposed fines on motorcyclists who violate traffic laws to encourage adherence. These include:

  1. A fine of AED 1,000 and 12 black points for disobeying traffic signals. Accumulating 24 black points results in the seizure of the motorbike.
  2. A fine of AED 500 and four black points for not wearing a helmet.
  3. A fine of AED 400 and four black points for using a phone while riding.

Motorists can check their black points on the RTA or Dubai police websites. To further promote adherence to motorcycle safety regulations, RTA and Dubai Police have launched initiatives that will assist riders.