Road signs, right of way and roundabouts

Most collisions happen where traffic meets: junctions, roundabouts and lane changes. Knowing who goes first, and reading signs early, turns a stressful junction into a calm routine.

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Reading signs by shape and colour

• Many countries use similar shapes and colours for road signs, so learning the system helps you recognise a sign's meaning even when the writing is in a language you do not read.
• 'Stop' and 'give way' signs deliberately break the usual shape and colour rules so that they stand out (GOV.UK). Learn them by sight.
• GOV.UK's guide to UK signs gives a simple rule that matches much of the world: circles give orders, triangles warn and rectangles inform.
• Red rings or circles tell you what you must not do, and blue circles generally tell you what you must do (GOV.UK).
• Practise in the passenger seat: name each sign's category out loud before you are close enough to read the detail.

Junctions and giving way

• The Highway Code says to look all around before emerging and not to join a road until there is a gap large enough to do so safely (rule 170).
• At a stop sign with a solid line, you must stop behind the line and wait for a safe gap, even if the road looks empty (rule 171).
• Watch for pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists, who are easy to miss. The Highway Code says pedestrians who have started crossing a road you are turning into have priority.
• Use the routine 'mirrors, signal, manoeuvre' before every change of speed or direction (rule 161), and remember mirrors have blind spots, so look over your shoulder too.

Roundabouts in the UAE

• In the UAE you drive on the right, so traffic goes round roundabouts anticlockwise (Gulf News).
• Gulf News explains that you must give way to vehicles already on the roundabout coming from your left, and enter only when it is safe.
• Choose your lane early, based on your exit, and avoid last-minute lane changes. On a three-lane roundabout, Gulf News (2021) says the left-hand lane is only for vehicles turning left (going round to the far exit).
• Going straight on a two-lane roundabout, use the lane that matches your exit lane and signal right after you pass the exit before yours. Check your right before you leave.
• Many UK sources say 'give way to the right' because the UK drives on the left. If you drive abroad, the side you give way to flips with the side of the road.

Emergency vehicles

• Abu Dhabi Police (reported by Gulf News, May 2025) say emergency vehicles use the leftmost lane on main roads: when you hear a siren or see flashing lights, move to the right.
• Never drive on the hard shoulder in traffic: police say it is reserved for emergency vehicles.
• At junctions, police say drivers on side roads with a green light should stop completely to let an emergency vehicle pass.
• At roundabouts, do not enter while an emergency vehicle is coming; if you are already on it, move right at the first safe chance.
• Gulf News (May 2025) reported a Dh3,000 fine, six black points and 30 days' impoundment in Abu Dhabi for not giving way; fines can change, so check current official information. More importantly, a few seconds of delay can cost a life.

Habits that make junctions easy

• Slow down early so you have time to look, rather than braking hard at the line.
• Make eye contact with pedestrians and other drivers where you can, but never assume they have seen you.
• If you miss your exit, carry on and turn safely later. Khaleej Times (May 2026), reporting a RoadSafetyUAE analysis of Ministry of Interior figures, says sudden swerving was the leading cause of major UAE crashes in 2025.
• Keep your speed steady through junctions and avoid racing amber lights.