Authorities detail six reasons that can get a driver immediately arrested in UAE

The UAE government has issued a new federal decree-law regulating traffic in a bid to attain the highest levels of traffic safety, maintain road security and reduce traffic accidents.

The new traffic law, which came into effect on March 29, 2025, aims to enhance traffic safety and keep pace with technological developments in the fields of traffic, vehicles, and roads.

Those amendments included several provisions, most notably tougher penalties aimed at ensuring discipline and compliance with road safety standards and foiling any reckless attempts that could endanger the lives of drivers, passengers, or pedestrians.

Based on the above, traffic control officers may arrest any motorist if caught red-handed committing one of the following crimes:

1. Causing death or injury to a person while driving a vehicle.

2. Causing serious damage to the property of others while driving a vehicle.

3. Driving a vehicle recklessly or in a manner that poses a danger to the public.

4. Driving a vehicle under the influence of alcoholic beverages, narcotics, psychotropic substances, or the like, rendering the driver incapable of controlling the vehicle.

5. Refusing to give his name, address or any official document proving his personal information or giving an incorrect name or address in the event of any crime stipulated in this article.

6. Attempting to escape in the event of an accident that harms the safety of an individual, refusing to obey if ordered to stop by a traffic control officer or causing a chase on the road.