The receipt for the taxi ride. EXPAT MEDIA

A Dubai expat's experience with a reckless taxi driver has prompted swift action from the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), which resolved the issue within 24 hours of receiving the formal complaint. A long-time Dubai resident said she decided to report the driver to prevent other passengers from going through the same ordeal. “I took time to raise a complaint with RTA so that future passengers will not have to experience the same thing and so that the driver can be retrained on safe and responsible driving practices—not just for his own safety, but for the safety of his passengers, fellow motorists, and pedestrians,” she told Expat Media. “I’ve been driving since 2008 and I have seen motorists who take driving for granted end up in big accidents,” she added. “Speeding, overtaking and tailgating are the common violations I often see on the road. These drivers don't realize that one reckless move can cost lives.” The incident occurred at 5:48am on Sunday (July 6), during a short taxi ride from Dragon Mart to International City. The expat said she was too tired to drive and opted to take a taxi with colleagues, hoping for a relaxing trip—but it turned into a stressful experience. “The taxi driver was speeding all throughout the ride, even at road curves. The biggest red flag came as we were approaching a pedestrian crossing where a man was trying to cross the road and the taxi driver didn’t even slow down,” she recalled. "Thankfully, he didn't run over the pedestrian. This was the first time I've ever encountered a taxi driver this reckless," she said. Despite repeated requests from the passengers to slow down, the driver reportedly continued to drive recklessly. She said the driver also scoffed at her fellow passenger’s warning to drive more responsibly and failed to return the correct change for the fare. "My colleague told him, 'Remember your family when you are driving', and he just told her, 'I'm single'." The complainant provided the RTA with full details, including the driver's ID and vehicle number and a photo of her receipt. She emphasized in her letter, “Driving is not just about getting from point A to point B; it is a serious responsibility. One reckless move can cost lives.” The RTA responded by confirming it had taken “the necessary measures” in accordance with taxi driver conduct regulations. “We want to ensure that Dubai taxis adhere to Roads and Transport Authority rules and regulations all the time,” the RTA said in an official reply seen by Expat Media. “Please accept our sincere apologies for any inconvenience caused and we appreciate your understanding.”

Penalties for reckless taxi drivers

The RTA’s Public Transport Agency (PTA) maintains a strict penalty system to deter unsafe practices by taxi drivers. Violations are met with fines and black points. Accumulating 24 black points in a year can lead to the termination of the driver’s employment. Speeding and failing to give way to pedestrians are among the top violations, both of which attract fines and disciplinary action. Repeat offenders may be referred to a disciplinary committee, which can ban the driver or terminate employment. The reminder comes in light of stricter traffic laws rolled out across the UAE in March, where failing to give way to pedestrians at crossings can result in fines of up to Dh500 and six black points on a driver’s record. High-tech surveillance cameras have been installed at key pedestrian crossings to monitor compliance. Authorities have warned that ignoring pedestrian right-of-way can result in serious accidents, and drivers are urged to reduce speed in densely populated areas. ICA/CAM/Expat Media

How to report reckless driving in Dubai

To report misconduct by a taxi or limousine driver: Call: 800-9090 Email: ASK@rta.ae VIP limousine complaints: customers.happiness@dtc.gov.ae
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