The UAE has rolled out a groundbreaking update to its traffic laws, lowering the minimum age for drivers to 17 as part of a wide-ranging decree aimed at modernizing road regulations. The decree introduces policies to align with global transportation trends, including support for self-driving and electric vehicles, and improved road safety through advanced technologies.
Under this law, advanced monitoring tools will help enforce safety, allowing authorities to identify and issue fines for road violations directly through digital systems. In a bid to streamline the licensing process, online platforms and smart applications will now facilitate permit issuance under the authority of the UAE’s Minister of Interior or local licensing bodies.
The new regulations address a broad spectrum of road users, including drivers and pedestrians. Pedestrians face stricter guidelines, with crossings prohibited on roads with speed limits exceeding 80 km/h, and any violations carrying potential legal consequences. For vehicle owners, the decree stipulates stringent rules against unauthorized modifications to vehicles, including alterations to the chassis, engine power, or color without prior licensing approval.
Driving trainers must also now obtain specific authorization, and insurance companies are mandated to cover full liability in cases of bodily harm or material damage caused by a vehicle, barring policies that might restrict compensation.
Violations under the new decree carry hefty fines and, in some cases, imprisonment. Fines for driving under the influence of alcohol range from AED 20,000 to AED 100,000, while drug-impaired driving penalties can reach up to AED 200,000 or imprisonment. Hit-and-run offenders face a potential year in jail and fines up to AED 100,000, with stricter penalties for aggravated circumstances, such as navigating flood-prone valleys.
In cases where a driver’s negligence results in fatalities, penalties escalate, especially if specific aggravating factors are involved. Additionally, pedestrians crossing roads outside designated areas risk fines of up to AED 10,000 if their actions lead to a traffic incident.
This comprehensive overhaul of UAE traffic laws represents a significant step forward in the region’s road safety framework, setting a new precedent in enforcement and responsibility across all levels of road use.
