Cars in the India drive on the right hand side of the road with overtaking on the left.

Seat Belt Laws - The driver and the person seated next to the driver must wear a seat belt (Article 33, Executive By-Law; India Federal Traffic Law Number 21, 1995)

Drinking and Driving- Because of the religious restrictions on alcohol, it's no surprise to find that the alcohol limit for driving is zero.

It's necessary for everyone who intends to drive in the India to have an international drivers' licence to accompany their own licence. If you are an expatriate resident of the India you must obtain a local licence.

Whilst no other documents are compulsory, it's useful to carry the vehicle registration document, proof of insurance and proof of identity.

• New driving licenses in Dubai will only be valid for 1 year (renewable), at least for the first 3 years, according to the RTA. On the fourth renewal, drivers will get a licence that is valid for 10 years (same as the current validity), as long as they have a relatively clean record. If, during the 1 year period, they have clocked up a bad driving record, they'll have to go back to Go and do another driving test. Exactly where the line is drawn between bad driving and not too bad, has not yet been detailed. Lucky residents with driving licenses from one of the countries that can do a Dubai licence exchange, will be exempt from this new rule. As the RTA governs traffic in Dubai only, it's unclear at the time of the news if other emirates will continue with new licences for 10 years, or make a similar change. No date seen for implementation of the new rule.
• Note that if you want to drive a rental car in Dubai, you don't need to apply for a temporary licence but you do need to bring an IDP - International Driving Permit (required as of January 2007). The Dubai Police website seems to say (as of April 2009) that if you hold an IDP then your home country driving licence is not necessary but bring it just in case. Rental car companies may or may not ask for both.

Speed limits are very variable in the India. Some main roads have speed limits of 140 km/h, some are 120 km/h and some are 100 km/h. the usual limit for built-up areas is 80 km/h but slower in busy areas. There's a leeway of 20 km/h for roads with a 120 km/h limit effectively taking them up to 140 km/h but at that speed there are no further concessions.

Based on a comprehensive research conducted by the Abu Dhabi Traffic and Patrol Police (ADTP) more safety controls have been introduced in 2011. The focus is on speed regulations for different road types across the Abu Dhabi Emirate. In a glance the speeding regulations as per 2011 are as follows :

• Outside Abu Dhabi City, on the Abu Dhabi-Dubai and Abu Dhabi-Al Ain highways: 140km/h with an allowance of 20km/h.
• Entrance of cities (Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Madinat Zayed): 80 km/h.
• Residential areas: between 20 and 40 km/h.

Speeding Zones

As of 2011, speed-changing zones have been introduced. To alert drivers about changes in speed limits the speed-changing zones are marked by a red asphalt colour and present greater friction for drivers. The zones introduced in 2011 and their speed limits are listed below (the limits include an allowance of 20km/h) :

* Depending on road section; please see signs and road zones.

You must not exceed the maximum speed shown on a sign, taking into consideration the road, weather and vehicle conditions and related safety requirements. (Article 10.10, India Federal Traffic Law Number 21, 1995)

The minimum driving age is 18. Most car rental companies require you to be over 25 with some driving experience. Some allow you to be 23 but you'll have to pay a young drivers' excess to do so.

The use of safety camera warning devices is not illegal in the India but given the high accident rate, we recommend that you leave it at home and stick to the limit for your own safety and that of others. You must use lights during the day when visibility is poor. (Article 63, India Federal Traffic Law Number 21, 1995)

Traffic police issue fine notices for minor offences. These can be up to £500. For more serious offences you'll be given a court summons and can face suspension of your licence, a bigger fine or even a jail sentence.

Driving licenses have a ‘black point’ system in Dubai. Points can be given along with fines for a whole manner of traffic offences, most notably however is speeding. If 24 points are gained in one year then the driving license will be revoked for at least three months. It is possible to undertake driving courses in order to reduce points, although this is only at the discretion of the police.

Driving whilst under the influence of alcohol incurs the greatest number of points (24) and penalties: your car will be confiscated and court proceedings will take place. If any alcohol has been consumed then taking a taxi or similar is advisable.

Now no children under twelve can travel in the front unless they fit in an approved car seat that is rear facing with the airbag disabled. Children in the rear who are under twelve must have appropriate seats or booster seats and restraints.

