UAE’s New Traffic Rules: What Drivers Ought to Know

A comprehensive overhaul of the UAE’s traffic legislation has come into effect, with Federal Decree-Law No. 14 of 2024 officially enacted on March 29. This significant update introduces stricter provisions regarding driving eligibility, license suspension, vehicle impoundment, and driver arrest—all aimed at improving road safety and echoing the country’s smart transport vision.

Lower Driving Age, Stricter Oversight

One of the most striking changes in this new legislation is the reduction of the minimum driving age to 17. While eager young drivers might rejoice, applicants must still meet medical and fitness standards. Licensing authorities now possess enhanced powers to suspend, revoke, or deny a driver’s license if they are deemed unfit—either physically or mentally, or if their driving poses a public safety risk.

Moreover, driving instruction is now under stricter scrutiny. Only certified instructors with valid permits are permitted to train new drivers. Importantly, driving in populated areas is prohibited unless the instructor is confident in the trainee’s ability to safely operate the vehicle, ensuring that safety remains a priority from the very beginning of a driver’s journey.

Expanded Arrest Powers

Article 31 of the new law details six specific scenarios in which traffic officers can arrest a driver on the spot. These scenarios include:

• Causing death or injury while driving
• Inflicting major damage to property
• Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or similar substances
• Reckless or dangerous driving
• Refusal to provide accurate personal details or submitting false documents
• Fleeing the scene of an accident or evading a police order to stop

These provisions have been designed to address serious breaches of traffic safety and ensure prompt legal accountability, reinforcing the message that reckless behavior on the road will not be tolerated.

Vehicle Impoundment Regulations

Under Article 32, traffic authorities now have the authority to impound vehicles in specific situations, which include:

• Vehicles deemed unfit for road use, such as those missing essential features like brakes, lights, number plates, or silencers
• Instances of an unlicensed individual driving a vehicle on two occasions
• Unlicensed individuals operating a vehicle, unless they fall under specific exemptions
• Vehicles that have undergone unauthorized modifications without approval from the licensing authority
• Vehicles linked to ongoing criminal investigations and required as evidence
• Other scenarios as specified in the executive regulations of the law

If a vehicle is deemed technically defective, it may only be transported to a repair facility by a tow truck or authorized carrier, ensuring that unsafe vehicles are promptly removed from the roads.

License Suspension and Medical Fitness

The updated legislation emphasizes the connection between road safety and driver health more than ever. Licensing authorities now have the power to act on medical reports or behavioral assessments when considering licensing. This means that drivers might be subjected to reassessments or even mandatory rehabilitation programs if concerns about their fitness to drive arise.

The definition of ‘unfitness to drive’ is notably broad, extending to conditions that impair physical coordination or mental stability, as well as any past criminal conduct that poses a risk to public safety. This comprehensive approach aims to minimize risks associated with unsafe drivers on the road.

Supporting a Smarter Transport System

Beyond punitive measures, this new legal framework seeks to modernize regulations in sync with technological advancements. It includes revamped vehicle classifications and provisions for incorporating intelligent transport systems into the road network. These changes resonate with the UAE’s long-term vision of creating a safe, efficient, and innovative transport infrastructure.

By tightening enforcement and updating outdated regulations, the UAE aspires to reduce accidents, promote responsible driving behavior, and bolster its reputation as a global leader in transport innovation, ensuring that safety and technological advancement go hand-in-hand.