If you are visiting Dubai for the first time, you need to understand some traffic signs to stay safe and avoid getting on the wrong book of traffic regulators. As traffic keeps growing every day and road networks are becoming more complex, traffic signs are becoming more important than ever. These signs are easy to understand and follow. All you need to do is know them and understand what they stand for. Let’s see the traffic signs you need to get acquainted with to keep you and others safe on the road.
Important traffic signs you need to know
Prohibitory Signs
As the name implies, these are signs that tell users not to take a certain action on the road. It could be telling them not to take a certain direction or warning them of the average speed limit in that particular area. These signs include, maximum height limits, no tricycles, no pedestrians, no good vehicles, speed limit, do not overtake, etc.
Control signs
These are basically used when showing direction or priority of road users at the moment. They include signs like “you must stop”, “no entry”, “give way to pedestrians” etc. These are mostly written in simple English and should be understood by most road users.
Warning Sign
These are signs that warn road users when there’s danger ahead or if the road is under construction. It’s basically for the safety of road users and should be strictly adhered to. These signs have their different designs to indicate the specific type of warning for road users. Some very common warning signs include, slow down work ahead, school ahead, steep hill upwards, speed hump, slippery road ahead, river bank ahead, no through road, diversion ahead, tunnel, opening bridge, etc.
Mandatory signs
These signs let road users know the right actions for them at a particular area. Some of the most common ones include keep left, keep right, pass either side, turn right only, ahead only, etc. The signs are very important for new road users who are not quite familiar with traffic laws and regulations in Dubai.
Trailblazing Signs
This is strictly for directions to help driver easily reach their destination without moving the wrong direction. They are easily recognized with pictures of important places where the road is leading to. Normally, you will see trailblazing signs on the road if you are approaching places like tourist centers, freeways, airports, or business districts.
Parking Control Signs
These signs tell drivers whether it’s okay to park or not to park at a particular area. Traffic authorities are usually strict on these and violators are forced to pay fines. Some of these signs include limited parking, paid parking, for unloading/loading vehicles, taxis only, parking area.
These signs are quite similar to what is obtainable in other regions. They are simple to follow and draw certain types of fine when they are violated. As has always been the case, ignorance is not an excuse when you disobey any traffic rules. So, it’s necessary to be very familiar with these traffic signs when you are driving with your rent a car in Dubai.