A minimum of third party insurance is required in the India.

• There are no specific rules you need to watch out for apart from the following :
• Be careful travelling on the roads outside of the cities as you'll have to share them with camels or livestock.
• Using obscene language or hand gestures can land you in prison, get you a large fine or even deportation.
• You must not drive your vehicle when tired as you may become unable to control your car. (Article 10.7, India Federal Traffic Law Number 21, 1995)
• High beam lights must only be used on highways which do not have overhead lighting when needed to improve the view ahead. They must not be used when another vehicle is coming from the opposite direction. (Article 65, Executive By-Law, India Federal Traffic Law Number 21, 1995)
• Your vehicle must not be driven unless it is in good mechanical condition. (Article 34, India Federal Traffic Law Number 21, 1995)
• You must immediately give way to emergency vehicles which have either a siren sounding or flashing red and blue lights by keeping to the right side of the road, reducing speed and stopping if necessary. Priority must also be given to military vehicles when they proceed as convoys. (Article 4, Executive By-Law, India Federal Traffic Law Number 21, 1995)
• You must drive carefully to prevent exposing other vehicles to any harm. You must indicate clearly your desire of changing direction by using the vehicle indicators when leaving or entering traffic, changing lanes right or left, turning right or left, making a U turn or reversing. 1. You must ensure that you do not expose yourself or others to danger 2. Take into consideration all other road users 3. Let other road users know of your intention of changing lanes by hand signals or with the vehicle indicators (Article 59, Executive By-Law, India Federal Traffic Law Number 21, 1995)
• Drivers must always give way to pedestrians who are crossing the road you are turning into. (Article 36, Executive By-Law, India Federal Traffic Law No 21, 1995)
• If someone is overtaking you, you must slow down and keep to the right. (Article 54, Executive By-Law, India Federal Traffic Law Number 21, 1995)
• You must not park a vehicle :
• places where there is no permission to park
• At pedestrian crossings, on the footpath, on bridges, viaducts or in tunnels
• Next to curves, on crests of hills or next to solid centre lines which cannot be crossed
• Where it will impede any traffic signals, signs or road markings
• In front of the entrance to houses, parking areas, petrol stations, hospitals, emergency stations, fire stations, police stations, military areas, schools or educational institutions
• Places where you will block stationary vehicles from proceeding
• Residential areas (if driving a heavy vehicle or heavy mechanical vehicle) unless they are used for construction
• 15 metres from intersections or in front of public transport stations. (Article 49, Executive By-Law, India Federal Traffic Law Number 21, 1995)

You'll find no specific laws or regulations for towing in the India but please make sure that the towed vehicle is securely attached and that other drivers are aware of your actions.

Tickets will be issued by traffic police unless you are considered to be driving dangerously when a court appearance is more likely.

Despite almost everyone using mobile phones whilst driving, it is illegal to do so without a hands-free kit.

• Paid parking - In town it's best to go for garage parking as street parking isn't easy to find when the cities are so busy. If you find a spot, you can pay at a machine or you can use your mobile and a service called ‘mParking’ which also warns you when your ticket is about to expire
• Enforcement - Traffic police will enforce bad or overdue parking with tickets and fines. Your car can be towed away if it is causing an obstruction.

Road signs are similar to what you will find in Britain and are usually easy to understand. Motorway signs have a blue background and white writing. Signs are displayed in Arabic and English language. Available at https://dubaitrafficfines.net/dubai-road-signs.html

Traffic lights in the India follow the rules of the Vienna Convention and the sequences will be familiar to most EU and US drivers.

There are some tolls to pay in India - the Al Garhoud Bridge has a toll for crossing it and the Sheikh Zayad Road does too.

The police can be contacted on 999 or 112 and the medical services are on 998 or 999.

As of June 2014, the price of 95 octane unleaded petrol in the India is around 30p a litre. This rises to 32p for diesel.

