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The UAE lowered the minimum driving age to 17 from 18 previously, and introduced new traffic regulations through a federal decree-law, effective from 29 March 2025, according to the UAE government. The law includes severe penalties for serious offenses, such as driving under the influence, fleeing accident scenes, and jaywalking. It will also see the establishment of a Federal Traffic Council.
The law will also establish inspection and licensing requirements for self-driving vehicles, with a cabinet resolution set to detail procedures. The licensing authority will create online platforms for obtaining licenses and permits.
Penalties and fines were updated as follows:
- Driving under the influence of alcohol: Imprisonment and a fine between AED 20-100k or either penalty, as well as a suspension of the license for varying periods depending on whether it’s a first-time or a repeat offense;
- Driving under the influence of narcotics: Imprisonment and a fine between AED 30-200k, or either penalty, with the driver’s license suspended for either six months or a year depending on whether it’s a first-time or repeat offense, and canceled on the third repeat;
- Driving with a suspended license: Imprisonment for up to three months and a minimum fine of not less than AED 10k, or either penalty;
- Fleeing an accident scene: Imprisonment for up to one year and a fine between AED 50-100k or either penalty;
- Causing death through negligence: Imprisonment and a fine of no less than AED 50k; if under aggravating circumstances, imprisonment for at least one year and a fine of no less than AED 100k;
- Improper road crossings: Imprisonment and a minimum fine of AED 10k if crossing roads with a minimum speed limit of 80km per hour, and a fine between AED 5-10k for other roads if resulting in an accident.
