Rubbernecking? Why UAE slaps Dh1,000 fine for slowing down to watch accidents

Slowing down to look at crash scenes is more than just a bad habit, it’s a traffic offence in the UAE that can lead to a fine of Dh1,000 and serious road safety consequences. The behaviour, known as rubbernecking, not only delays emergency response but can also trigger secondary accidents, experts warn.

“Rubbernecking is covered by multiple fine categories in the UAE traffic law. It falls under terms like ‘obstructing traffic’ or ‘stopping without cause,’ two fine categories found in earlier versions of the UAE traffic law,” said Dr. Eng. Mustafa Aldah, founder of MA Traffic Consulting.

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The expert warned motorists that this small habit could lead to hefty penalties, including vehicle impoundment for 14 days in some emirates.

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Though awareness is growing, many motorists remain unaware that such behaviour is punishable. Ahmad Mujtaba, a Dubai-based driver, said he did not know it was an offence. “I honestly didn’t know. I’ve seen people slow down to look at accident sites, and I assumed it was normal.”

Ahmad added that he was aware it wasn’t encouraged, as he had seen awareness messages on social media throughout the year. But he said, “I didn’t know I could actually be fined for it. It feels like a natural human reaction.”

Others, however, are more conscious of the rules. “In Germany, where I lived for five years, rubbernecking is heavily fined,” said Sarah M., a UAE resident. “People avoid it because they know it’s treated seriously and seen as a safety issue.”

Road disruptions

Rubbernecking doesn’t just cause inconvenience to other drivers;  it also has a direct impact on road safety.

“There’s something called a ‘phantom traffic jam,’ a sudden slowdown without any clear reason,” said Mustafa. “One car touches the brakes to look at something on the other side of the road, and that action travels backwards through traffic. If people are driving too close to the vehicle ahead, they can’t react in time, and this can lead to secondary accidents.”

Even without a full stop, the ripple effect of brake lights can be enough to disrupt traffic flow for several minutes. “Always leave a safe 2–3 second gap between you and the car ahead,” he added. “That gives you enough time to see what’s in front of them too, not just what they’re doing.”

Hard to catch, but not invisible

While official figures are limited, some data points highlight the extent of the issue. A previous report by Khaleej Times cited 630 violations issued last year in the UAE for “obstructing traffic during traffic accidents.”

Mustafa believes this is only a small portion of actual incidents. “Enforcement is tough because emergency services need to focus on saving lives first, not writing tickets. But with automated systems or surveillance drones in high-risk areas, we’d likely see a huge spike in violations recorded, followed by a drop as drivers realise they’re being monitored.”

More than a traffic issue

Beyond delays and accidents, rubbernecking leads to increased fuel use, faster brake wear, and loss of driver focus.

“If your attention is on something else while driving, who is watching the road ahead?” Mustafa asked. “You might miss an object, another car changing lanes, or even a pedestrian. The danger is not always what’s behind you, but what you're not seeing in front.”

While fines remain a deterrent, experts say awareness campaigns are equally important to shift public behaviour. Social media can be an effective tool in showing drivers the wider impact of their actions.

“Drivers need to understand that their curiosity could cost someone their life,” Mustafa said. “If you were in an ambulance fighting for survival, would you want to be stuck in traffic because someone ahead of you slowed down to take a video?”

His final message: “If you're curious about crash scenes, there are plenty of educational videos online. Don’t risk lives on the road. Curiosity can wait,  emergency vehicles can’t.”

Waad Barakat

Staff Writer

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waad@khaleejtimes.com

Waad Barakat is a Special Correspondent covering security topics, from law enforcement to local courts. With a keen eye for human interest stories, she hopes to blend it all with unique Gen Z-inspired content.