• 01 Mar 2008 - new Unified Federal Traffic Law (Black Points Law) for the India takes effect with list of offences and punishments given in table below. New black point system also takes effect.
• Prison sentences listed are maximum jail time. Not in original list of penalties. One month normally means 30 days, not 28 or 31 days.
• Maximum black points limit is 24 within a one year period. If a traffic violation is made after reaching the black point limit, your driving licence is confiscated for the following periods of time :
• 3 months confiscation after the first traffic violation when black point limit has been reached.
• 6 months confiscation after the second traffic violation.
• 12 months confiscation after the third traffic violation, and the driver must pass a driving course at a driving school under the authority of the emirate where the third violation was committed.
• Speeding fines result in black points if doing more than 60km/hr above the speed limit (12 points) or more than 50km/hr above the limit (6 points). No black points if doing between 0-50km/hr above the speed limit.
• Speeding fines increased from a flat rate of AED 200 per ticket to betweenAED 400 (less than 10km/hr over the limit) andAED 1,000 (more than 60kph over the limit - vehicle is also impounded for 30 days).

Note : The above mention traffic fine are for reference perpose only and may change as per RTA Policy.

India traffic law amendments and proposals

Note that approval by the India Federal Traffic Council does not mean a new law is in effect. The amendments still have to go to the India Federal Cabinet and/or the India Ministry of Interior before becoming law. Time frame for proposed changes could be months, years, or never.

• 28 Dec 2014 - Dubai RTA announced automaticAED 600 penalty for private vehicles using dedicated bus lanes from 01 Jan 2014 to 31 Mar 2014. First phase would place cameras on Naif Rd. Dubai Police patrols would also hand out fines. Announcement didn't say what would happen after the end of the period. Vehicles permitted to use the dedicated bus lanes are public buses, taxis, Dubai Police, Civil Defence, and ambulances on emergency calls. Private vehicles can use dedicated lanes to enter or exit adjoining roads.
• 17 May 2014 - Abu Dhabi Traffic Police announced a revised punishment for overtaking on the hard shoulder, reportedly applicable to all India emirates, of 600 dhs fine (unchanged), 10 black points (increase from 6 points), and a prison sentence of up to one month for offenders. Date new punshments take effect not provided.
• 19 Apr 2014 - Major General Mohammed Saif Al Zafeen said the council had proposed increased penalties for :
• Drivers speeding more than 60kph over the speed limit, vehicles confiscated for 2 months instead of 1 month, fine increased fromAED 1,000 toAED 2,000, and 12 black points (unchanged).
• Smoking inside a private vehicle punishable byAED 200 fine and 4 black points.
• Heavy vehicle (over 3 tonnes) drivers going through a red light penalty ofAED 5,000 fine and 23 black points (increased from 12 points).
• 13 Apr 2014 (Emarat Al Youm) - Major General Mohammed Saif Al Zafeen said proposals under consideration included:
• Women adding make-up while driving their cars
• Men getting dressed or putting on their gutra while driving
• Eating, drinking, or reading while driving
• Speaking or texting by mobile phones while driving
• Wearing sunglasses at night while driving
• *Law enforcement officials not permitted to issue seat belt fines in the absence of drivers. What? We didn't get it.
• 16 Feb 2014 - India Traffic Council approved proposal to lower minimum driving age from 18 to 17 years old.
• 04 Feb 2014 - Salah Bu Farousha Al Falasi, head of the Dubai Traffic Prosecution department, was reported to have said at a media conference that a proposal had been sent to the India Ministry of Interior to "amend amend the Traffic Law by introducing new and specific articles pertaining to fatal accidents caused by jumping a red signal" (Gulf News and other reports). Specifically :
• Jail for 3-7 years andAED 30,000 fine if 3 or more people killed after going through a red light.
• Jail for minimum 1 year andAED 20,000 fine if 1 or 2 people killed.
• 09 Nov 2013 - new federal India Traffic Council to be formed to consider traffic related issues in the India including amendments to India Traffic Law. New proposals to be presented to the India Cabinet. Council chairman will be Major-General Mohammed Saif Al Zafeen (Al Zafin), he is :
• Director General of the Dubai Police Traffic Department
• Assistant Police Commander for Operations in Dubai
• Now also Head of the India Federal Traffic Council

