UAE Official03 May 2026Crossing the road illegally in UAE? You could face Dh10,000 fine or jail
Dubai: Dubai Police has renewed warnings against crossing roads from non-designated areas after a pedestrian was injured in a hit-and-run accident on Al
Source: OFFICIAL UAE NEWS · Emirates 24/7
Dubai: Dubai Police has renewed warnings against crossing roads from non-designated areas after a pedestrian was injured in a hit-and-run accident on Al Khawaneej Road.
The police authority issued the warning on April 29 after the person suffered injuries while attempting to cross the road from an unauthorised location and was struck by a vehicle.
Brigadier Juma Salem bin Suwaidan, Director of the General Department of Traffic at Dubai Police, warned of the dangers of pedestrians crossing at undesignated locations, stating that crossing in unauthorised areas is a major cause of pedestrian accidents.
Dh10,000 fine and jail in serious cases
While many residents still associate jaywalking with a Dh400 fine, the UAE’s updated traffic law, which came into force in March 2025, introduced significantly tougher punishments for serious pedestrian violations.
Under the law, pedestrians who cross roads with speed limits of 80 km/h or more from places not designated for crossing may face:
- Minimum three months in jail
- Fine of at least Dh10,000
- Or both penalties
Those who cross illegally and cause a traffic accident may also face:
- Imprisonment
- Fines ranging from Dh5,000 to Dh10,000
- Additional legal liability may also arise if injuries, deaths or property damage are caused.
Dh400 fine still applies in routine cases
The commonly enforced Dh400 penalty still applies to standard offences such as:
- Crossing roads from unauthorised areas
- Ignoring pedestrian traffic signals
- Putting road users at risk
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