UAE | Traffic and Transport

Driving licence valid after visa cancellation

Former UAE residents can still use a valid driver's licence while visiting Dubai even after having cancelled their residence visas, according to a recent landmark ruling.

  • By Bassam Za'za', Senior Reporter
  • Published: 23:19 January 21, 2009
  • Gulf News

  • A person can use a valid UAE licence even after the residence visa is cancelled, Dubai court ruled.
  • Image Credit: Gulf News Archive

Dubai: Former UAE residents can still use a valid driver's licence while visiting Dubai even after having cancelled their residence visas, according to a recent landmark ruling.

The Dubai Court of Cassation issued a recent ruling which stipulates that a person can continue using his or her UAE-issued driving licence as long as it remains valid and even after having cancelled the residence visa.

"When the authorities terminate a resident's visa that does not mean that his/her driving licence is unusable as well. A driver's licence remains valid in Dubai as long as it hasn't expired. The document is considered applicable provided it was issued upon a valid residence visa," said the landmark ruling which was issued upon a traffic case that surfaced at Dubai courts recently.

The Traffic Court of First Instance recently fined an Arab national Dh1,000 and revoked his driver's licence for three months for drinking and driving but acquitted him of driving without a licence.

The Public Prosecution appealed the initial verdict before the Dubai Appeals Court which upheld the primary ruling.

The Public Prosecution said in its appeal that article 51 of the Federal Penal Code No 21, 2005, concerning traffic, and its amendments in the law No 12 of 2007, bans the accused from using his driver's licence (which was issued upon a residence visa earlier before it was annulled and he left the country).

The Dubai Court of Cassation confirmed his acquittal and issued the landmark ruling.


Your comments


Its great to hear this news, thanks to the authorities.
Arafat
Dubai,UAE
Posted: January 22, 2009, 20:10

Thanks to Gulf News for updating. This is good for visitors who have UAE licence but not have resident visa.
Sajjad Hussain
Calgary,Canada
Posted: January 22, 2009, 19:53

I am a former UAE resident with a valid UAE (and US) driver's license. I've always used my UAE license when returning to the UAE to rent cars, etc. because it was easier than carrying an international license (which is still required in AD, but not Dubai). While I have never been an accident, it is nice to know that I was/am "legal."
Stuart Friedman
Detroit,USA
Posted: January 22, 2009, 19:44

Great releif for the people who have lost their job in present crisis.
Krishna Kumar
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: January 22, 2009, 19:43

It is very nice decision of Authorities, it will be pleasent for everyone, Thank you.
Nadeem Khan
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: January 22, 2009, 19:33

Hi, Really this is a landmark decision, kudos to the authorities.
Rehmatullah Khan
Dammam,KSA
Posted: January 22, 2009, 19:28

As a ex-UAE resident and driving licence holder, I truely welcome this. What about if i need to renew the licence and if i don't have a valid resident permit?
Elangovan
Doha,Qatar
Posted: January 22, 2009, 18:48

A very wise ruling, taking into consideration the current unemployment scenario and the number of people whose Visa's are being cancelled due to job loss. Thankyou Gulf news for make this known to all.
Gavin Mendez
Dubai,UAE
Posted: January 22, 2009, 17:28

the driving license is issued to a person who can drive, it does not mean that he can live in the country. so it is very wise decision.
Bahruddin
Dubai,UAE
Posted: January 22, 2009, 16:11

Hi, very high professional decision and it gives a world class standard of law. Thanks to Dubai Authorities.
Anil
Dubai,UAE
Posted: January 22, 2009, 15:47

Its a great decision. Its good for people like me who visit Dubai once in a while.
Binoy
Doha,Qatar
Posted: January 22, 2009, 15:26

Brilliant for someone who relocated and would like to drive when occasionally visiting the UAE.
Naveed Naqshbandi
Pune,India
Posted: January 22, 2009, 14:10

Cancellation of visa does not degrade a person's driving skills. So, the court in Dubai has taken a wise judgement. But it does not say whether such licence if it is expired can be renewed in UAE after he/she returns to Dubai after a gap.
SP
Dubai,UAE
Posted: January 22, 2009, 14:06

It is very wise decision by the authorities.Thank you.
Shiva Kumar Alkod
Dubai,UAE
Posted: January 22, 2009, 10:59

Hi I have just seen the news and am very happy thanks to the authorities and Gulf News for updating.
Lelly
Dubai,UAE
Posted: January 22, 2009, 10:18

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