As the new school year begins, UAE authorities have renewed strict warnings for motorists driving near schools. Police across the country are reminding drivers that violations in school zones carry heavy penalties, including fines, black points, licence suspension, and even jail time in serious cases.

Key violations near schools.

Common offences include ignoring the STOP sign displayed by school buses, failing to wear seatbelts, speeding, using mobile phones while driving, and stopping in no-parking areas outside school gates. Fake or altered number plates are also a serious violation, leading to severe legal action.

Penalties and fines.

Failing to stop at a school bus STOP sign carries a Dh1,000 fine and 10 black points, while not wearing a seatbelt results in a Dh400 fine and 4 black points. Speeding in school zones (30–40 km/h limit) can lead to fines of Dh300 to Dh3,000, and excessive speeding may result in vehicle impoundment.

New safety measures for buses.

From the 2025 academic year, all school buses in the UAE must be equipped with automatic fire suppression systems that can detect and extinguish engine fires automatically. Bus drivers and supervisors are also legally responsible for ensuring every child is dropped off safely.

Awareness campaigns.

The Ministry of Interior has launched campaigns such as “Day Without Accidents” to encourage safe driving during the school year. Drivers who pledge and remain violation-free on the first school day of 2025 will have four black points deducted from their record.

Road safety reminder.

Authorities continue to urge all drivers to follow traffic rules, wear seatbelts, give way to pedestrians, and keep children’s safety as the top priority.