UAE and road safety have long been a priority, and in a bid to further uphold this dedication, the government plans to implement new traffic regulations in the UAE that will come into effect on March 29, 2025. By implementing these new regulations, the UAE will minimize traffic offenses, enhance its safety, and enforce harsher punishments for non-adherence. Learning these UAE traffic rules can help you avoid high fines and prepare you to handle any updates. In this blog, we will cover everything you need to know about the new traffic regulation in the UAE, including the latest updates to driving licences, new jaywalking fines, and the process for registering self-driving vehicles in Dubai.
UAE: The Analysis of New Traffic Rules
With the introduction of new traffic rules in the UAE, the government is superficially regulating both drivers and pedestrians. All these regulations are in place to improve road safety and reduce accidents. It is essential to familiarize yourself with these new laws, particularly regarding UAE driving licences, to avoid fines and potential jail time.
Minimum Age to be able to get a UAE Driving Licence
The initial breakthrough in the new traffic codes in the UAE is the requirement for a minimum driving licence to obtain a UAE driving licence. The legal Age to apply for a UAE driving licence has been reduced by 17 years to 18, as was previously the case. This amendment will enable younger people to have more access to driving when they can get their UAE driving licence at an earlier age, as long as they fulfil other conditions, including the medical examination and the driving test.
The penalties for Jaywalking in the UAE
Among the most noticeable changes in the UAE traffic legislation regarding jaywalking, it is worth noting that the crackdown has ended. The penalties for jaywalking in the UAE have become more stringent than ever before. In case a civilian is caught crossing the road out of a designated crossing area, they would receive a maximum AED fine of up to 10,000 and a jail term of up to three months. In addition, a person may be liable for damages should an accident transpire because of jaywalking. These jaywalking penalties in the UAE aim to reduce pedestrian-related accidents and ensure safer walking practices.
Self-Driving Car Registration in Dubai: The Future of Transportation
As part of the UAE’s efforts to integrate advanced technologies into its transport systems, self-driving car registration in Dubai is now mandatory for all autonomous vehicles. This regulation aligns with the UAE’s self-driving transportation strategy that was introduced in 2017.
To guarantee the safety of such vehicles on the roads, all autonomous cars in Dubai are to be inspected regularly and meet the high demands of the licensing process. Along with the UAE’s aim to decrease traffic-related deaths and achieve an intelligent and more sustainable future, the new regulation serves as a component. When Dubai registers self-driving cars, all autonomous vehicles will be subject to the same registration, inspection, and renewal requirements as regular cars, ensuring their registration and compliance with Dubai and the new traffic laws in the UAE are safe.
Reckless Driving: Stricter Penalties for Dangerous Drivers
It is a priority issue of reckless driving in the UAE, and the new traffic laws have been introduced to stop this dangerous behavior by using harsh punishments. Those drivers who are found guilty of reckless driving activities like speeding or driving under the influence of alcohol are subjected to one of the highest fines and even penalties imposed by the UAE traffic laws.
Under the new rules, careless drivers shall be subjected to:
- Fines of AED 100,000 for dangerous driving.
- Up to 60 days of vehicle impoundment.
- Up to a two-year jail term for it-and-run cases.
The purpose of these penalties is to encourage drivers to adopt safe driving techniques and appreciate road safety in the UAE. Therefore, it is vital to obey all the new traffic regulations in the UAE.
Driving Without a Licence: Increased Fines and Penalties
Driving without a UAE driving licence is by no means a light offence, and since the update of the laws, the penalties for driving without a licence have only become harsher. Anyone found without an approved UAE driving licence may face a fine of AED 2,000 to AED 10,000.
In addition, habitual offenders can be imprisoned for no longer than two months, and their vehicles can be confiscated. To avoid being included in this category, ensure your UAE driving licence does not expire. If you are a guest, you can obtain an international driving licence to comply with the UAE’s new traffic laws.
UAE Traffic Fines: How to Avoid Them
Due to the new set of traffic fines in the UAE, all drivers as well as pedestrians should be more careful. Offences like jaywalking without a driver’s licence can result in fines. So here is how to prevent these penalties:
- Speed limits should be observed and followed as with any road signs.
- Cross in designated places and avoid crossing irregularly to comply with jaywalking fines in the UAE.
- Make sure your driving licence in the UAE is in order and have it with you at all times.
- Check the registration of your self-driving car in Dubai.
To check your traffic fines in the UAE, visit the Ministry of Interior’s electronic portal or that of your local police.
Conclusion: Stay Compliant with the New Traffic Laws in the UAE
Due to the new traffic regulations in the UAE coming into force on March 29, 2025, it is vital to stay informed and ensure compliance. Starting with the updated minimum Age required to obtain a driving license in the UAE and ending with the requirement to register a self-driving automobile in Dubai, as well as the increased jaywalking fines in the UAE, these regulations will make the roads safer to travel.
Ensure your UAE driving licence is valid, drive carefully, and be aware of the self-driving car registration laws in Dubai. With these new traffic regulations in the UAE, you will be making roads safer and contributing to fewer incidents related to traffic.
To know the latest traffic laws in the UAE and other updates on UAE traffic fines, get prepared to check the official news issued by the Ministry of Interior and local police.
Read more: How to check UAE Visa Status
FAQs
Q1: Does the UAE have a 50 per cent traffic fines discount?
A: Yep, in the UAE, at the end of every year, the government tends to give cuts on traffic fines. More can be read in the police announcements of your local emirate.
Q2: How Can I Reduce My Traffic Fine in the UAE?
A: To minimize or evade traffic tickets in the UAE, follow the new traffic regulations. Maintain speed limits, ensure you practice with a UAE driving licence, and do not get caught breaking other laws like jaywalking.
Q3: What are the New Traffic Rules in Dubai?
A: The new traffic regulations in Dubai consist of the amended minimum Age to obtain a UAE driving licence, the required self-driving car registration in Dubai, and amended jaywalking fines in the UAE.
