Road safety is of utmost importance and the UAE Government has implemented strict laws to ensure a safer environment for drivers and pedestrians. To make roads safer, the new traffic regulations will take effect from March 29, 2025. These new traffic rules in the UAE include a revised minimum age for driving licence, penalties for jaywalking and mandatory registration for self-driving cars.
The new traffic law in the UAE imposes stricter penalties, from high fines to vehicle confiscation and imprisonment. Here’s all you need to know about the new traffic laws in the United Arab Emirates.
- Minimum Age to Obtain Driving Licence
- Jaywalking
- Driverless Car Registration
- Licence Suspensions
- Reckless Driving
- Driving Without a Licence
- FAQs
What Are New Traffic Rules Announced in the UAE?
Whether you are a driver or a pedestrian, you must know the new traffic rules in the UAE to avoid penalties, which can be hefty fines or imprisonment. While the minimum age has been reduced, intolerance for rash driving remains intact with even tougher laws. Let’s take a look at the new laws and their traffic fines in the UAE.
Minimum Age to Obtain Driving Licence
Earlier, the law stated the minimum age of 18 for driving in the UAE. However, the new traffic rule in the UAE has revised the minimum age to 17. So, if you want to get a driving licence in Dubai, the minimum age requirement is 17 years or older.
Note that age is not the only requirement to obtain a driving licence. Passing the medical exam and driving test and meeting further requirements are important requirements for the issuance of driving licences.
Jaywalking
If you are a pedestrian crossing the road without following the traffic rules, you may be subject to strict penalties. For instance, if you are jaywalking and get hit by a car on the road with a speed limit of 80 kilometres per hour, you won’t be able to file a complaint against the driver because jaywalking is also against the law.
Jaywalking can also result in civil and criminal liabilities, meaning that you will incur the cost of damage and compensate the car driver. Under the new traffic law, you can face a traffic fine in Dubai of up to AED 10,000 and a minimum of three months in prison if found jaywalking.
Driverless Car Registration
UAE is adopting smarter technology, such as self-driving cars. However, their registration is mandatory. Self-driving and autonomous transportation strategy was introduced in 2017. However, the rules are set at the national level.
So, just like normal car registration and renewal in Dubai, there will be regulations for inspection, licencing and renewal procedures for self-driving vehicles.
Licence Suspensions
If the driver is medically unfit or fails to meet the assessment requirements, the authorities hold the right to cancel the driving licence or refuse to renew it. For example, if you are unable to meet the test requirements, like eyesight or other medical issues which may pose a risk to road safety, the authorities will suspend your licence.
Reckless Driving
When it comes to road safety, the UAE has strict laws against reckless driving. Hit-and-run cases can lead to a two-year imprisonment or an AED 100,000 fine. For instance, traffic fines in Sharjah for reckless driving or driving under the influence of alcohol are to be decided by the court. The drivers will get 23 black points. Additionally, the vehicle will be confiscated for 60 days.
The drivers who cause any accidents, death, serious injury or property damage can incur a fine of up to AED 50,000. It can also lead to driving licence cancellation.
Driving Without a Licence
If you are driving without a licence, you can incur fines between AED 2,000 to AED 10,000. As a foreigner, you can obtain an international driving licence in Dubai to avoid any fines. Repeated offences can also lead to imprisonment for two months and a fine of up to AED 100,000.
Also, if you hold a residence visa in the UAE, you can apply for a driving licence in the Emirates to avoid fines imposed by the new traffic laws.
FAQs
Yes, the government introduces discounts on traffic fines in the UAE at the end of every year. You can check the announcement for your respective emirate from the police department or MoI (Ministry of Interior).
You can reduce your traffic fines by sticking to the rules in the UAE. You must have a driving licence and drive as per the speed limits. Also, you must follow all the regulations to avoid fines.
The new traffic rules include the revised minimum age of 17 to obtain a driving licence, jaywalking penalties, mandatory registration of self-driving cars and driving without a proper licence.
These were all the new traffic rules in the UAE that must be followed. With new rules, it is time to check your driving licences and avoid reckless driving. Also, you must not jaywalk on roads to avoid accidents and penalties.
If you have incurred any penalties, you can check your traffic fines in the UAE on the MoI website or EVG. Also, pay your fines on time to avoid further action.
