Fines now up to Dhs100,000 for violating traffic rules

The new traffic law in the UAE has introduced severe penalties, including imprisonment, licence revocation and hefty fines of up to Dhs100,000, to enhance road safety and deter violations.

These violations included crossing roads outside designated pedestrian areas, resulting in an accident, which is punished by one or both of the penalties: Dhs5,000 to Dhs10,000 and possible jail term.

The law also stated that crossing outside designated areas on roads with speed limits of 80 kilometres/h or higher is punished by minimum 3 months in jail and a fine of minimum Dhs10,000.

Regarding fatal accidents caused due to negligence, the law affirmed that causing death due to vehicle misuse is punished by one or both of a fine of minimum Dhs50,000 or possible jail term.

In case the accident is caused by jumping a red light, driving under the influence of alcohol/drugs, or driving with a suspended/cancelled licence, one or both of these penalties applied: imprisonment for a minimum of one year or a fine of minimum Dhs100,000.

According to the law, failing to stop after an accident resulting in injuries without a valid excuse is punished by one or both of imprisonment for up to 1 year and a fine of Dhs50,000 to Dhs100,000.

The law affirmed also that withholding information about an accident or its perpetrator, same penalties as above are applied.

These are also applied in case of fleeing from police or causing a chase or intentionally colliding with police, military, or security vehicles during duty.

According to the law, any one who refuses to give name, address, or provides false information to uniformed or identified traffic officers is punished with one or both of these penalties: imprisonment for up to 3 months and a fine of Dhs10,000 to Dhs20,000.

The new Traffic Law in the UAE came into effect on March 29, 2025, incorporating amendments which align with technological advancements in road safety and security.

The new law exempts three categories from obtaining a driver’s licence, including: Military, Security, and Police vehicle drivers.

Due to the unique nature of their work, they are exempt from obtaining the driver’s licence but must carry permits issued by their employers.

The second category is drivers of foreign-registered vehicles, but must hold valid licences issued by the competent authorities in their home country and recognised in the UAE.

The third exempted category is includes holders of temporary international or foreign licences, who are authorised to stay in the UAE for non-residency purposes.