Abu Dhabi Police has reminded motorists to come to a complete stop when a school bus extends its side-mounted ‘Stop’ arm, warning that drivers who ignore the rule face a Dh1,000 fine and 10 traffic balck points.

Motorists must also keep a distance of at least 5 metres from the school bus while children are getting on or off.

Police said drivers must not attempt to overtake or pass a school bus when its stop arm is extended, as children may be crossing the road.

The five-metre safety rule is designed to give pupils enough room to cross safely while ensuring they remain visible to approaching motorists and the school bus driver.

Extra caution needed around schools

The reminder comes as schools reopen and thousands of school buses return to roads across Abu Dhabi, leading to heavier traffic around residential communities, school campuses and pick-up and drop-off points.

Police urged drivers to be particularly careful during the busy morning and afternoon school runs, when traffic around schools and buses increases significantly.

Motorists have been advised to slow down, stay alert and follow all traffic rules when approaching school buses.

Dh1,000 fine and 10 black points

Ignoring a school bus stop sign is a serious traffic violation, Abu Dhabi Police said.

Drivers who fail to stop when the bus extends its stop arm can be fined Dh1,000 and receive 10 traffic points.

Police stressed that keeping children safe on the road is a shared responsibility, calling on motorists to remain patient and avoid risky manoeuvres around school buses.

With thousands of children travelling to and from school every day, even a few seconds of caution can make a crucial difference.

The message from police is simple: when a school bus displays its Stop arm, stop, keep your distance and wait until it is safe to move again.

Motorists in the UAE will pay more for petrol and diesel in September, following the latest monthly fuel price announcement by the UAE Fuel Price Committee.

The new rates will take effect on September 1, 2026, with prices rising across all petrol categories as well as diesel.

Super 98 petrol will cost Dh3.80 per litre in September, up from Dh3.60 per litre in August.

Meanwhile, the price of Special 95 petrol has increased from Dh3.49 to Dh3.69 per litre.

E-Plus petrol will be priced at Dh3.61 per litre, compared with Dh3.41 per litre last month.

The biggest jump comes in the price of diesel, which will rise to Dh4.30 per litre in September, up from Dh3.80 per litre in August.

Fuel prices for September

• Super 98: Dh3.80 per litre
• Special 95: Dh3.69 per litre
• E-Plus: Dh3.61 per litre
• Diesel: Dh4.30 per litre

The UAE reviews retail fuel prices every month, with the Fuel Price Committee adjusting rates based on movements and trends in international energy markets.

The revised rates will be applicable at fuel stations across the UAE from September 1.

Sharjah City Municipality has introduced a residential parking permit system in Al-Fisht, Sharqan and Al-Rifa’a to reserve parking spaces for residents and prevent misuse.

The new system is aimed at improving parking management and ensuring residents have better access to spaces near their homes.

Inspection campaign

Alongside the rollout, the Municipality has conducted inspections to identify parking violations in the three areas.

One of the main issues found was non-residents parking outside residential properties to avoid paying public parking fees.

Authorities have warned motorists who do not live in these areas against using residential parking spaces.

Violators could face legal and administrative action.

What residents should know

The residential permit system is intended to ensure designated parking spaces are used by eligible residents, while reducing misuse by motorists seeking to avoid public parking charges.