ABU DHABI: Drivers in Abu Dhabi are being reminded to give way immediately as emergency vehicles are now equipped with smart cameras that can detect and document violations on the road.
The Abu Dhabi Civil Defense Authority has installed the system in firefighting, ambulance, and rescue vehicles. The goal is to help emergency teams reach incident sites faster, improve road safety, and remind motorists that blocking an emergency vehicle is a serious offence.
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Cameras That Watch the Road in Real Time
The smart camera system is connected directly to advanced operations room technologies.
This allows authorities to monitor emergency vehicle movement in real time. It can help teams see traffic congestion, road obstacles, and possible delays while the emergency vehicle is already moving.
The system can also support faster decision-making. When needed, authorities can coordinate to open emergency lanes or guide crews toward alternative routes.
For residents and expat drivers, this means road behaviour around emergency vehicles is now easier to monitor and verify.
Blocking Help Can Lead to Heavy Penalties
Authorities warned that failing to give way to emergency vehicles is a serious traffic violation in Abu Dhabi.
Motorists who block ambulances, fire trucks, or rescue vehicles may face:
• AED 3,000 fine
• 30 days of vehicle impoundment
• Six black points
The camera footage can document violations through visual recordings sent to the operations centre.
This is important because every delay can affect a rescue, medical response, or fire operation. A few seconds on the road can matter when someone’s life or safety is at risk.
How Drivers Should Move Aside
Authorities said motorists may move aside carefully when an emergency vehicle needs to pass.
Drivers do not need to act recklessly. Public safety must still be maintained. Officials also said drivers may move aside without fully crossing a red traffic signal if needed to clear the path, as long as it is done carefully and safely.
The key instruction is simple: stay alert, check your surroundings, and create space as soon as it is safe.
Part of a Wider Safety Campaign
The move is part of the “Don’t Hesitate… Give Way Immediately” campaign.
The campaign is being carried out with Abu Dhabi Police, the Department of Health Abu Dhabi, and the Integrated Transport Centre. It aims to build a culture of quick response among drivers and remind the public that emergency access is a shared responsibility.
