New rules covers the driving age, hit-and-run penalties, and stricter drunk driving fines
Dubai: From March 29, UAE motorists will need to comply with new traffic regulations as the country’s new traffic law - Federal Decree-Law No. (14) of 2024 on Traffic Regulation, comes into effect on Saturday, March 29. The revised law introduces major changes, including a lower minimum driving age and stricter penalties for serious offences such as hit-and-run incidents and driving under the influence. Here's a breakdown of the key fines and regulations drivers need to be aware of.
The minimum age to apply for a UAE driving licence has been reduced to 17 years old (based on the Gregorian calendar).
Under Article 31 of the UAE's new traffic law, authorities can arrest drivers in the following serious cases:
Causing death or injury: If a driver causes a fatal accident or injures someone while driving.
Severe property damage: If the driver causes significant damage to property.
Reckless driving: Operating a vehicle in a dangerous or irresponsible manner that threatens public safety.
Driving under the influence: Being caught driving while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or other substances.
Refusing to provide identification: Failing to provide a name, address, or official identification after committing a serious offence or providing false information.
Driving in the UAE with an unrecognised foreign licence carries the following penalties:
First offence: A fine between Dh2,000 and Dh10,000.
Repeat offence: Imprisonment for at least three months and/or a fine ranging from Dh5,000 to Dh50,000.
Under Article 41, drivers who refuse to provide their name, address, or give false information at a police stop:
Imprisonment for up to three months.
A fine between Dh10,000 and Dh20,000, or both penalties.
Clause (1) of Article 35 outlines the penalties for driving under the influence of alcohol:
Imprisonment and/or a fine between Dh20,000 and Dh100,000.
Licence suspension penalties:
First offence: Suspension for three months.
Second offence: Suspension for six months.
Third offence: Licence cancellation.
Clause (2) addresses driving under the influence of narcotic or psychotropic substances:
Imprisonment and/or a fine between Dh30,000 and Dh200,000.
Licence suspension penalties:
First offence: Suspension for six months.
Second offence: Suspension for one year.
Third offence: Licence cancellation.
Fatal accidents under the influence
If a driver causes a fatal accident while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs, they face:
Imprisonment for at least one year.
A fine of no less than Dh100,000.
Drivers caught operating a vehicle with a suspended licence face:
Imprisonment for up to three months.
A fine of at least Dh10,000, or both penalties.
Crossing roads improperly can lead to severe penalties:
General jaywalking fines: Dh5,000 to Dh10,000 and/or imprisonment if the act results in a traffic accident.
High-speed roads (80km/h or more): Minimum three-month jail term and/or a minimum fine of Dh10,000.
Fleeing the scene of an accident without providing information is punishable by:
Imprisonment for up to one year.
A fine between Dh50,000 and Dh100,000, or both penalties.
In cases where negligence leads to a fatal accident, penalties include:
Imprisonment and/or a fine of no less than Dh50,000.
If the incident occurs under aggravating circumstances, such as driving in a flooded valley, penalties increase to a minimum of one year in jail and a fine of no less than Dh100,000.
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