The UAE is implementing a new traffic law that will begin on March 29th 2025. The law will create more stringent rules to enhance road safety and impose more severe penalties for violations.
Federal Decree Law No. 14 of 2024 was published on the official UAE Legislation official document site and outlines the new rules of driving licenses, impounding cars and punishment for reckless driving.
Police now have broader powers to punish offenders who have committed gross traffic violations including hit and run cases and drunk driving cases. Furthermore, new measures are described regarding pedestrian safety and stricter penalties for vehicle accidents that resulted in fatalities.
List of New Traffic Law from March 29th 2025:
Category
Key Changes
Article Reference
Exemptions from Driver’s Licence
Three categories exempt from obtaining a UAE driving licence: Drivers with foreign-registered vehicles (with a valid licence from their home country) Holders of valid international driving licences (for transit or visits) Holders of valid international/foreign temporary permits (for non-residency purposes)
Article 9
Conditions for Issuing a Licence
Minimum age: 17 years Medical examination or approved medical report Passing the driving test Executive bylaws define licence types, validity, conditions, and issuance procedures
Article 10
Suspension of Licence
Authorities can suspend, revoke, or refuse renewal based on medical unfitness, security concerns, or road safety risks
Article 12
Offenses Leading to Driver Detention
Causing death/injury due to reckless driving Causing significant property damage Reckless driving endangering public safety Driving under the influence of alcohol/drugs Refusing to provide identification or giving false information Attempting to flee an accident scene or disobeying a stop order
Article 31
Vehicle Impoundment
Unfit vehicles (defective parts, missing registration details) Repeated offence of driving without a licence Unlicensed driver (vehicle released to registered owner) Unauthorized major modifications Vehicle linked to a criminal case Other cases defined by bylaws
Article 32
Penalties for Driving Without a Licence
First-time offense (foreign licence not recognized in UAE): Dh2,000 – Dh10,000 fine – Repeat offense: Minimum 3 months jail + Dh5,000 – Dh50,000 fine Driving without a licence: Dh5,000 – Dh50,000 fine or 3 months jail Repeat offense: Minimum 3 months jail + Dh20,000 – Dh100,000 fine
Article 37
Pedestrian Regulations
Pedestrians and mobility device users must use designated crossing areas Prohibited from crossing roads with a speed limit above 80 km/hFull civil and criminal liability for violations
–
Manslaughter Penalties
Causing a fatal accident: Jail + fine of at least Dh50,000 If offense involves running a red light, DUI, driving with a suspended licence, or driving in a flooded valley: Minimum 1 year in jail + fine of at least Dh100,000
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