{"id":27762,"date":"2018-04-06T17:09:50","date_gmt":"2018-04-06T13:09:50","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.sellanycar.com\/cars-related\/?p=27762"},"modified":"2018-04-09T18:53:16","modified_gmt":"2018-04-09T14:53:16","slug":"6-things-expats-must-keep-driving-uae","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/uae.sellanycar.com\/guides\/6-things-expats-must-keep-driving-uae\/","title":{"rendered":"6 Things Expats Must Keep with Them while Driving in the UAE"},"content":{"rendered":"

Driving in a foreign country can be challenging because it can take some time to become familiar with the traffic rules and driving culture of a specific country<\/strong>. The duration to adapt to the traffic rules and regulations can be even longer for an expatriate in the UAE as there are more than 100 traffic violations for which motorists can be booked and penalized in the UAE<\/em><\/strong>. The traffic authorities have also harshened traffic penalties for serious violations to improve the road safety situation in the country so driving in the UAE can be a serious challenge altogether for expats if they don\u2019t adopt the road safety practices quickly.<\/p>\n

As an expat, you need to be more careful, proactive and confident in your approach<\/strong> to prepare for any unexpected situation while driving in the UAE. It can help a great deal if you carry some essential legal documents with you while driving and get navigational help from \u201ctraffic and navigation based apps\u201d to find new locations easily in the UAE<\/em>.<\/p>\n

Here are the six most essential things<\/strong> that expatriates need to keep with them while driving in the UAE.<\/p>\n

Resident Identity Card<\/h2>\n

Resident Identity Card is the identity proof for expatriates in the UAE. In February 2013<\/strong>, the name of the identity card for expatriates was changed from Emirates ID Card (only valid for the UAE nationals now) to Resident Identity Card. However, the technical specifications and security features of both the cards remain the same<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

You should carry your original Resident ID Card with you while travelling in the UAE<\/strong> to verify your identity if required. Expats should also know when to renew their Resident Identity Card because authorities can take legal actions against the expatriate for living in the country with an expired Resident Identity Card<\/em>. A Resident ID Card is required to complete all legal procedures in the UAE such as getting a driving license or applying for the registration of a vehicle<\/strong> amongst others, so you must keep your Resident ID Card with great care and with you at all times.<\/p>\n

Also read: New Radars in Abu Dhabi to Catch Motorists for Driving Vehicles with Expired Registration<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Driving License<\/h2>\n

Having a driving license with you while driving is not just a choice, but also a legal requirement<\/strong>. You must have your driving license with you while driving as a violation of this important traffic rule can be penalized with a fine of AED 400<\/strong>. Expatriates must also know that they cannot drive a vehicle in the UAE if they have not obtained a valid UAE driving license<\/strong> after completing the RTA\u2019s Driving License Acquisition Procedure.<\/p>\n

Not complying with this rule can even result in detention of the driver for a maximum of three months<\/strong> or the offender may have to face a heavy fine of AED 6,000<\/strong>. Driving license rules have been toughened to make the UAE roads safer for commuters, so expatriates must understand their civic responsibility and cooperate with the authorities by keeping their driving license with them while driving in the UAE. The driving license needs to be renewed after every year for expatriates aged below 21 while for those aged above 21, the driving license remains valid for 6 years after which they have to renew it<\/em>.<\/p>\n

Also read: Smart Services by Dubai Police Becoming Popular among Motorists<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Car Registration Card<\/h2>\n

Car Registration Card is another important document that you should always carry with you as it is a legal requirement. You can be fined AED 400 for not carrying your registration card<\/strong> with you while driving in the UAE. On the other hand, just like you need to renew your driving license, you also need to renew the registration card of the vehicle<\/strong> as driving a vehicle with expired registration is considered to be a serious traffic violation in the UAE.<\/p>\n

Also read: Understanding How to Renew Your Car Registration Card through MOI Smart App in RAK<\/a><\/p>\n

Motorists can face a heavy fine of AED 600 and four black points can be issued against their driving license for driving a vehicle without renewing its registration<\/em>. A vehicle can also be impounded for seven days<\/strong> if the registration is not renewed within three months of its expiration.<\/p>\n

Medical Insurance Documents<\/h2>\n

Even though you don\u2019t need to carry your medical insurance documents with you while driving in the UAE, however, it is highly advisable to have this documents with you while driving because it can help in some worst case scenarios. For an instance, if you lose consciousness in an unfortunate life threatening accident, having insurance documents in your vehicle can be of immense importance<\/em>. The emergency inpatient medical expenses can be covered under your insurance policy<\/strong> and you can receive important and urgent medical care without any delay.<\/p>\n

RTA Smart App<\/h2>\n

If you are an expatriate living in Dubai, you must have the RTA Smart App installed on your smartphone. The RTA Smart App offers a number of smart services to motorists<\/strong>, which can make commuting stress-free in Dubai.<\/p>\n

\"RTA<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s explore the smart services being offered by the RTA Smart App to Dubai motorists:<\/p>\n