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Tyre burst on a UAE highway: what to do, step by step

What to do if a tyre bursts on a UAE road: hold the wheel, don't brake hard, stop on the right shoulder, call 999, and the fines for stopping in a lane.

Short answer

  • Hold the steering wheel firmly with both hands and keep the car straight; don't brake hard.
  • Ease off the accelerator and let the car slow, then steer gently towards the right shoulder.
  • Put on hazard lights and, if you can, place a warning triangle about 60 metres behind the car.
  • Get out and away from the car and traffic; don't wait inside or beside it. Call 999 for help.
  • Stopping in a live lane without reason is fined Dh1,000 and six black points in Dubai.
In this guide (9 sections)
  1. What does a tyre blowout feel like?
  2. What should I do in the first few seconds?
  3. Where should I stop after a tyre burst?
  4. What fines apply if I stop on the road?
  5. Who do I call after a tyre burst?
  6. Should I change the tyre myself on the hard shoulder?
  7. Why do tyres burst in the UAE?
  8. What happens to the car and tyre afterwards?
  9. What to check before you act

If a tyre bursts while you are driving, hold the steering wheel firmly, keep the car straight and don't brake hard. Ease off the accelerator, let the car slow down, and steer gently to the right shoulder or an emergency area. Then switch on your hazard lights, get everyone out and away from traffic, and call 999.

Most of the danger comes in the first few seconds, from over-correcting the steering or braking hard, and then from standing near a stopped car on a fast road.

uaetyre.com is an independent guide. We are not affiliated with any government authority, tyre brand or retailer, and we don't sell tyres. In an emergency, call 999.

What does a tyre blowout feel like?

Usually a loud bang, then the car pulls towards the side of the failed tyre, according to Michelin's driver advice. The steering may feel heavy or the car may start to wander.

Abu Dhabi Police have released several videos of real blowouts on UAE roads, including cars and vans spinning out of control (Khaleej Times, May 2022; The National, August 2026). The common thread in those clips is a sudden loss of control at speed.

What should I do in the first few seconds?

Michelin's advice for drivers (Michelin USA) is the standard sequence:

  1. Hold the wheel firmly with both hands. The car will pull towards the burst tyre.
  2. Keep the car as straight as you can. Small corrections only. Don't swerve.
  3. Don't brake hard or suddenly. Hard braking with a failed tyre can make you lose control.
  4. Ease off the accelerator gradually. Michelin's guidance is to keep light pressure on the pedal for a moment to steady the car, then lift off slowly.
  5. Brake gently only once the car has slowed and is tracking straight.
  6. Steer gradually towards the shoulder as speed drops, checking mirrors and signalling.

None of the UAE police statements we found give their own step-by-step for handling a burst; they focus on prevention. So we've used a tyre maker's advice here, and you should follow any instruction from police at the scene.

Where should I stop after a tyre burst?

Get out of the live lanes. Abu Dhabi Police's advice for any breakdown, reported by Gulf News in June 2022:

  • Move to the nearest designated emergency area.
  • Only if necessary, stop on the right shoulder.
  • Switch on your hazard lights.
  • Place a warning sign about 60 metres behind the car, if you have one.
  • Don't stay inside the car or beside it.
  • Call the police for help.

Don't stop on the left hard shoulder. A Gulf News guide (October 2022, citing Ministerial Resolution No. 178 of 2017) says stopping there is prohibited because it is kept for police and emergency vehicles.

Rolling slowly on a flat tyre to reach a safe spot may damage the wheel. A wheel is cheaper than a crash in a fast lane.

What fines apply if I stop on the road?

Stopping is not automatically an offence when you have a genuine emergency. But how you stop matters.

Situation Fine Black points Source and date
Stopping in the middle of the road Dh1,000 6 Dubai Police via Gulf Business, Aug 2026
Failing to take safety steps after a breakdown Dh500 Not stated Dubai Police via Gulf Business, Aug 2026
Stopping on the left hard shoulder Dh1,000 Not stated Gulf News, Oct 2022
Driving on worn, damaged or expired tyres Dh500 4 (plus 7-day impoundment) Dubai Police via Gulf Business, Aug 2026

The Gulf News 2022 figures cite Ministerial Resolution No. 178 of 2017. A new federal traffic law took effect on 29 March 2025, and Dubai Police repeated the Dh1,000 and Dh500 figures in August 2026. See our tyre fines guide for what is and isn't confirmed under the new law.

"Safety steps" in practice means the list above: hazard lights, a warning triangle, getting clear of the car and calling for help.

Who do I call after a tyre burst?

Call 999. Gulf News reported in 2021 that, according to the Ministry of Interior, 999 staff can guide you and arrange a tow truck, or you can call a towing company you already know.

If anyone is hurt, or the car is blocking a lane, say so first. Many insurance policies and car warranties include roadside assistance. Check your policy wording for the number before you need it, and save it in your phone.

Should I change the tyre myself on the hard shoulder?

Only if it is genuinely safe. Thomas Edelmann of Road Safety UAE told The National in August 2026 that drivers should stop on the hard shoulder and wait for roadside assistance, or change the tyre themselves only if it is safe to do so.

