Texting or eating while driving in the UAE can lead to fines, black points and car impoundment

Dubai: If you have ever grabbed a quick bite behind the wheel or replied to a message at a red light, you could be risking more than just a traffic violation. In the UAE, distracted driving is not limited to using your phone, even eating or applying make-up while driving can result in serious penalties.

What counts as distracted driving?

In 2024, Abu Dhabi Police identified eating while driving as one of the most dangerous habits on UAE roads, alongside mobile phone use, which remains the leading cause of distracted driving incidents.

While it may seem harmless to glance at your phone or take a bite of your sandwich, even a brief lapse in attention can lead to swerving, delayed reactions, or missed signals, endangering not only the driver but also passengers, pedestrians and other road users.

UAE penalties for distracted driving

To curb such risky behaviour, the UAE enforces strict fines and penalties for using a mobile phone or engaging in any distracting activity while driving:

In 2024 alone, Dubai Police recorded 648,631 traffic violations across the UAE, many of which were attributed to distracted driving. Offenders are identified through both on-ground patrols and smart surveillance systems installed nationwide.

How are distracted drivers caught?

Police authorities across the UAE have deployed AI-powered traffic radars that can detect a wide range of violations, including speeding, lane changes, red-light offences, and distracted driving. These systems operate 24/7 across major roads and intersections, helping police detect violations with high accuracy.

Mobile phone use behind the wheel

Authorities have repeatedly warned that all forms of mobile phone use — including texting, calling, taking photos, or recording videos — drastically increase the risk of accidents. Even using a hands-free device does not eliminate distraction.

According to UAE police, taking a call with a hands-free set still reduces your focus on the road, making it unsafe to talk while driving.

Their advice is to only use your phone when your car is safely parked. If you're expecting an urgent call while driving, let a passenger answer it, allow it to go to voicemail, or pull over safely before responding.

To improve road safety and reduce the number of accidents, police and transport authorities are urging drivers to be more mindful behind the wheel. Motorists are expected to observe speed limits, follow road signs, and maintain a safe distance from other vehicles.

They must also avoid using their phones while driving, yield to emergency vehicles, respect pedestrian crossings, and ensure that seat belts are worn at all times.