The Federal Decree-Law No. 14 of 2024 on Traffic and Road Regulations, issued by the UAE government in 2024, is set to take effect on March 29.
The official UAE legislation platform, “UAE Legislation,” which is developed and overseen by the General Secretariat of the Cabinet in coordination with relevant authorities, has announced that the new federal law exempts three categories from obtaining a driver’s licence.
Three exempted categories
Article 9 of the law specifies the three categories exempt from the licensing requirements:
- Drivers of vehicles registered and licenced in a foreign country, exempt from registration and licencing provisions under this decree, provided they hold valid driving licenses issued by the relevant authorities in their home country, recognized in the UAE.
- Holders of valid international driving licences, allowing them to drive during their stay in the UAE for transit or visit purposes.
- Holders of valid international or foreign temporary driving permits authorized to stay in the UAE for non-residency purposes, in accordance with the regulations outlined in the decree and its executive bylaws.
Conditions for issuing a driver’s licence
Article 10 of the decree outlines four conditions for obtaining a driver’s licence:
- The applicant must be at least 17 years old.
- Successful completion of a medical examination as required by the licensing authority or submission of an approved medical report in accordance with the executive bylaws.
- Passing the driving test as stipulated by the executive bylaws.
- The executive bylaws specify the types of licences, their validity periods, conditions, age categories, and procedures for issuance.
Suspension of licence validity
Article 12 states that the licensing authority may suspend, revoke, or refuse to renew a driver’s licence if the holder is deemed unfit or lacks the necessary medical fitness to drive the authorized vehicles. Additionally, traffic enforcement authorities, in coordination with the licensing authority, may suspend a driver’s licence based on security or road safety considerations. The executive bylaws will detail the procedures and conditions for licence suspension, revocation, non-renewal, and driver reassessment programs.
Six offenses leading to driver detention
According to Article 31, law enforcement officers have the authority to arrest any driver caught committing one of the following six offenses:
- Causing death or injury to a person due to reckless driving.
- Causing significant damage to another person’s property while driving.
- Driving a vehicle recklessly or in a manner that endangers the public.
- Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any substance that impairs control.
- Refusing to provide personal identification details or presenting false information in connection with any of the above offenses.
- Attempting to flee the scene of an accident involving personal injury or disregarding an order to stop by law enforcement, leading to a road chase.
Vehicle impoundment
Article 32 grants traffic authorities the right to impound vehicles in seven cases:
- If the vehicle is unfit for road use or lacks required registration details, such as proper number plates, mufflers, brakes, or lights. The vehicle remains impounded until defects are repaired.
- If a driver is caught twice operating a vehicle without a licence, the vehicle will be impounded until a valid licence is presented.
- If a vehicle is driven by an unlicenced individual, except in exempt cases, it will only be released to the registered owner or an authorized representative.
- If unauthorized major modifications are made to the vehicle’s structure, chassis, engine, or color without approval from the licensing authority.
- If the vehicle is linked to a criminal case and must be retained as evidence.
- Any other cases as defined by the executive bylaws.
- Impoundment measures will not affect the rights of third parties acting in good faith.
Penalties for driving without a valid licence
Article 37 sets out penalties for unauthorized driving:
- A fine between Dh2,000 and Dh10,000 for first-time offenders driving with a foreign licence not recognized in the UAE. Repeat offenders face at least three months in jail and fines ranging from Dh5,000 to Dh50,000.
- A fine between Dh5,000 and Dh50,000 or up to three months in jail for driving without a licence or with a licence not valid for the vehicle type. Repeat offenses result in a minimum three-month jail term and fines between Dh20,000 and Dh100,000.
Pedestrian regulations
The law prohibits pedestrians and personal mobility device users from standing or crossing roads outside designated areas. Crossing roads with speed limits above 80 km/h is strictly prohibited. Pedestrians bear full civil and criminal liability for non-compliance.
Manslaughter penalties
Article 40 outlines penalties for causing a fatal accident:
- The offender faces imprisonment and a fine of no less than Dh50,000.
- If the incident involves running a red light, driving under the influence, driving with a suspended or revoked licence, or driving in a flooded valley, the penalties increase to at least one year in jail and a fine of no less than Dh100,000.
The new UAE traffic law aims to enhance road safety, impose stricter penalties for violations, and regulate licensing requirements more effectively.