On a busy UAE highway, with traffic passing at 120 km/h or more and summer heat on the tarmac, that is often not the case. If the burst tyre is on the traffic side of the car, waiting for help is the safer choice.

If you do change it:

  • Make sure the car is fully off the road, on firm ground, with the handbrake on.
  • Use the warning triangle.
  • Check the spare's pressure and age; an expired or flat spare won't get you far. See how to read a tyre date code.
  • A space-saver spare is for short, slow trips to a tyre shop. Follow the speed limit printed on it.

Why do tyres burst in the UAE?

Sharjah Police listed five causes in May 2025 (Khaleej Times):

  1. Overloading beyond the tyre's capacity
  2. Incorrect air pressure
  3. Speeding beyond the tyre's rating
  4. Friction between tyres and hot asphalt
  5. Prior misuse, such as driving on unsuitable terrain

The National (August 2026) added sharp objects, poor patching and sidewall damage from kerbs or potholes. Heat plays a part: Ministry of Interior figures reported by The National show 65 tyre-blowout accidents from 2023 to 2025.

Most of these causes can be spotted before a trip. See our guides to tyre pressure in UAE heat and to checking tread, bulges and cracks.

What happens to the car and tyre afterwards?

Expect a burst tyre to need replacing rather than repairing; the 2012 ESMA rules say tyres damaged beyond the puncture limits cannot be repaired. If the wheel was also damaged, that needs checking too. Ask the shop to inspect the other tyre on the same axle, since a mismatch can affect handling.

When you replace it, check the production year of the new tyre before fitting, and compare prices from more than one seller; our tyre prices guide has a dated snapshot. Don't leave the damaged tyre at the roadside. Police have asked drivers not to leave damaged tyres by the road (Khaleej Times, 2022), and the 2012 ESMA scheme said used tyres should go to approved recyclers. Our guide to used and retreaded tyres covers what happens next.

What to check before you act

  • Keep a warning triangle in the car and know where it is.
  • Check the spare's pressure and date code today, not on the hard shoulder.
  • Save 999 and your roadside assistance number in your phone.
  • Before long drives, walk round the car and look at all four tyres.
  • Never stop on the left hard shoulder unless police direct you to.
  • We checked these sources on 23 October 2026.

Questions people ask

What should I do if my tyre bursts on Sheikh Zayed Road or another highway?

Hold the wheel firmly, keep the car straight and slow down gradually without hard braking. Steer to the right shoulder or an emergency area, switch on hazard lights, get everyone out and away from traffic, and call 999.

Should I brake when a tyre bursts?

Not hard and not straight away. Tyre makers' advice is to keep the car straight, ease off the accelerator and brake gently only once the car has slowed and is tracking straight.

Can I stop on the left hard shoulder in the UAE?

Stopping on the left hard shoulder is prohibited; it is reserved for police and emergency vehicles. Abu Dhabi Police advice is to use an emergency area, or the right shoulder if you have no choice.

Should I change the tyre myself on the highway?

Only if it is safe, away from moving traffic. Road Safety UAE advice in 2026 was to stop on the hard shoulder and wait for roadside assistance, or change the tyre only if it is safe to do so.

What number do I call if my car breaks down in the UAE?

Call 999. The Ministry of Interior has said 999 staff can guide you and arrange a tow, or you can call a towing company you already use.

Is there a fine for stopping after a tyre burst?

Stopping in the middle of the road without a justified reason is Dh1,000 and six black points in Dubai, and failing to take safety steps after a breakdown is Dh500. A genuine emergency stop handled safely is different, but get out of the live lane if you can.

General information only, not legal or mechanical advice. Rules, fines and prices change; check with the RTA, your local police or a qualified fitter before you act. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.

Sources

  1. Tire blowout: what to do during a tire blowout (Michelin USA)checked 23 October 2026
  2. What should I do if my car breaks down in the middle of the road? (Gulf News, 2022)checked 23 October 2026
  3. UAE: My car broke down in the middle of the road. What can I do next? (Gulf News, 2021)checked 23 October 2026
  4. UAE: 5 cases when stopping your car can lead to fines, black points (Gulf News, 2022)checked 23 October 2026
  5. Dubai authorities warn motorists these summer driving mistakes could cost you Dhs1,000 (Gulf Business, 2026)checked 23 October 2026
  6. Tread carefully: UAE drivers warned over tyre blowout risk (The National, 2026)checked 23 October 2026
  7. One UAE driver every 14 minutes fined for tyre violations in 2024 (Khaleej Times, 2025)checked 23 October 2026
  8. UAE: Dh500 fine, four black points, vehicle impoundment for driving with worn-out tyres (Khaleej Times, 2022)checked 23 October 2026
  9. What the law says on tyres (Gulf News)checked 23 October 2026
  10. Safety norms for tyres to be tightened in UAE (Gulf News)checked 23 October 2026
  11. Shocking video shows vehicles spinning out of control after tyre burst (Khaleej Times, 2022)checked 23 October 2026

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