UAE Traffic Laws Set To Change: What It Means For Travelers In 2025

UAE Traffic Laws Set To Change: What It Means For Travelers In 2025

The new UAE traffic laws, effective March 29, 2025, bring changes like a lower driving age, harsher penalties, and new rules for travelers and drivers.

Major Overhaul of UAE Traffic Laws Coming This March

In a significant move, the UAE is set to introduce sweeping changes to its traffic laws later this month. The new regulations, outlined in Federal Decree-Law No. (14) of 2024 on Traffic Regulation, will come into effect on Saturday, March 29, 2025, following the announcement made last October. These reforms aim to enforce stricter road safety rules and tougher penalties for violators.

New Driving Age in the UAE

For those eager to get behind the wheel, there’s a positive change: the minimum age for obtaining a driving license has been lowered to 17, instead of 18. However, aspiring drivers still need to pass a medical examination and a driving test administered by the Licensing Authority. Further requirements will apply depending on the type of license being pursued.

Jaywalking Penalties: A Serious Offense

One of the more controversial changes involves jaywalking. Pedestrians crossing roads with a speed limit of 80 km/h or higher will face serious consequences. If caught breaking this rule, they may not be able to file a complaint against the driver involved in an accident. Under the new law, jaywalkers can face both civil and criminal liabilities. Penalties include a minimum prison sentence of three months and a fine of at least Dhs10,000.

Self-Driving Cars: New Registration Rules

In line with global technological trends, the new traffic law also introduces a framework for the registration of autonomous vehicles across the UAE. Previously, Dubai had its own regulations for driverless cars, but the new national law standardizes the process. This includes requirements for vehicle inspections, licensing, and the testing of advanced automotive technologies.

Suspension of Driving Licenses: Who’s at Risk?

The new regulations empower authorities to suspend, cancel, or refuse to renew driving licenses if the driver is deemed medically unfit or poses a danger to road safety. Additionally, failure to meet reassessment or rehabilitation requirements could also result in the suspension of a driver’s license.

Tougher Penalties for Reckless and Hit-and-Run Drivers

The UAE has taken a firm stance against reckless driving and hit-and-run incidents. Drivers involved in hit-and-run accidents that cause injury now face up to two years in jail and fines as high as Dhs100,000. These penalties apply if the driver was under the influence, driving with a suspended license, or committing other serious violations like running a red light. Reckless driving and driving under the influence will also result in severe penalties, including arrest, fines, and the suspension of a driving license.

Drunk Driving and Serious Traffic Violations: Severe Consequences

Drunk driving or reckless behavior behind the wheel will incur harsh penalties under the new law. Offenders could face automatic arrest, fines up to Dhs100,000, and license suspensions. In addition, if the driver’s actions result in death, serious injury, or significant property damage, they could face a fine no less than Dhs50,000 and further legal action.

Driving Without a Valid License: Big Fines Await

Think you can drive without the proper license? Think again. If you’re caught driving with an unrecognized foreign license, you could face fines ranging from Dhs2,000 to Dhs10,000. Repeat offenders risk at least three months in jail and a fine of up to Dhs50,000. In Dubai, certain foreign residents can exchange their licenses after passing an electronic eye test, but driving without a valid license or beyond the permitted category carries even stricter penalties. First-time offenders could face up to three months in jail and fines ranging from Dhs5,000 to Dhs50,000. Repeat violations could lead to up to three months in jail and fines as high as Dhs100,000.

Time to Review Your License and Road Safety Habits

With these major changes taking effect soon, it’s crucial for all drivers to review their licenses, familiarize themselves with the updated traffic rules, and ensure they are fully compliant with the law. Violating these new regulations could result in severe financial penalties, legal repercussions, and even imprisonment.

The post UAE Traffic Laws Set To Change: What It Means For Travelers In 2025 appeared first on Travel And Tour World.March 16, 2025 at 10:17PM