Abu Dhabi Driving
Guest
Home Country: countryx
|
 Posted: Thu Jan 05, 2006 2:51 pm Post subject: ABU DHABI DRIVING : Driving in Abu Dhabi (UAE) Guide |
 |
|
ABU DHABI DRIVING : Driving in Abu Dhabi (UAE) Guide
Essentials
In the UAE, vehicles are driven on the right side – the same as in the United States and Canada for example.
You must have a Residence Visa before you can apply for a driver’s license. Therefore you will not be able to drive for up to one month. Only those entering the UAE on a Visit Visa can rent a car or those holding a driver’s license issued by a GCC country. If your spouse has entered the UAE on a Visit Visa, he or she can rent a car using an international driver’s license or a temporary UAE driver’s license.
You can purchase a vehicle only after you have a Residence Visa and a UAE driver’s license. Vehicle prices start from approximately Dhs 45,000 and are available in both manual and automatic transmission. Second hand cars are available. There are a number of used car dealers, and advertisements on noticeboards in grocery stores or in the local newspapers and magainzes.
Vehicles can be imported for personal use. Duty in the amount of 4% is payable on the value assessed by Customs. To collect a car shipped to the UAE, Customs requires shipping documents and a photocopy of your passport (if you are the importer). Importing certain brands of new cars may require permission from the UAE agent. Also keep in mind the availability of an authorized dealer in the UAE to service the car, the availability of spare parts, and resale value.
Before you can drive your car, it will need to be insured and registered. The dealer will help you with both. You can shop around for an insurance policy or take one through the dealer. If you are buying privately, you will have to arrange the insurance and registration yourself. Human Resources will provide you with the letters required and advise you of the current procedures.
Once your car is registered, keep the registration card and your driver’s license in the car at all times. Also keep a photocopy of your passport. In case of an accident, you will be asked to produce these documents. You must register your car on a yearly basis. You must pay your traffic fines before you will be allowed to register your car or renew your driver’s license. Below are some general driving tips and techniques:
Accidents
If you have an accident, do not leave the scene of the accident. Contact the police. When the police arrive, have your registration card and driver’s license ready for them and follow their instructions. They will ask for your view of what happened, and then decide who was at fault. If the police decide you were at fault, you will be given a pink form. If you are determined not to be at fault, you will be given a green form. The form allows you to have your vehicle repaired. A garage cannot repair accident damage without a form.
Lanes
The paved shoulder is sometimes used as a fourth lane by impatient drivers. It is illegal.
Mobile Phones
It is against the law to drive while speaking on a mobile phone. Be sure to purchase a “hands free” accessory if you plan to use your mobile phone while in the car.
Pedestrians
Pedestrians always have the right of way.
Red Lights
It is against the law to turn right on a red light.
Roundabouts
There are many roundabouts (traffic circles) in the UAE. The best rule of thumb is to stay on the inside lane if you are turning left, but edge to the right before you want to exit. Always signal. The vehicles on the traffic circle have the right of way, so be careful.
Seatbelts
Seatbelts in cars and buses are mandatory. Please use yours, even in a taxi. Rear seatbelts should also be worn. Children under the age of 10 are not allowed in the front seat.
Speedbumps
Speedbumps of all sizes can be found within and outside of the cities, on minor and major roads. They are usually indicated in yellow and can be quite high, so be careful.
Speeding
A policeman will rarely stop you for speeding. However, there are many hidden radar cameras. You must pay the fine(s) when you renew your car registration or driver’s license. If you are renting a car and are ticketed for speeding, you must pay the fine with your monthly rental bill. To check for fines incurred in Dubai visit www.dxbtraffic.gov.ae. For fines incurred in Abu Dhabi visit, www.adpolice.gov.ae.
Taxis
Taxis are plentiful and reasonably priced (and considerably cheaper in Abu Dhabi). Most of the drivers do speak English, but their English may be limited. It is therefore important to know exactly where you are going so that you can give them directions if necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions :
Should I Buy or Rent a Car?
To rent a car, you must have one of the following:
an International Driver’s License
a UAE driver’s license (or a temporary UAE driver’s license)
a driver’s license issued by a GCC country
Please note that you cannot rent a car while your Employment Visa is being changed to a Residence Visa. And you cannot buy a car until you acquire a Residence Visa.
Whether you buy or rent a car is up to you. Both are readily available. Buses and taxis are plentiful. However due to large distances and convenience, most people do drive.
Well known car rental chains such as Budget and Avis have offices in the UAE and offer daily, weekend and monthly rates. There are also a large number of car dealerships and used car dealerships. Prices for new vehicles are typically a bit cheaper than in North America.
How much car insurance do I Need ?
Full comprehensive accident insurance is recommended. Rates are usually in the area of 4 to 7% of the listed value of the car. The exact rate will depend on the age and model of the car as well as your previous insurance history. You can usually negotiate with your insurance provider.
What should I do if I have a traffic accident?
If you have an accident, do not leave the scene of the accident. Contact the police. If no one was hurt and vehicle damage is minor, drivers are recommended to move their vehicles to the side of the road to avoid blocking traffic. Otherwise, the vehicles should not be moved. When the police arrive, have your vehicle registration card, driver’s license and insurance papers ready for them and follow their instructions. They will ask for your view of what happened, and then decide who was at fault. If the police decide you were at fault, you will be given a pink form. If you are determined not to be at fault, you will be given a green form. The form allows you to have your vehicle repaired. A garage cannot repair accident damage without a form.
Can women drive?
Absolutely! Women of all nationalities drive in the UAE.
Can I use my current driving license in the UAE?
If you are a resident (have obtained a Residence Visa), a UAE driving license is necessary to drive in the UAE.
A ten year UAE driver’s license can be obtained on producing a recognized driver’s license. Residents from the following countries can usually transfer their current driver’s license to a UAE license: UK, most European countries, Australia, New Zealand, United States of America, and Canada.
If your driving license is not from one of these countries, you will be obligated to undergo a driving test to obtain a UAE license.
What is the driving like?
In the UAE, vehicles are driven on the right side - the same as in the United States and Canada for example, and roundabouts are common. Seatbelts are required and mobile phones are prohibited while driving (unless you have a hands free set).
With such a mix of nationalities, driving techniques can also be mixed as well, resulting in some speeding problems. To counteract speeding, radar cameras are quite common, as are speed bumps. In general, traffic rules in the UAE are much the same as in your own home country. |
|
Register
Log in
FAQ
Search
Memberlist
