September 3, 2025 | Dubai, UAE: UAE jaywalking fine have seen a dramatic increase under the country’s latest traffic laws. Individuals who engage in illegal road crossings in the United Arab Emirates are now subject to significantly increased penalties. According to the recently implemented traffic regulations, individuals found guilty of jaywalking may incur fines of up to Dh10,000, and in certain instances, they could also face imprisonment. Authorities have indicated that the revised legislation aims to safeguard both pedestrians and motorists, as incidents related to jaywalking continue to be a leading factor in injuries and fatalities on the roads.

UAE Jaywalking Fine Under New Law

The new regulations are established under Federal Decree-Law No. 14 of 2024, which became effective on March 29, 2025. This legislation supersedes the previous UAE jaywalking fine of Dh400 with significantly increased penalties in response to the rising number of pedestrian accidents.

Individuals who are found to be crossing roadways at locations that are not designated for pedestrian use will now incur fines that range from Dh5,000 to Dh10,000. In circumstances where jaywalking contributes to an accident, the offenders may also be subject to imprisonment, in addition to the financial penalties.

Furthermore, the act of crossing roads that have a speed limit of 80 km/h or above has been classified as a serious violation. In such instances, offenders could face a minimum sentence of three months imprisonment, a fine of Dh10,000, or both. Authorities stressed that the revised UAE jaywalking fine framework is meant to prevent life threatening incidents on high speed roads and highways.

Rising Accidents and Expert Reactions

The implementation of the new UAE jaywalking fine has been prompted by an alarming increase in accidents involving pedestrians throughout the country. In the year 2023, Dubai Police documented a total of 44,000 incidents of jaywalking, with eight individuals losing their lives in run-over events during the month of January alone.

Additionally, the Ministry of Interior reported 835 run-over accidents occurring nationwide within the same year, resulting in 55 fatalities. Among these, 26 deaths were recorded in Abu Dhabi. Law enforcement officials attributed a significant number of these incidents to the failure of pedestrians to utilize designated crossings and adhere to traffic signals, reinforcing the need for stricter UAE jaywalking fine.

Experts in legal and safety fields have articulated their endorsement of the enhanced penalties. Attorney Mohammed Najeeb articulated that the previous fine of Dh400 was ineffective in curbing hazardous pedestrian conduct. He emphasized that increased fines will serve as a more potent deterrent.

Furthermore, road safety specialist Dr. Mustafa Al Dah emphasized the necessity of stringent enforcement on highways, where vehicle speeds frequently surpass 120 km/h. He characterized the act of crossing under such circumstances as “suicidal” and advocated for awareness initiatives in various languages to ensure that residents from diverse backgrounds comprehend the associated risks and penalties.

Awareness Campaigns and Police Action

Authorities are also stepping up efforts to raise awareness. In August 2025, Sharjah Police released a video showing a pedestrian fatally struck by a vehicle while crossing against a red light. The footage was shared publicly to remind residents of the dangers of ignoring traffic rules. Officials said such campaigns are important to highlight the real-life consequences of unsafe behavior on the roads.

The Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has also issued clear guidance for pedestrians. People are advised to always use zebra crossings, pedestrian bridges, and underpasses. They should wait for green signals before crossing and avoid distractions such as mobile phones or headphones. Police have stressed that simple precautions can prevent accidents and help avoid UAE jaywalking fine.

With enforcement now stricter than ever, authorities say they will continue to monitor pedestrian violations closely. The revised UAE jaywalking fine reflect the UAE’s broader commitment to reducing accidents and improving road safety across the country.