UAE Government Introduces Stricter Traffic Penalties to Enhance Road Safety

The UAE Government has introduced a series of tougher traffic penalties aimed at increasing road safety, with new regulations set to take effect on March 29, 2025. The latest federal decree law, No. 14 of 2024 on Traffic Regulation, includes jail terms and fines as high as Dh200,000 for a range of offences, from jaywalking to driving under the influence.

 

Key Offences and Penalties

 

Jaywalking

Crossing roads from undesignated areas now carries a stricter penalty. While the current fine for jaywalking is Dh400, the new law imposes a Dh5,000 to Dh10,000 fine, along with the possibility of imprisonment, if jaywalking results in an accident. Crossing on roads with a speed limit of 80 km/h or higher without using designated crossing areas could lead to at least three months in jail or a minimum Dh10,000 fine.

 

Driving Under the Influence

Violations involving drugs, alcohol, or other substances carry the highest fines, with penalties reaching Dh200,000. For driving under the influence of drugs, imprisonment and a minimum Dh30,000 fine are mandatory. First-time offenders will face a minimum six-month license suspension, which increases to one year on a second offence, and permanent revocation after a third violation. For alcohol-related offences, fines range from Dh20,000 to Dh100,000, with license suspensions starting at three months for the first offence and progressing to cancellation for a third offence.

 

Hit-and-Run Offences and Failure to Cooperate with Authorities

Deliberately failing to stop at an accident scene or fleeing after causing an injury is punishable by up to two years in prison and a fine between Dh50,000 and Dh100,000. Additionally, failing to provide information related to a traffic accident, fleeing from police, or colliding with official vehicles while on duty will incur similar penalties.

 

Driving with a Suspended or Unrecognised Licence

Driving on a suspended license may result in up to three months in jail and a minimum fine of Dh10,000. Foreign licenses not recognised in the UAE can lead to fines ranging from Dh2,000 to Dh10,000 for a first offence, with repeat offences carrying penalties of three months in prison or fines from Dh5,000 to Dh50,000.

 

Unlicensed Driving

Anyone caught driving without a valid license or with a license for a different vehicle type faces up to three months in prison or fines between Dh5,000 and Dh50,000. For example, a car driver cannot legally operate a motorcycle without the appropriate permit. Repeat offences may lead to a minimum three-month jail term or fines from Dh20,000 to Dh100,000.

 

Fatal Accidents Due to Negligence

If negligent driving results in a death, penalties include imprisonment and a fine of no less than Dh50,000. Aggravating factors, such as running a red light, driving under the influence, using a suspended license, or driving in flood conditions, could lead to at least one year in prison and a Dh100,000 fine.

 

Misuse of Licence Plates

License plate tampering, including forgery, alteration, or unauthorized transfers, carries fines starting at Dh20,000 and may also result in imprisonment. Offenders may face both penalties for using an altered plate or knowingly allowing others to do so.

The UAE Government clarified that these penalties do not override stricter penalties set out by other laws. The new rules underscore the UAE’s commitment to enhancing road safety through preventive and deterrent measures.

 

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