Sharjah tightens enforcement to protect pedestrians

Motorists who fail to stop for pedestrians at designated crossings in Sharjah face a Dh500 fine and black traffic points, as authorities intensify efforts to curb road fatalities and reinforce a culture of shared responsibility on the emirate’s streets.

Sharjah Police have renewed warnings that drivers must yield at zebra crossings and other marked pedestrian areas, stressing that the penalty is not merely punitive but part of a broader safety strategy. Under federal traffic regulations, motorists who do not give way to pedestrians at crossings can be fined Dh500 and receive black points on their licence, a measure designed to deter risky behaviour and reduce preventable collisions.

Traffic officials say pedestrian safety remains a pressing concern across the country, with road accident data showing that a significant share of serious injuries and fatalities involve people on foot. While overall traffic deaths in the United Arab Emirates have declined over the past decade due to stricter enforcement, advanced surveillance systems and awareness campaigns, pedestrians continue to account for a notable proportion of victims, particularly in urban centres with dense commercial and residential activity.

Sharjah Police have pointed to instances where drivers either ignore marked crossings or fail to slow down when approaching areas with heavy foot traffic, such as near schools, mosques and shopping districts. Officers have increased patrols in high-risk zones and deployed smart monitoring systems to identify violations. Surveillance cameras and radar-linked technologies are being used not only to detect speeding but also to capture footage of motorists who do not stop when pedestrians step onto crossings.

Authorities have also highlighted the responsibility of pedestrians. Officials urge people to use designated crossings, avoid sudden entry onto roads and ensure they are visible to oncoming traffic, particularly at night. Reflective clothing, adherence to pedestrian signals and avoiding mobile phone distractions are repeatedly cited in safety advisories. Police say accidents often occur when either party misjudges speed or distance, underscoring the need for vigilance on both sides.

Urban planners and road safety experts note that Sharjah’s growing population and vehicle ownership rates place additional strain on infrastructure. The emirate has expanded road networks and upgraded junctions in response to increased traffic volumes, yet behavioural compliance remains a critical factor. Research in traffic safety consistently shows that enforcement combined with public education yields better outcomes than awareness campaigns alone.

Across the UAE, authorities have adopted a multi-pronged approach to road safety. Speed limits are strictly monitored, seatbelt and child restraint laws are enforced, and distracted driving penalties have been tightened. The introduction of black points, vehicle impoundment provisions and escalating fines for repeat offenders reflects a zero-tolerance stance toward conduct deemed to endanger lives.

Sharjah Police say pedestrian right-of-way is clearly defined under traffic law. When a pedestrian is crossing within marked lines, drivers are required to stop fully and allow safe passage. Failure to comply not only breaches regulations but can result in severe legal consequences if an accident occurs. In cases where injuries or fatalities arise from negligence, criminal charges may follow, with courts weighing the circumstances carefully.

Data from federal authorities show fluctuations in annual road casualty figures, influenced by enforcement intensity, seasonal travel patterns and demographic shifts. Officials have stated that each fatality represents a preventable loss and that pedestrian safety remains central to national traffic strategies. Campaigns conducted in collaboration with schools, community groups and transport departments aim to embed safer habits from an early age.

Public reaction to the renewed warning has been mixed. Many residents have welcomed stricter enforcement, citing experiences of drivers failing to slow at crossings even in busy neighbourhoods. Others argue that infrastructure improvements, such as raised crossings, better lighting and clearer signage, should complement penalties to achieve lasting behavioural change. Transport specialists often advocate for traffic-calming designs that physically encourage reduced speeds in pedestrian-heavy zones.

Sharjah Police maintain that law enforcement and infrastructure upgrades are progressing in tandem. Road markings are periodically refreshed, signal timings are adjusted to accommodate foot traffic, and awareness messages are disseminated through social media and community outreach. Officers emphasise that compliance is not solely about avoiding a fine but about safeguarding lives.