Anyone who's driven on a dark, narrow road is well aware of that moment when an oncoming vehicle suddenly flashes its high beams, and everything becomes a blinding white glare. Your vision disappears, your heart races, and for several dangerous seconds, you're driving blind. High beam rules in Dubai exist precisely to prevent these hazardous situations, and understanding them protects everyone on the road. What’s it like driving in the UAE at night and what does the law say about high beams? Let’s explore that together in this blog.
What Does UAE Traffic Law Say About High Beams?
According to UAE Federal Traffic Law No. 21 of 1995, specifically Article 65, high beam lights must only be used on highways that do not have overhead lighting. They must not be used when another vehicle is coming from the opposite direction. If a driver violates this rule while driving, what is the fine for high beams in UAE? Violations result in a AED 500 fine and 4 black points on your license.
Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority specifies only two situations where you should switch to high beams:
- On unlit highways when visibility improvement is needed,
- When no other vehicles are present.
These rules for using headlights in Dubai are strictly enforced because improper high beam use creates genuine safety risks.
When am I Allowed to Use High Beams?
The answer to this question is straightforward and specific. You can use high beams on highways without street lighting when you need to improve your view ahead. The key phrase is "when needed" because not all unlit roads require high beams.
High beams illuminate up to 350 feet ahead, significantly farther than low beams' 30-meter range. This extended visibility helps drivers detect hazards, animals, or obstacles on dark rural roads. However, this power comes with responsibility. The moment you see another vehicle's headlights or taillights, you must switch to a low beam immediately.
When do I Turn Off High Beams?
It’s important to know when to turn off high beams as understanding this prevents most violations and keeps roads safer. According to Gulf News UAE guide on high beams, you should dip your headlights in these situations:
When another vehicle approaches from the opposite direction
When driving behind another car (even at distance)
On roads with overhead street lighting
In well-lit urban areas
During fog, rain, or reduced visibility conditions
That last point may surprise many drivers, however, during low visibility conditions like fogs, you should use headlights on low beams only. High beams reflect off fog or rain droplets, creating a wall of glare that actually reduces your visibility while blinding other drivers.
Do You Always Have to Keep Your High Beam at Night?
This common misconception causes many violations and dangerous situations. Most of Dubai's roads feature excellent street lighting, making high beams unnecessary and actually illegal in these conditions. When planning your Dubai driving experience, understanding essential rental tips including proper headlight use helps ensure you stay compliant and safe.
Low beams provide adequate visibility for night driving on lit roads while not disturbing other drivers. Modern vehicles' low beams are far more powerful than older models, offering excellent visibility without the blinding effect of high beams. Additionally, low beams illuminate the right side of the road better, helping you see pedestrians and road edges without dazzling oncoming traffic.
What Happens If Someone Flashes High Beams at You?
Despite everyone's best efforts, you'll eventually encounter drivers who misuse high beams. The RTA Vehicle Handbook provides clear guidance if you're blinded by oncoming high beams: check your right shoulder and drive toward the right edge of your lane. This positions your vehicle away from the blinding light source. If you're seriously blinded, slow down and pull over until you can see again. Don't try to "tough it out" and keep driving while unable to see clearly.
Some vehicles feature night mirrors with anti-glare settings that reduce blindness from vehicles behind you. If your rental vehicle from reputable providers includes this feature, learn how to activate it before night driving.
Awareness and Enforcement by the RTA
Dubai Police and RTA actively monitor headlight usage through both automated systems and patrol officers. The technology exists to detect improper high beam use, and enforcement campaigns periodically focus on lighting violations. The AED 500 fine and 4 black points make this an expensive lesson to learn through violation rather than education.
Understanding high beam rules in Dubai before you drive saves money, protects your license, and most importantly, keeps you and others safe. The rules are simple, logical, and designed around real safety needs rather than arbitrary restrictions.
Shared Roads, Shared Responsibility
High beam rules in Dubai form part of larger traffic etiquette that makes roads safer and more pleasant for everyone. Just as you wouldn't shine a flashlight in someone's face, you shouldn't blind other drivers with improperly used high beams. It's about mutual respect and shared responsibility for road safety.
When you rent a vehicle in Dubai, take a moment to familiarize yourself with the headlight controls before driving at night. Different vehicles have different control layouts, and you want to be able to switch between high and low beams instinctively when needed.
FAQs
High beams are only allowed on unlit roads in Dubai and without other oncoming vehicles in the opposite direction.
- When to switch to low beams?
You’re mandated to switch to low beams when another car is about 200 meters away.
It’s recommended you look at the right edge of your lane to avoid the glare until the other vehicle passes.
Or drop us a mail at help@beno.com
