Traffic Light Stop Doesn't Mean Phone Use is Allowed, UAE Ministry Warns

  • 17/10/2025

The UAE Ministry of Interior has issued a warning, explicitly stating that using a mobile phone while stopped at a traffic light is a violation of traffic law. Officials emphasized that a temporary stop does not constitute permission for drivers to hold their phones, as driving requires constant attention and concentration. The directive aims to reinforce that a driver's responsibility for full focus persists from the moment they start the engine until their journey is complete.

Authorities explained that being distracted by a phone at a red light disrupts the flow of traffic. When the signal turns green, a distracted driver often fails to move promptly, causing delays and stalling for all vehicles behind them. This common occurrence is a primary reason for the regulation, which is enforced through surveillance cameras and the central control room that record such violations.

While the Ministry acknowledged that the updated traffic law has contributed to a decline in these offenses, it stressed that ongoing public awareness is crucial. The call for full compliance underscores that the ultimate goal of the rule is to ensure the safety of all road users by eliminating preventable distractions, even during brief stops.

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