Dh1,000 Fine: Strict Penalties for Passing Stopped School Buses in UAE

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As over one million students return to school for the second term, Abu Dhabi Police have issued a critical warning to motorists regarding school bus safety. With classes resuming on Monday, January 5, authorities have activated specialised radar systems mounted on buses to electronically detect drivers who fail to stop when the "stop" arm is deployed. The enforcement aims to protect students during the boarding and disembarking process, reinforcing a zero-tolerance policy toward traffic violations in school zones.

Under UAE traffic laws, motorists must maintain a five-meter safety buffer when a bus stops. On single-lane roads, drivers in both directions must halt, while on multi-lane roads, only those traveling in the same direction as the bus are required to stop. Violators face a Dh1,000 fine and 10 black points on their license under Article 91 of the traffic code. This safety initiative, which includes both automated enforcement and educational briefings for bus drivers, is part of a broader campaign to minimise road accidents during the nine-week academic term.