Starting Saturday, March 29, the UAE will begin enforcing a new set of strict traffic penalties, including hefty fines and prison time, aimed at curbing reckless behavior on the roads and improving public safety.
Under the revised law, drivers caught under the influence of alcohol face fines between AED 20,000 to AED 100,000, jail time, or both. Repeat violations could lead to a six-month licence suspension, while a third offense will result in permanent cancellation.
Driving under the influence of drugs carries an even heavier fine—up to AED 200,000—plus mandatory jail time. Repeat offenders risk losing their licence for a year, with third-time offenders facing cancellation.
Fleeing the scene of an accident or failing to report it could now land motorists in jail for up to two years or attract fines ranging from AED 50,000 to AED 100,000.
Reckless drivers who cause fatal accidents will be imprisoned and fined AED 50,000. If the crash occurs under aggravating circumstances—such as drunk driving or passing through flooded areas—the penalty increases to a minimum of one year in jail and a fine of AED 100,000.
Jaywalkers on roads with speed limits above 80 km/h may face fines between AED 5,000 and AED 10,000 or even jail time if they cause an accident. This is a major shift from the current AED 400 penalty.
Driving with a suspended licence now carries up to three months in jail and/or a fine of AED 10,000. First-time violators using foreign licences not recognized by UAE authorities will be fined AED 2,000 to AED 10,000. Repeat violations can lead to AED 50,000 fines and at least three months behind bars.
The updated law, which was originally announced last October, also reduces the legal driving age from 18 to 17 and introduces guidelines for licensing self-driving and electric vehicles. A Federal Traffic Council is also set to be formed to help shape future policies.
Licensing will now be overseen digitally by the Ministry of Interior or local licensing departments across emirates, with a more unified and streamlined process to come.
