New UAE Traffic Laws Explained: The UAE has implemented new traffic laws that have shaken the minds of motorists. Due to repeated revolutions, Dubai has become the strictest in terms of traffic fines. If you are indeed a motorist or a pedestrian, you must follow some additional rules implemented by the UAE government that really encourage safety while driving on the roads.
If you follow the rules on the road, it can alleviate the obstacles thought of in the minds of motorists and elevate the driving experience. The amendments have been announced, in particular, for the minimum age for driving licenses, penalties for jaywalking and driving under the influence, and mandatory registration for self-driving cars.
Must Read: New Dubai Police Traffic Fines (A Complete List 2025)What Are New Traffic Rules Announced in the UAE?
Implemented the new rules with the new wave to emphasise the new road safety. The Federal Decree-Law No. (14) of 2024 on Traffic Regulation was officially put into effect on Saturday, March 29.
The government of the UAE has enforced a total of 20 new violation lists with their segregated fines, black points and even vehicle impoundments.
However, the supreme intent of this is to focus on the age of the driver, penalties for drunk driving, driving with a suspended license, hit-and-run accidents, etc. Let’s break down the key regulations:
1. Minimum Age to get Driving License
Before the new regulation, the age was 18 years to acquire a valid license. Meanwhile, as per the new statement of the government laws, if you wish to get a new license, you must be 17 years or older.
2. Jaywalking
The law has strictly enforced the hefty penalty on pedestrians in case you cross the road without abiding by the state rule and the vehicle incurs damage by your negligence; then, at these conditions, you may be led to a hefty fine of up to AED 10,000 and the extreme possibility of landing in jail.
In case you are hit by a car on the road and the car’s speed limit is up to 80 km/h, you have no prospect of complaining against the motorist, according to the new law. If it happens with him, then it is also against the law.
3. Driverless Car Registration
In the consecutively evolving country, the UAE has launched a self-driving car that is functional with the supervision of artificial intelligence, which was introduced in 2017. It is approved for registration, too, like a normal car. If we talk about the card registration and renewal in Dubai, there may be slightly different protocols in licensing and renewal procedures for self-driving.
4. Hit-and-Run Incidents
Hit and runs are considered reckless driving. If you are involved in such a case, you may face severe consequences. The drivers may lead to hefty fines of up to AED 100,000, and they may land in jail for a minimum of 2 years.
In some territories, the rules are still not amended, such as in Sharjah; if the motorists are found under the influence of alcohol, they are punished as decided by the court. Apart from that, the drivers will accumulate 23 black points and their vehicle will be impounded for at least 2 months.
5. License Suspension
Getting the license in the UAE is a big deal. It is not similar to other countries. If you are going to get the one, you must meet the criteria and rely on the medical.
Moreover, if you have one but are not fit, for example, with problems with eyesight or other medical issues, your license will be suspended under the right to drive. The authority will refuse to renew the license.
6. Driving without License
If a driver is caught without a driver’s license, they could be charged with a serious offence and face serious consequences. The driver will be punished with a hefty fine ranging from 200 to 10,000 dirhams.
If you are a foreigner, you must hold an international driving license in Dubai, and it helps to avoid the unexpected fine. If you are penalized once and caught again, you may end up in jail for 60 days and be fined up to AED 10000.
Also, the individuals who have a residence visa are eligible to apply for a driving license to seamlessly avoid the penalties imposed by the new traffic laws.
Conclusion
In wrapping up the following, above all, the traffic laws are amended in all seven states of the Emirates. As you can see, most of the violations are imposed for speeding. The laws especially regulate the driving license in terms of type, validity periods, eligibility age and the procedure for acquiring them.
FAQs
What documents should I always carry while driving under the new laws?
Under the 2025 regulations, you must have a driving license, vehicle registration card or digital copy and the Emirates ID.
What are the most severe penalties under the new system?
Major traffic violations that result in a fatal accident: Fines of up to 100,000 dirhams, license revocation for 5 years, and possible imprisonment
Excessive speeding (exceeding the 80 km/h limit): Fines of 50,000 dirhams, vehicle impoundment for 90 days, 24 black points, and license suspension for 1 year
Driving under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances: Fines of 40,000 dirhams, vehicle impoundment, mandatory rehabilitation program, and license suspension for at least 2 years
Reckless driving causing serious injury: Fines of 35,000 dirhams, 18 black points, and license suspension for 9 months
Running on public roads: Fines of 30,000 dirhams, vehicle impoundment, and license suspension for 6 months
Escape from traffic police: Fines of 25,000 dirhams, 12 black points, and possible imprisonment
Extremely unsafe modifications: Fines of 20,000 dirhams and permanent cancellation of vehicle registration
Intentionally running a red light For driving: 15,000 dirhams fine and 12 black points 12 black points
