UAE’s New Traffic Law from March 29: 3 Categories Exempt from Licence

The UAE government has introduced a new traffic law that will take effect on March 29. This law brings stricter rules for drivers and heavy penalties for those who break the law.

Who Can Drive Without a UAE Licence?
According to the law, three types of people do not need a UAE driving licence:

Foreign drivers – If a person is driving a car registered in another country and holds a valid licence from their home country, they can drive in the UAE.

International licence holders – Tourists or visitors with a valid international licence can drive in the UAE during their stay.

Temporary licence holders – People with valid temporary international or foreign licences can drive in the UAE if they are not residents.

Rules for Getting a UAE Driving Licence
The law lists four main conditions to apply for a UAE driving licence:

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The person must be at least 17 years old.

They must pass a medical test to prove they are fit to drive.

They must pass the driving test as per the rules.

The law also defines different types of licences, their validity, and renewal process.

When Can a Licence Be Suspended?
A driving licence may be cancelled or suspended if:

The driver is found medically unfit.

Authorities believe the driver is a danger to road safety.

The police may suspend a licence for security reasons.

The full rules for suspension and cancellation will be explained in the executive regulations of the law.

Serious Offenses That Can Lead to Arrest
The law states that a driver can be arrested for these six serious violations:

Causing death or serious injury due to reckless driving.

Damaging someone’s property while driving.

Driving dangerously and putting others at risk.

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Giving false personal information or refusing to show identification.

Running away from an accident scene, especially if someone is hurt.

When Can Police Seize a Car?
Authorities can impound a car in these cases:

If the car is not roadworthy or lacks required registration details.

If a driver is caught twice without a valid licence.

If an unlicensed person is caught driving the car.

If the car has major illegal modifications.

If the car is linked to a criminal case.

In any other cases specified in the law.

Big Fines for Driving Without a Licence
The penalties for driving without a valid licence are:

First-time offense: A fine between Dh2,000 and Dh10,000.

Repeat offense: Jail for at least three months and a fine between Dh5,000 and Dh50,000.

If a person drives without any licence at all, they face:

A fine of Dh5,000 to Dh50,000 or three months in jail.

For repeat offenders, at least three months in jail and a fine of Dh20,000 to Dh100,000.

New Rules for Pedestrians
Pedestrians must cross roads only at designated places.

Crossing roads with speed limits over 80 km/h is illegal.

If a pedestrian crosses illegally and causes an accident, they will be responsible.

Strict Penalties for Causing Death in an Accident
If a driver kills someone in an accident, they will face:

Jail time and a fine of at least Dh50,000.

If the accident happened due to running a red light, drunk driving, or other serious violations, the driver will get at least one year in jail and a fine of Dh100,000.

Why This Law Is Important
The new traffic law is designed to improve road safety, stop reckless driving, and make sure only trained drivers are on the roads. The UAE government wants to reduce accidents and make the roads safer for everyone.