UAE issues new traffic law, lowers driving age

The legal age for obtaining a driver’s licence in the UAE has been lowered to 17 as per the new federal decree-law on traffic regulation.

It also outlines new rules for electric and self-driving cars as well as stiffer penalties for various offences.

Comprehensive regulations will govern all vehicle types, drivers, and pedestrians. Notably, pedestrians will be prohibited from crossing roads with speed limits over 80 km per hour, while there are also curbs on vehicle repairs on roads and standing in the roadway.

The decree sets deterrent penalties, including imprisonment and fines ranging from AED 20,000 to AED 200,000 for serious offences like driving under the influence or fleeing the scene of an accident, misusing licence plates or driving with a suspended licence.

Negligent actions resulting in death can also lead to severe penalties.

A cabinet resolution will outline the procedures for inspecting, licensing and renewing licences for self-driving cars, alongside mechanisms for testing new vehicle technologies.

A streamlined online licensing system will be developed, managed by the Minister of Interior or local licensing authorities in each emirate. Additionally, a new 'Federal Traffic Council' will be established, with its structure and responsibilities defined by a cabinet resolution.

Driving trainers must hold valid licences and be authorised by the relevant authorities, ensuring they do not allow unqualified trainees to drive in populated areas.

The law also restricts substantial modifications to vehicles without prior approval from the licensing authority, ensuring safety standards are met.
 

UAE Government issues Federal Decree-Law on traffic regulation, which aims to keep up with the rapid evolution of transportation worldwide#UAEGOV pic.twitter.com/AD8VgGgswn

— UAEGOV (@UAEmediaoffice) October 25, 2024

Deterrent penalties include:

• Licence plate misuse: Imprisonment and/or a fine of at least AED 20,000.
• Driving under the influence of alcohol: Imprisonment and/or a fine between AED 20,000 and AED 100,000.
• Driving under the influence of drugs: Imprisonment and/or a fine between AED 30,000 and AED 200,000.
• Driving with a suspended licence: Up to 3 months in prison and/or a fine of at least AED 10,000.
• Fleeing an accident: Up to 1 year in prison and/or a fine between AED 50,000 and AED 100,000.
• Causing death by negligence: Imprisonment and/or a fine of at least AED 50,000; harsher penalties (at least 1 year in prison and/or a fine of at least AED 100,000) apply in severe circumstances, like driving in a valley during flooding.
• Crossing roads from non-designated places: Imprisonment and/or a fine between AED 5,000 and AED 10,000, especially if it leads to an accident.