Driving too slowly in Dubai can be as hazardous as driving too fast, according to Dubai’s Chief Traffic Prosecutor, Prosecutor General Salah Bu Farousha Al Felasi. During a virtual conference between drivers and Al Felasi, drivers complained about slow drivers, whom they described as ‘road turtles’, that disrupt the flow of traffic and lead to accidents. Slow drivers can cause other drivers to perform dangerous maneuvers, such as tailgating and sudden lane changes, which can result in collisions. Al Felasi urged slow drivers to take the right lane and allow faster drivers to pass safely.
Dubai Traffic Law specifies that drivers who travel slowly in the left lane could be fined Dh400, but Al Felasi also recommended that drivers report slow drivers to the police rather than resorting to aggressive or violent behavior. He stressed that allowing access to the left lane to other drivers is necessary, as the other drivers may have emergencies that require them to drive faster. The law stipulates that driving in a manner that endangers lives and the safety of other road users can result in a fine of Dh2,000.
To ensure the safety of all drivers, a minimum speed limit of 120 kilometers per hour (kph) will be implemented on Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Road, beginning on May 1, 2023, for the two leftmost lanes in both directions. The maximum speed limit will remain at 140 kph, while slow drivers will be fined AED 400 for driving slower than the minimum speed limit.
Abu Dhabi Police has also reminded motorists to prioritize safety and stay alert while driving. Furthermore, the police department has instructed slow drivers to stay in the correct lanes. Meanwhile, a new bridge connecting East and West Bani Yas has been announced in Abu Dhabi, which will reduce travel time from 11 minutes to just three minutes. The bridge is located at Abu Dhabi Al Ain Road (E22) and will enhance traffic flow from Bani Yas to other parts of the city.
