Dubai: Starting tomorrow, 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.
- Minimum driving age lowered
The minimum age to apply for a UAE driving licence has been reduced to 17 years old (based on the Gregorian calendar).
- When drivers can be arrested
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 with an unrecognised foreign licence
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.
- Failing to provide details to police
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.
- Strict penalties for drunk driving
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.
- Driving with a suspended licence
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.
- Tougher penalties for jaywalking
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.
- Hit-and-run incidents
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.
