New UAE Traffic Law: 3 Ways Your Driving Licence Could Get Suspended

2025-03-25 02:50:28

(MENAFN- Khaleej Times)

With the new federal decree law on traffic regulations , the UAE has introduced a range of changes to improve road safety and penalise traffic violators.

The updated law includes stricter fines, new safety measures, and enhanced enforcement to reduce accidents and ensure safer driving conditions nationwide. These changes impact both motorists and pedestrians , with an emphasis on responsible road behaviour.

Under the new law, authorities can suspend, cancel, or refuse to renew a driving licence for various violations. Article (12) of the law specifies three cases where driving licences may be suspended or revoked:

Suspension of driving licence

The licensing authority may suspend, cancel or reject the renewal of any driving licence or permit if it is proven that the holder of the license or permit if it is determined that the holder is either unqualified or medically unfit to operate the vehicles they are authorized to drive. This regulation aims to enhance road safety by ensuring that only qualified and healthy individuals are allowed to drive.
The traffic control authority, in coordination with the licensing authority, may suspend the validity of any driving licence according to the security and traffic safety requirements.
The executive regulations of the law shall determine the procedures and controls for suspending, cancelling or rejecting the renewal of driving licences and permits, and the controls for re-assessing and rehabilitating drivers.

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Categories exempted from holding driving licence

In the UAE, certain categories of individuals are exempt from holding a driving licence to operate specific types of vehicles. These typically include:

Members of the military, security and police forces, when driving military vehicles, provided that permits are issued to do so by those authorities.

Drivers of vehicles registered and licensed in a foreign country are exempt from the UAE's vehicle registration and licensing requirements, provided they possess a valid driving license issued by the authorities in their home country, which is recognised in the UAE, or an international driving permit (IDP). This exemption applies temporarily to individuals in the UAE, such as tourists, visitors, or transit travellers, and allows them to drive foreign-registered vehicles during their stay. However, if they become residents, they must obtain a UAE driving license to continue driving.

Individuals holding valid international or foreign driving licences or temporary driving permits, who are allowed to stay in the country for non-residential purposes, in accordance with the regulations outlined in the new law.

Penalties

Anyone who drives a vehicle on UAE roads with a foreign driving licence that is not recognised in the country shall be punished by a fine of Dh2,000 to Dh10,000 for the first offence.

There will also be imprisonment for a period of not less than three months and a fine of Dh5,000 to Dh50,000 - or any of these two penalties - for repeated offences.

Right to recall, inspect vehicles

The law also grants licensing authorities the right to recall and inspect any vehicle at any time to verify its safety and compliance with regulations. If a vehicle is found unfit for use, the owner must carry out the necessary repairs. The vehicle will not be permitted on the road until it successfully passes technical inspection.

Article 26 of the law bans major vehicle modifications, including body alterations, engine power upgrades, or changing its color, without prior approval from the licensing authority. Owners must also complete the required procedures to ensure compliance with technical standards.

Additionally, no vehicle repair centre must repair any vehicle that has signs of accident or damage without a vehicle repair permit issued by the traffic control authority or whoever it authorises to do so.

The new law outlines four main conditions for obtaining a driving license.

The applicant must be at least 17 years old .
The applicant must pass a medical examination conducted by the licensing authority or submit an approved medical report.
Compliance with the executive regulations governing the licensing process.
Fulfillment of any additional requirements specified by the licensing authority.

Driving with an improper licence

The law imposes hefty fines on drivers caught driving without a licence or using a licence for a different type of vehicle. Motorists face imprisonment of up to three months and a fine of Dh5,000 to Dh50,000, or any one of these two penalties.

In case of repeated offence, the driver shall be punished by imprisonment of not less than three months and a fine of Dh20,000 to Dh100,000, or by one of these two penalties.

Motorists face imprisonment up to three months for driving with a suspended licence. A fine of not less than Dh10,000 may be imposed, or either of these penalties when caught violating the law.

Whoever commits any of the following acts shall be punished by imprisonment and/or a fine of not less than Dh20,000:

Forging or imitating a licence plate or using a forged or licence plate

Distorting, obliterating or altering the data of a licence plate

Allowing others to use a licence plate, knowing that it has been obliterated, defaced or altered.

Transferring a licence plate from one vehicle to another without the approval of the Licensing Authority.

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