The UAE has implemented updated traffic regulations to enhance road safety and penalize violators effectively. Here’s everything you need to know about the new law:
Driving Licence Suspension: Key Reasons
Under Article (12) of the new traffic law, driving licences may be suspended, canceled, or renewal refused for the following reasons:
- Unqualified or Medically Unfit Drivers: If the licensing authority determines that a driver is medically unfit or unqualified to operate authorized vehicles, their licence can be revoked to ensure road safety.
- Traffic and Security Concerns: Licensing authorities, in coordination with traffic control authorities, may suspend driving licences if required for public safety.
- Rehabilitation Procedures: The law includes procedures to reassess and rehabilitate drivers, ensuring compliance and capability.
Exemptions for Certain Categories
Some individuals can operate specific vehicles without holding UAE driving licences:
- Military and Police Personnel: These exemptions apply to members operating military vehicles with valid permits from relevant authorities.
- Visitors and Tourists: Temporary exemptions allow individuals with recognized foreign or international driving licences to drive foreign-registered vehicles during their stay in the UAE.
- Non-residents: Individuals staying in the country for non-residential purposes may operate vehicles with valid foreign or temporary driving permits.
Penalties for Non-compliance
The updated traffic law introduces severe penalties for violations:
- Foreign Driving Licence Misuse: A fine ranging from Dh2,000 to Dh10,000 is imposed for the first offence. Repeat offenders face imprisonment for at least three months and fines between Dh5,000 and Dh50,000.
- Driving Without a Licence: Motorists caught without a proper licence or driving vehicles outside their permitted categories face fines between Dh5,000 and Dh50,000 and up to three months of imprisonment.
- Repeated Offences: For repeated violations, offenders may face imprisonment for at least three months and fines ranging from Dh20,000 to Dh100,000.
Vehicle Safety and Compliance
The law empowers licensing authorities to recall and inspect vehicles to ensure roadworthiness. If a vehicle fails a safety inspection, its owner must repair it before using it on the road again.
Major vehicle modifications, such as body alterations or engine upgrades, require prior approval from the licensing authority. Unauthorized repairs on accident-damaged vehicles are also prohibited without permits from traffic control authorities.
Requirements for Obtaining a Driving Licence
The new law outlines four essential conditions for acquiring a driving licence in the UAE:
- Applicants must be at least 17 years old.
- Medical examinations or approved reports must confirm their fitness to drive.
- Compliance with executive licensing regulations is mandatory.
- Additional requirements set by licensing authorities must be fulfilled.
