Give Way & Crossing Rules in the UAE

You are not alone on the roads!!

While driving you are not alone on the road. There are other drivers, pedestrians and unprotected drivers like Bikers etc. So, while driving you should keep note of for the safety of everyone on the road. This is a guide written in such a way that you never forget again about the rules for such scenarios whether you are preparing for your Golden Chance Driving License in Dubai or simply brushing up on UAE traffic rules.

1. Give Way Rules: Who Moves First?

Understanding when to give way can prevent accidents and ensure smooth traffic flow. Let’s break it down:

A. Left-Hand Rule 🛑➡️

If two vehicles arrive at an intersection at the same time, the vehicle on the right has priority.

✅ Rule: Always give way to your right unless road signs indicate otherwise.

📌 Easy Trick: “Right is right!” – If there’s a car to your rPedestrian crossings are crucial for road safety. Here’s what you need to know:ight, let them go first. 🚗➡️

B. Main/Priority Road Rule 🚦🏎️

When approaching an intersection where one road is wider or has a priority road sign, the traffic on that road has the right of way.

✅ Rule: If you’re on a smaller or minor road, you must yield to traffic on the main road.

📌 Memory Hack: “Big road, big priority!” 🚗💨

C. Entering & Exiting Roads Rule 🚗↔️

When entering a main road from a side road or exiting a roundabout or driveway, give way to vehicles already on the road.

✅ Rule: Wait for a clear gap before merging.

📌 Simple Formula: “Flow before Go!” – Always join when it’s safe.

D. Turning Rules 🔄

• Turning Left? Give way to oncoming traffic.
• Turning Right? Yield to pedestrians and cyclists.

✅ Rule: Left turn = More risk 🚦, so always check both sides.

📌 Quick Trick: “Left Last!” – Always look left before you go.

E. Obstruction Rule 🚧

If your lane is blocked, you must yield to oncoming traffic.

✅ Rule: The vehicle with the clear path has the right of way.

📌 Easy Tip: “Obstacle = Pause!” – Let the other vehicle go first if your lane is blocked.

F. Bus & Emergency Vehicle Rule 🚑🚍

• Always give way to ambulances, police cars, and fire trucks with flashing lights.
• Buses re-entering traffic from a stop have priority.

📌 Golden Rule: “Flashing lights = Stop & Clear!” 🚨

G. Zipper Principle (Merging Traffic) 🚗🚗🚗

In heavy traffic, merging vehicles should take turns like a zipper.

✅ Rule: One car from each lane, alternating smoothly.

📌 Remember: “One by one, everyone wins!” 🚗🚕🚙

2. Crossing Rules: Keeping Pedestrians Safe 🚶‍♂️

Pedestrian crossings are crucial for road safety. Here’s what you need to know:

A. Zebra Crossings (White Stripes) ⚪⚫

These are designated areas where pedestrians have the right of way.

✅ Rule: Always stop and let pedestrians cross.

📌 Quick Memory Tip: “Zebra first!” – If you see stripes, stop. 🚶‍♂️🛑

B. Signal-Controlled Crossings 🚦

Pedestrians should cross only when the green walk signal is on.

✅ Rule: Drivers must stop at a red light, but pedestrians should not cross if the light is green for cars.

📌 Simple Trick: “Red for you, green for me!” 🚦

C. School & Residential Area Crossings 🏫🏠

Drive slowly and be extra cautious around schools and residential areas.

✅ Rule: 20-30 km/h limit in school zones.

📌 Easy Trick: “Kids = Careful!” 👶🚗

Cheat Sheet 📝

1️⃣ Give Way Rules:

• Right is right! ➡️ Give way to vehicles on the right.
• Big road = Big priority! 🚗 Main roads always win.
• Flow before Go! 🚦 Merge safely.
• Left Last! 🔄 Check left before turning.
• Obstacle = Pause! 🚧 Let clear-lane traffic pass.
• Flashing lights = Stop & Clear! 🚑 Emergency vehicles first.
• One by one, everyone wins! 🚗🚕 (Zipper rule)

2️⃣ Crossing Rules:

• Zebra first! 🚶‍♂️ Pedestrians always win at zebra crossings.
• Red for you, green for me! 🚦 Follow signals.
• Kids = Careful! 🏫 Drive slowly in school zones.