Court Jails Man for 2 Yrs, Fines Him Dh100,000 for Drug-Influenced Driving

A Gulf national has been sentenced to two years in prison and fined Dh100,000 by the Dubai Court of Misdemeanour for driving under the influence of narcotics and possessing 70 grammes of marijuana.

The court also barred him from transferring or depositing funds -- personally or through others --without UAE Central Bank approval, in coordination with the Interior Ministry, until his sentence ends. His driving licence was suspended for one year, and the confiscated drugs were ordered destroyed.

Police stopped the man in Dubai’s Motor City after noticing his erratic driving. A search uncovered narcotic pills and herbal substances, later confirmed by forensic tests as marijuana. During questioning, he admitted consuming prescription-controlled substances and driving under their influence, as well as possessing marijuana for personal use. The court convicted him accordingly.

This ruling comes as the UAE tightens its stance on impaired driving. Under current law, even prescription drugs are no legal defence; offenders face jail and fines starting from Dh20,000. From March 29, 2025, the newly approved Federal Decree-Law No.14 of 2024 will introduce even harsher penalties:

• Fines between Dh30,000 and Dh200,000 for drug-impaired driving.

• Longer licence suspensions: six months for a first offence, one year for repeat offences, and possible licence cancellation on a third offence.

• Mandatory rehabilitation programmes may also be imposed.

• Stricter penalties apply if impairment leads to a fatal accident, including a minimum Dh100,000 fine and at least one year in prison.

The UAE authorities have repeatedly warned that zero tolerance applies to driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, reflecting the country’s road safety and public security priorities.

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