FLASH NEWSHow to Give Way to UAE Ambulances: 5 Rules and the AED 3,000 Fine

Failing to give way to an emergency vehicle in the UAE brings an AED 3,000 fine, 6 black points on your licence and 30 days of vehicle impoundment. Ambulances, civil defence vehicles and police patrols have priority on the road. An awareness campaign by Abu Dhabi Police, the Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority and Q Mobility set out five rules for clearing the way safely.

The Penalty

1. Move Right on Main Roads

On multi-lane roads, responders usually use the far-left lane. When you hear a siren or see warning lights behind you in the left lane, indicate and move into the right lane as soon as it is safe.

2. Keep Off the Yellow Hard Shoulder

Do not pull onto the hard shoulder marked with a yellow line. Responders rely on that lane to pass stalled traffic, so stopping there blocks the path they need.

3. Open a Centre Lane on Internal Roads

City and residential streets rarely have a hard shoulder. When an emergency vehicle comes up behind you, drivers should split left and right between the lanes to leave a clear corridor in the middle.

4. Stop at Green Lights

A green light does not give you priority over an emergency vehicle. If one is approaching the junction, stop completely and wait until it has cleared. Emergency drivers may pass a red light after slowing and checking the junction.

5. Yield at Roundabouts and Squares

When an ambulance or police car approaches a roundabout, stop and hold your position, even inside the roundabout, until it has exited.

For the Abu Dhabi campaign announcement and penalty breakdown, see our emergency vehicle fine guide. Related: UAE ambulance number 998.