Dh1,000 Fine and 10 Points for Ignoring School Bus Stop Arms
School transport routes across the country are facing stricter daily protocols after the Ministry of Interior outlined clear operational duties for families, schools, and motorists. Issued through the Federal Traffic Council as part of the four-month ‘Safe Roads for Our Students’ campaign launched in September, the guidance targets every link in the morning and afternoon school run.
Daily Checks and Mandatory Stop-Arm Halts Alter Morning Routines
Motorists share immediate compliance obligations alongside commercial bus operators under the updated traffic enforcement reminders. Drivers who pass an extended school bus stop arm must come to a complete stop from both directions or face a Dh1,000 fine along with 10 traffic points on their driving license. School bus drivers are equally accountable: failing to deploy the side stop sign while picking up or dropping off students results in a Dh500 fine and six traffic points.
Inside the vehicle, supervisors must conduct a physical inspection at the end of every journey to confirm no child remains inside. Schools must establish dedicated boarding zones, monitor transport staff, and notify parents immediately if a student is absent or fails to board the bus.
Parents are required to stay reachable throughout the journey and must escort children to the waiting area while ensuring an authorized adult is present at afternoon drop-off. Students are instructed to arrive at the stop five minutes early, keep seat belts fastened while moving, and step 10 paces back from the vehicle immediately after getting off.
The Ministry of Interior will continue running its safe transport awareness campaign across all emirates through December.
