Car etiquette: in, out and on the road

Cars are where many small courtesies happen: being picked up, sharing a ride, being driven to an event. They are also about safety.

Getting in gracefully

• Sit first, then swing both legs in together. Do not climb in head first.
• In a skirt, dress or abaya, keep knees together as you swing your legs in.

Getting out gracefully

• Turn your body towards the open door and swing both legs out together, knees and ankles together.
• Place both feet on the ground, shuffle to the edge of the seat, and stand in one smooth movement, using your leg and core muscles rather than pulling on the grab handle.
• Practise in different shoes and outfits before a formal event.

Where to sit

• If a friend or parent is driving you, sit in the front passenger seat unless they suggest otherwise. Sitting in the back alone can make them feel like a chauffeur.
• In a chauffeured car, the traditional seat of honour is the back seat, usually on the kerb side. Customs differ between countries; follow the host.
• In a taxi or ride-hail car alone, sit in the back for safety.

Being a good passenger

• Wear your seatbelt in every seat. In the UAE it is the law for all passengers, front and back, and children aged 10 and under, or shorter than 145 cm, may not sit in the front. Breaking these rules means a AED 400 fine and 4 black points for the driver.
• Ask before changing music, temperature or volume.
• No back-seat driving: do not give the driver advice or directions unless asked.
• Do not argue or distract the driver; it is dangerous.
• Ask before eating or drinking in someone else's car, and take your rubbish with you.
• Thank the driver when you arrive, and offer to share fuel or parking costs on longer trips.

Being picked up

• Be ready and waiting at the agreed time. Do not make the driver wait outside.
• If you are late, message before the pickup time, not after.

Ride-hailing (Careem, Uber and others)

• Request the ride while still indoors, and be at the pickup point when it arrives; drivers may cancel after 5 to 10 minutes.
• Before getting in, check the plate number, car model and driver's photo. Ask 'Who are you here to pick up?' rather than giving your name. If anything does not match, do not get in.
• Share your trip with a trusted family member using the in-app feature.
• Greet the driver, keep volume reasonable, do not slam doors, and follow their rules on food and drink.
• Rate fairly: ratings affect drivers' income. Tip if you were happy.
• If you are under 18, check the app's age rules and agree ride arrangements with a parent first.

Opening doors

• Whoever reaches the door first holds it for the person behind.
• Offer, don't assume: 'Shall I get the door for you?'