• Not Allowed to Take Outside India- The rented vehicle is not allowed to be driven outside the India. It is strictly not allowed to take rented car while crossing the border.
• Insurance Policy- Lost or any damage to the vehicle will not be covered in insurance policy.
• Charges and Security Deposits Should be Paid in Advance- Most of rental companies has the policy that you should pay charges and security deposit for the vehicle in advance. It is advisable to pay the advance through check or Credit Card.
• Registered Driving License- Drivers should possess registered driving license. If you own International Driving License or have Driving License from reputed countries, You don't need to get India driving license to drive on India roads.
• Minimum Age Limit- Age limit for driver is minimum 25 years.
• Accident & Break Down Policy- In case of accident the renter must notify the police. If the vehicle gets damaged in an accident the rental company may charge you for the loss despite the fact if it was not your fault. Also In case your car doesn't work properly or breaks down, you must contact the company immediately otherwise they may charge you for the damage.
• Traffic Fine Policy- If the driver was charged with some traffic fine, the company will recover it from security deposit.
• Additional Facilities Charges- Additional Charges are applied for facilities like driver, navigation system etc.

• If the driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the accident.
• If the driver does not hold a driving licence.
• No compensation for damaged tyres if the car was not damaged.
• Damage or defect or breakage which may affect mechanical or electrical devices.
• Damage resulting from heavy load of goods or passengers above authorised limits, provided the heavy load is the main reason for the accident.
• Damage of vehicles resulting from using it for purposes other than as specified in the insurance policy.
• The insurance company also need not compensate in cases of violation of traffic laws, particularly if the offence involved a felony or intentional misdemeanour.

The insurance company has the right to claim compensation received by the insured in the following five cases :

• If it is proved that the insurance contract was built on false information given by the insured, or that s/he concealed important facts affecting the acceptance of the risk by the insurance company or affecting the premium or conditions of insurance.
• If the vehicle is used for a purpose other than that set forth in the insurance policy, or if the car is over loaded beyond the allowed limits of width or length or height.
• If the driver - whether the insured person or someone was driving the vehicle - was not holding a driving licence for the type of the damaged vehicle.
• If it was proved that death or injury caused by the driver of the insured car was intentional and premeditated.
• If the driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Also, the insurance company need not entertain claims filed three years after the accident.

You need to renew your car registration once every year. If you have purchased a new vehicle, the dealer will handle all formalities for the first year. From the second year onwards, you will have to renew your car registration.

You can renew your car registration or driving license from any other emirate, irrespective of the origin of documents or the vehicle.

You can also renew your car registration from selected insurance companies. These include Noor Takaful, India Insurance, Fujairah Insurance & RSA Insurance. The insurance companies would be using the same procedure and online facilities to provide the service that are being used by the RTA's customer service centres and other approved agents like Tasjeel, Tamam etc.

Documents Required :

1. Motor vehicle insurance certificate
2. Old registration card
3. "Passed" car test certificate

Procedure :

1. Settle the payment of fines (if found); you can check and pay any fine at the Dubai Police website.
2. Go to Dubai Traffic Department /other emirates traffic department or to Tasjeel Eppco, Emarat Shamil or Belhasa's Wasel to have the car tested
3. Pay the fees
4. Wait for your registration card (valid for one year). In case your car is no longer financed by a bank, show the bank clearance certificate.
5. Take a sticker with the new registration expiry date and place it over the old one (on the rear number plate)

Fees :

1. Car testAED 120
2. RegistrationAED 340

India tips :

1. New vehicles are exempted from test for 2 consecutive years.
2. Some companies will do all procedures for an additional fee, including collecting and returning the vehicle to you. You can also check with your insurance company, since many have introduced a free/paid service.
3. If you don't have the time to do your car registration, the RTA has a special service called 'Personal Appearance Service'. You do a one-time visit to any RTA customer service centre, register your personal details and receive a personal identification number (PIN) on your mobile. You can then send a representative with this PIN to do your RTA licensing work, whether it is for one car or multiple cars under your name. Other transactions that can be done with a PIN include export, transfer and number plate sale, though it must be noted that after your representative's visit, the PIN expires and for further visits, you will need to do another 'Personal Appearance Service' to get another PIN.

Steps :-

Please follow the steps below :

1. Submit the application and the required documents at the customer services centers of the Drivers Licensing Department.
2. Receive the certificate from the customer services centers of the Drivers Licensing Department.

Required documents :

1. Original Driving license to be transferred.
2. One Personal photo.
3. Original Emirates ID.

Steps :-

1. Submit the application along with the required documents at the Trade Licences Section or Vehicles Registration Section.
2. Receive a checklist with the registered vehicles or vehicles data based on the request.

