New UAE Traffic Law starts tomorrow: Eight key fines and rules drivers must know

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.

1. 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).
   

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.