DUBAI: With the introduction of the new federal traffic law taking effect on March 29, 2025, UAE motorists must adhere to stricter regulations or risk losing their driving privileges.
The updated legislation enforces tougher penalties, enhances road safety measures, and imposes new conditions for maintaining a valid driving licence.
Among the most significant changes are provisions allowing authorities to suspend, cancel, or refuse to renew licences under specific circumstances. Article 12 of the law outlines three main cases in which a driving licence may be suspended or revoked.
Medical unfitness
Ensuring that all drivers are physically and mentally capable of operating a vehicle is a key priority under the new law. If a driver is deemed medically unfit, the licensing authority holds the right to suspend or cancel their driving licence. This decision is based on medical examinations that assess a driver’s ability to control a vehicle safely. Conditions such as severe vision impairment, neurological disorders, or other medical conditions that could compromise road safety may result in licence suspension. Drivers who develop medical conditions after obtaining their licences are required to inform the relevant authorities and undergo reassessment.
Medical assessments will be conducted according to guidelines set by the licensing authority, and failure to comply with these regulations could lead to penalties or permanent licence cancellation. The new law ensures that only individuals who meet the necessary health standards are permitted to drive, significantly reducing the risk of accidents caused by medical impairments.
Security and safety risks
In cases where security concerns or major traffic violations indicate that a driver poses a significant risk to public safety, their licence may be suspended. The traffic control authority, in coordination with the licensing body, has the power to revoke driving privileges based on safety considerations. This includes instances where individuals engage in reckless or dangerous driving behaviours, such as excessive speeding, endangering pedestrians, or participating in illegal street racing.
The law aims to deter repeat offenders by enforcing stricter measures on drivers who consistently violate traffic rules. Repeat violations or offences leading to severe accidents may result in long-term suspension or permanent cancellation of a licence. Additionally, authorities will maintain a record of traffic offenders, ensuring that those with a history of dangerous driving face the appropriate consequences.
Violation of licensing regulations
Drivers who fail to comply with UAE licensing regulations, including operating a vehicle with an expired, forged, or illegally obtained licence, may have their licences suspended. The executive regulations specify the controls and procedures for reassessing and rehabilitating drivers whose licences have been suspended or cancelled.
Motorists caught driving without a valid licence face penalties ranging from Dh5,000 to Dh50,000 and imprisonment for up to three months. Repeat offenders will face a minimum three-month jail term and fines between Dh20,000 and Dh100,000. Additionally, individuals using forged or altered licence plates, or transferring plates between vehicles without approval, will be subject to similar penalties.
Additional penalties and regulations
The revised law also includes provisions for vehicle inspections and safety compliance. Authorities have the right to recall and inspect any vehicle at any time to ensure it meets safety standards. Vehicles found unfit for the road must be repaired and pass a technical inspection before being allowed back on the roads.
Furthermore, Article 26 of the law prohibits significant modifications to a vehicle’s body, engine, or colour without prior approval. Workshops and repair centres are also restricted from repairing vehicles with accident damage unless authorised by the traffic control authority.
Stricter regulations for foreign licence holders
The law introduces stricter penalties for drivers using foreign licences not recognised in the UAE.
- First-time offenders face fines between Dh2,000 and Dh10,000.
- Repeat offenders risk imprisonment of at least three months and fines ranging from Dh5,000 to Dh50,000.
Individuals on short-term visits can drive using international licences, but residents must obtain a UAE driving licence to continue driving legally.
In addition to these regulations, pedestrians and personal mobility device users are prohibited from crossing roads outside designated areas or standing in high-speed zones. Failure to comply with pedestrian laws could result in legal liability.
Increased penalties for major offences
Under Article 31, drivers involved in severe offences such as reckless driving, causing injury or death, or fleeing the scene of an accident may be detained. The law also allows authorities to impound vehicles in cases of severe violations, including operating unregistered vehicles, illegal modifications, or repeated offences.
For cases involving fatal accidents, penalties are significantly increased. Offenders face imprisonment and a minimum fine of Dh50,000. If the accident involves factors such as running a red light, driving under the influence, or operating a vehicle in hazardous conditions, the penalty escalates to at least one year in jail and a fine of Dh100,000.