Jaywalking remains one of the leading causes of pedestrian accidents in the UAE, and authorities are tightening enforcement to curb the rising number of violations. In January 2024 alone, Dubai Police recorded almost 44,000 jaywalking cases, while eight people died in run-over incidents.
What may seem like a quick shortcut across the road is now a serious offence with tougher legal consequences under a federal traffic law that came into effect on March 29.
Stricter penalties under the updated traffic law
The new Federal Decree-Law No. 14 of 2024 introduces sharper penalties for pedestrians who cross from undesignated points or ignore traffic rules. The basic fine for jaywalking remains Dh400, but the consequences increase dramatically if the violation leads to an accident.
Under Article 7, pedestrians, cyclists, e-scooter riders and users of other personal mobility devices must not stop or cross in the middle of the road unless they are at a designated crossing.
If a person crosses from an undesignated area and causes an accident, they now face:
- Imprisonment, and
- A fine between Dh5,000 and Dh10,000
The law is even stricter on high-speed roads. Anyone jaywalking on roads with a speed limit of 80 km/h or above can be held criminally or civilly liable for the outcome of the violation. Penalties in such zones include:
- At least three months in jail, and
- A minimum fine of Dh10,000, or both
How to avoid penalties
Jaywalking refers to crossing a road outside a marked crossing point or doing so against the signal. Even when using zebra crossings, pedestrians must obey traffic lights.
The UAE offers multiple safe options—footbridges, underpasses and smart pedestrian crossings—to help people move safely across busy routes.
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) advises pedestrians to follow these safety practices:
- Stay off your phone while crossing.
- Avoid wearing headphones and stay alert.
- Look both ways and listen for oncoming vehicles.
- Cross at corners and follow traffic signals.
- Use footbridges whenever they are available.
- Never cross when the pedestrian signal is red.
- Make eye contact with drivers before stepping onto the road.
- Wear reflective clothing at night.
- If there are no pavements, walk facing oncoming traffic.
With stricter penalties now in place, authorities hope the updated law will reduce accidents and encourage safer behaviour on the country’s roads.
