UAE permits emergency doctors to exceed speed limits by up to 40km/h

DUBAI: Doctors responding to medical emergencies and drivers of certain essential service vehicles can receive permission to exceed speed limits by up to 40km/h on UAE roads outside built-up areas under a ministerial decision.

The exemptions apply only to authorised drivers using road priority in specified circumstances. They do not permit drivers to cross red lights or exceed posted speed limits near schools, hospitals and residential areas.

The decision also allows permit holders to use bus lanes. Road shoulders and lanes reserved for emergency vehicles may be used when traffic is stationary or congested, according to Al Khaleej newspaper.

Who can receive road priority?

Four types of service are covered: emergency medical response by doctors, public road services provided by government bodies or their contractors, vehicle recovery teams heading to accidents or breakdowns and traffic accident scene mapping services.

Priority may be granted during partial or general restrictions, traffic congestion or obstruction, emergencies and adverse weather conditions or traffic accidents.

For doctors, the provision covers urgent responses at hospitals and healthcare facilities approved to receive patients. It includes medical emergencies and situations requiring a doctor to travel urgently between emirates.

Training and permits required

Drivers must complete a course approved by the traffic enforcement or licensing authority before obtaining a road priority permit.

They cannot use approved warning signs without the required authorisation. When providing an eligible service, they must notify the relevant operations room and obtain road priority through the traffic enforcement authority.

Doctors must meet four requirements to qualify for the emergency response service. They must practise in an essential medical specialty included in the service and approved by its designated committee, complete the required training, obtain approval to use the service and hold a valid UAE medical licence.

Red lights remain off limits

Authorised drivers must continue to follow traffic rules and exercise caution around other road users. The decision specifically prohibits crossing red traffic lights because of the risk of serious accidents.

They must also give way to fire emergency vehicles, vehicles transporting patients and injured people, police, civil defence and ambulances. Official motorcades travelling to carry out their duties retain priority.

Posted speed limits near schools, hospitals and residential areas must be observed even when a driver has permission to use road priority.

The three exemptions covering speed, emergency lanes and bus lanes apply only when the conditions for authorised priority use are met.