Sharjah Police has issued a strict warning regarding the violation of school bus STOP signs following the commencement of the 2026-27 academic year. Motorists must follow these important rules to keep students safe:
- AED 1,000 fine and 10 black points for ignoring school bus STOP signs.
- Drivers in both directions must stop on two-way or single-lane roads.
- Drivers must maintain a 5-meter safe distance on multi-lane roads.
- Bus drivers failing to display the STOP sign face a AED 500 fine and 6 black points.
Major Saud Al Shaiba, Head of the Awareness Department at Sharjah Police, emphasized that the STOP arm is extended specifically for the safe boarding and disembarking of students. Motorists must come to a complete halt, as children may cross the road in front of or behind the vehicle. According to traffic regulations, on two-way or single-lane roads, vehicles in both directions are required to stop when the sign is active. On multi-lane roads, while the requirement generally applies to the same direction, Sharjah Police advises a complete stop and maintaining a 5-meter safe distance. School bus drivers are also mandated to display the STOP sign, with failure to do so resulting in a fine of AED 500 and 6 black points.
This regulation is part of the UAE Federal Traffic Law, Article 91, which applies nationwide. Ministry of Interior data from 2024 indicates that approximately 28,920 drivers were fined across the UAE for this violation. Sharjah Police advises parents and drivers to observe speed limits of 30-40 km/h in school zones, reduce speed upon spotting a yellow school bus, and avoid overtaking. Children should be instructed to wait for the bus to come to a complete stop before boarding or exiting. While some Sharjah school buses are equipped with a one-button police alert system, the primary responsibility remains with motorists to adhere to traffic laws to ensure student safety.
