Car Rental In Dubai - Important Driving Tips For First Time Drivers

In fact, it could land you in jail if reported to the authorities by someone!

Lanes- Stick To Them!

Whether it is Burdubai or Burjuman, when on expressways and highways in Dubai, stick to your lane and always try to avoid the lane to absolute left as this could mean inviting unnecessary attention as fellow drivers behind you will continuously hassle you to change your lane or give them the way.

Never Flee The Scene

Minor skirmishes might take place with somebody accusing you of scratching their paint, or leaving a dent on their car. These are okay to ignore. However, when caught in an accident, never leave the scene until the police have taken your statement or you will be adjudged as the perpetrator.

Toll And "Salik"

Remember to carry change, as you will need to pay up at toll. Since tollbooths do not keep change for UAD 100, make sure that you tender the exact amount to avoid any unpleasantness.

When you pass through Shaikh Zayed Road, you will notice 'Salik' toll points, which provide automated service meaning that the necessary deductions are made directly to your Salik Card.

This card is provided by every car rental in Dubai, as they will then charge you the total deductions in your final bill. So, remember to ask them for the card before you take to the road.

Do you know that Dubai has an extensive road network that comes with 8-lane and 10-lane highways? Before you drive the vehicle that your Dubai rent a car provider delivered, learn what you can about this emirate's traffic and road conditions. Here are some of them.

Speed Limits

You will find these signs posted right where the speed cameras are. But just so you're guided, here is a list of the present speed limits

- small streets in the suburbs: 40 kph

- main roads: 60 to 80 kph

- highways: 100 to 120 kph

- Jumeirah Beach Road: 70 kph

- Al Khawaneej Road: 80 kph

Be sure to follow these speed limits. Otherwise, you will be slapped anywhere from 200 to 500 dirhams.

Traffic Jams

In the old days, all you need is 15 minutes to get to any destination in Dubai. Not so today. Sometimes, the roads are clear; other times they are heavily congested. Avoid getting stuck in traffic by taking note of the following rush hours:

- 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM

- 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM
Don't underestimate them, since they could be dangerous and have no feeling for the road and traffic. Might sound funny to meet a camel on the road, but a crash with camel will cost you a fortune. Camels are expensive in Arab Emirates. Other more common animals you might meet on the road are most likely donkeys, goats, and homeless dogs.

Penalties in United Arab Emirates are extremely high. Respect the rules, never drive too fast or drink alcohol. Being caught with alcohol in blood will result in heavy financial penalties including jail. International visitors must have international driving permit and national driving licence with them all the time.

Rush hours are most common from eight to ten o'clock in the morning when people migrate for work. Same applies for late afternoon from five o'clock on.