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

Starting today, March 29, 2025, motorists in the UAE must adhere to the revised traffic regulations under Federal Decree-Law No. (14) of 2024 on Traffic Regulation. The updated law introduces significant changes, including a lower minimum driving age and stricter penalties for serious offenses such as reckless driving, hit-and-run incidents, and driving under the influence.

Here are the eight key rules and penalties drivers need to be aware of:

Minimum Driving Age Lowered

The legal age to apply for a UAE driving license has now been reduced to 17 years (Gregorian calendar).

Cases Where Drivers Can Be Arrested

Under Article 31, law enforcement can detain drivers involved in:

• Fatal or injury-causing accidents

• Severe property damage

• Reckless driving endangering public safety

• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs

• Refusal to provide identification after committing an offense

Driving With an Unrecognized Foreign License

Motorists caught driving with an unapproved foreign license face:

• First offense: Fine between Dh2,000 and Dh10,000

• Repeat offense: Minimum three months’ imprisonment and/or a fine ranging from Dh5,000 to Dh50,000

Failing to Provide Information to Police

Refusing to provide personal details or giving false information under Article 41 results in:

• Up to three months’ imprisonment

• Fine between Dh10,000 and Dh20,000, or both

Stricter Penalties for Drunk Driving

As per Article 35, penalties for driving under the influence include:

• Imprisonment and/or a fine between Dh20,000 and Dh100,000

• License suspension for three months (first offense), six months (second offense), and cancellation for a third violation

For driving under the influence of drugs, the fine increases to Dh30,000–Dh200,000, with harsher suspension periods.

If an intoxicated driver causes a fatal accident, they face a minimum one-year jail term and a fine of no less than Dh100,000.

Driving With a Suspended License

Motorists found driving with a revoked license may receive:

• Up to three months in jail

• Minimum Dh10,000 fine, or both

Tougher Penalties for Jaywalking

Pedestrians violating road crossing rules could face:

• Dh5,000–Dh10,000 fine and/or imprisonment if it leads to an accident

• On high-speed roads (80km/h or more), a minimum three-month jail term and Dh10,000 fine

Hit-and-Run Offenses

Fleeing an accident scene without reporting it can result in:

• Up to one year in jail

• Fine between Dh50,000 and Dh100,000

If the accident causes a fatality due to negligence, penalties increase to a minimum of one year imprisonment and a fine of no less than Dh100,000.

Authorities urge all motorists to familiarize themselves with the updated regulations to ensure road safety and avoid hefty penalties.

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