Dubai Court Fines Driver Dh10,000, Suspends Licence for Drug-Impaired Crash

A Dubai court has fined an Asian man Dh10,000, suspended his driving licence for three months, and imposed a two-year ban on financial transactions on behalf of others without prior Central Bank approval, after he crashed into a beauty centre in Al Qusais while driving under the influence of drugs.

 

The February incident saw the man’s vehicle plough into the centre, damaging five parked cars. Police officers arriving at the scene observed him stammering and behaving abnormally, though no alcohol smell was detected. Forensic analysis later confirmed the presence of methamphetamine, amphetamine, and pregabalin -- substances listed under Federal Law No. 30 of 2021 on Combating Narcotic and Psychotropic Substances.

 

During interrogation, the driver admitted to consuming the drugs and failing to maintain a safe distance, which caused the collision and resulting property damage.

 

The Dubai Court of Misdemeanours and Violations held him liable for negligence and drug-impaired driving. The verdict cited the dangers posed to public safety and applied penalties including a fine, licence suspension, and financial restrictions.

 

The ruling also reflects the provisions of Federal Decree-Law No. 14 of 2024 on Traffic Regulation, which came into force in March 2025. This law explicitly criminalises driving under the influence of narcotics or psychotropic substances, empowering police to arrest offenders at the scene (Article 31) and prescribing penalties ranging from imprisonment and fines of Dh30,000-200,000 to licence suspension or cancellation (Article 35).

 

The combined application of the UAE’s anti-narcotics law and the new traffic regulation underscores the authorities’ uncompromising stance against drug-impaired driving.

 

Penalties for Drug-Impaired Driving in the UAE

• Federal Decree-Law No. 14 of 2024 (Traffic Regulation):

  • Article 31: Police may arrest drivers under the influence of drugs.

    • Article 35: Offenders face imprisonment, fines of Dh30,000-200,000, and licence suspension (minimum three months, longer for repeat offences).

• Federal Law No. 30 of 2021 (Narcotics Control):

  • Prohibits possession or use of narcotics/psychotropics (e.g. methamphetamine, amphetamine, pregabalin) without prescription.

    • Provides for criminal penalties, including imprisonment and fines.

Together, these laws give courts wide authority to punish offenders and protect public safety.

 

For any enquiries please fill out this form, or contact info@thelawreporters.com  Follow  The Law Reporters on WhatsApp Channels