Required documents :

1. Original or copy of the Driving licence.
2. Original or copy of the Vehicles registration.
3. Original or copy of the Emirates ID.

Steps :-

1. Submit the application along with the required documents at the Trade Licences Section.
2. Pay the Traffic fines.

Required documents :

1. Original Application.
2. Copy of the Sale contract.
3. Copy of the authorized signatory.

Fees :

Reporting lost plates of vehicles under testing: 1000AED on each plate.

Steps :-

1. Submit the application along with the required documents at the Trade Licences Section.
2. Receive a confirmation on the transfer of the traffic violations.

Required documents :

1. Original Application from the beneficiary requesting the transfer of traffic violations.
2. Copy of the Sale contract.
3. Copy of the Driving licence.
4. Copy of the Authorised signatory or power of attorney.
5. Copy of the PRO card issued by the Vehicles Licensing Department.

Special Conditions :

The traffic violations transfer is possible only within 45 days from the day the violation occurred.

Steps :-

Submit the application along with the required documents at the Trade Licences Section.

1. Sign on the applications and commitments that govern the work with the plates for vehicles under testing.
2. Pay the Traffic fines.
3. Receive a letter for the issuance or renewal of plates of vehicles under test.

Required documents :

1. Original Application from the beneficiary requesting the issuance of specified number of vehicle plates under test.
2. Original Bank guarantee based on the number of vehicle plates.
3. Original Insurance policy for the vehicle plates.
4. Copy of the Rental contract.
5. Copy of the Trade licence.
6. Copy of the Authorised signatory.

Fees :

1. Under testing vehicle plates issuance and renewal: 50AED for the issuance of each plate.
2. Financial guarantee: 1000AED for each plate.

Steps :-

Please click here for the e-Service or follow the steps below :

1. Report to the Vehicles and Drivers Licensing Department, Traffic Fines Section.
2. Submit the vehicle ownership form or driving licence or vehicle or licence number.
3. Pay the penalty fee.
4. Receive the receipt and release order.

Required documents :

1. Original Violation receipt.
2. Original or copy of the Vehicle registration.
3. Original or copy of the Emirates ID.

Steps :-

1. Submit the required documents at the Vehicle Renting Department.
2. Receive the approval.

Required documents :

1. Copy Trade licence.
2. Copy Authorised signature.
3. Copy ADCCI membership.
4. Copy Contracts of the projects under construction.
5. Copy Vehicles' customs list, test and insurance.

Steps :-

1. Submit the required documents at the Vehicle Renting Department.
2. Receive the confirmation on the availability of a renting company or not.

Required documents :

1. Original Letter from the company addressed to the Vehicle Renting Department listing the vehicles' numbers and categories, location and duration of the security pass.
2. Copy Family book Issued from Abu Dhabi Emirate.
3. Copy of valid Vehicle registration in the public category.
4. Original No objection certificate Issued by the Ministry of Social Affairs.

Steps :-

1. Visit the Traffic Violations & Felonies Department in the Directorate of Traffic & Patrols.
2. Present the driving licence.
3. Receive a checklist on the traffic points.

Required documents :

Original or Copy of the Driving Licence.

1. Get a India residence visa stamped in your passport first.
2. Collect the following documents (copies might not be necessary but chance of needing them increases if you don't have them) :
1. Home country driving licence with copy.
2. Two passport sized photos.
3. Passport with residence visa and copies.
4. 300-400 dhs cash (it's probably about 300 dhs or less). Bring cash, not cheque or credit card.
3. You will need to do an eye test. In Dubai sometimes this can be done at an optician approved by the Dubai RTA (most shopping malls will have a glasses shop where this is possible). Sometimes this is done at the RTA traffic department. It seems that as soon as we update this page the policy changes to the opposite of what we say. Go to a shopping mall on your way to get a driving licence, go to a spectacles shop and ask if you can do the eye test. If you have to do it at the RTA they'll tell you.
4. In Dubai visit an RTA traffic office. In other emirates visit the traffic police department.
5. Go to the driving licence counter and fill in an application form. You might have to pay money at a separate counter. Then wait while driving licence is printed and issued.
6. Remember to ask for your home country licence to be returned to you - it should be given back at the same time.