New UAE traffic law: Stricter penalties for driving without a licence

Dubai: Driving without a licence in the UAE has long been a serious offence, but the new federal traffic law that took effect on March 29 imposes even tougher penalties. 

The decree-law, Federal Law No. 14 of 2024 on traffic regulation, was issued by the Ministry of Interior in line with the UAE government’s strategy and the directives of police leadership to achieve “the highest levels of road safety”.

Under the law, anyone caught driving with a foreign licence not recognised in the UAE faces fines ranging from Dh2,000 to Dh10,000 for a first offence. Repeat offenders risk at least three months in jail along with fines between Dh5,000 and Dh50,000.

Those who drive without any licence, or with a licence that does not permit operating the type of vehicle in question, face up to three months in jail and fines between Dh5,000 and Dh50,000. 

In cases of recurrence, penalties increase sharply to mandatory jail terms of no less than three months and fines from Dh20,000 to Dh100,000.