UAE Implements New Traffic Law: Stricter Legal Measures and Hefty Fines from March 29

The UAE's newly enacted law—Federal Decree-Law No. 14 of 2024 on Traffic and Road Regulations—will come into effect on March 29, 2025, reinforcing legal measures to enhance road safety and enforce strict penalties for violations. As part of the latest legal news, this comprehensive update regulates licensing, outlines fines, and introduces driver detention clauses to ensure compliance.

 

Exemptions from Licensing

 

Article 9 of the law exempts three categories from obtaining a UAE driving licence:

1. Drivers with licences issued by foreign countries and recognized in the UAE.

2. Visitors with valid international driving licences.

3. Non-residents holding valid foreign or international temporary permits, within legal guidelines.

 

Legal Conditions to Obtain a Driver’s Licence

 

To legally obtain a licence under Article 10:

• Applicants must be at least 17 years old.

• A medical fitness test or approved report is required.

• Candidates must pass a driving test.

• Legal bylaws define licence types, validity, and procedures.

 

Licence Suspension and Revocation

 

Article 12 allows the licensing authority to suspend, revoke, or decline renewal of licences due to medical unfitness or legal safety concerns. Bylaws will guide all procedural aspects.

 

Driver Detention for Offenses

 

Article 31 lists six offenses leading to immediate detention:

• Reckless driving causing injury or death.

• Property damage through dangerous driving.

• Driving under the influence.

• Attempting to flee an accident scene.

• Refusal to provide ID or offering false information.

• Endangering public safety through illegal driving practices.

 

Vehicle Impoundment Cases

 

Article 32 outlines seven situations allowing vehicle impoundment:

• Driving unfit or unregistered vehicles.

• Repeat offences of unlicensed driving.

• Unauthorized vehicle modifications.

• Criminal investigations involving vehicles.

• Other cases defined in executive bylaws.

 

Strict Fines for Driving Without a Licence

 

Article 37 introduces serious fines and penalties:

• Dh2,000–Dh10,000 for first-time foreign licence violations.

• Repeat offenses: up to 3 months in jail, fines up to Dh50,000.

• Driving without a valid licence: fines between Dh5,000–Dh50,000 or jail.

• Repeated violations: minimum 3-month jail and fines up to Dh100,000.

 

Additional Provisions

 

• Pedestrians and personal mobility users must use designated crossings.

• Crossing high-speed roads (above 80 km/h) is strictly prohibited.

• Non-compliance leads to full civil and criminal legal liability.

 

Manslaughter and Major Violations

 

Article 40 establishes heavy consequences for fatal accidents:

• Minimum Dh50,000 fine and imprisonment.

• Red-light violations, driving under the influence, or with a revoked licence can result in at least 1-year jail time and a fine of no less than Dh100,000.

The updated traffic law represents a landmark move in the UAE’s road safety strategy, backed by strict legal provisions and aggressive enforcement of fines and punishments.

 

 

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