June 2, 2025 | Dubai- The UAE has implemented a major update to its traffic laws, aiming to secure safety on the roads and make many more drivers adhere to explicit safety stipulations. March 29, 2025, saw the enforcement of these new laws, called the UAE New Traffic Rule. Everyone must know that whatever changes they brought in mean tougher penalties and new sets of regulations.
Lower Driving Age and New Licensing Rules
The UAE New Traffic Rule has lifted the restrictive age limit for getting a driving licence from 18 to 17 years. This allows youngsters to drive legally, but only if they follow strict training and safety specifications. The law further requires that only licensed and authorised instructors teach driving, and the learner must be able to demonstrate control of the vehicle before being allowed to drive in heavy traffic.Â
According to the UAE New Traffic Rule, the licensing authority is also empowered to suspend, cancel, or refuse to renew a driving licence if the driver is determined to be unfit or medically incapable after tests of his or her mental and physical health, as well as criminal records. The public safety factor has been stressed very clearly by the UAE New Traffic Rule.
Minimum age for a driving licence: 17 years
Only licensed instructors can train new drivers
Authority can suspend or revoke licences for medical or safety reasons
UAE Traffic Fines and Penalties: What Drivers Must Know
The UAE New Traffic Rule has heightened the fines and penalties for nearly all violations that are currently known. It aims to reduce careless behaviour on the roads that endangers every road user. Here are some important traffic fines and penalties under the UAE New Traffic Rule:
Jumping a red light: AED 1,000 fine, 12 black points, and vehicle impounded for 30 days.
Exceeding speed limit by over 60 km/h: AED 2,000 fine, 12 black points, and vehicle impounded for 30 days.
Driving under the influence: Imprisonment, a fine of at least AED 30,000, and a licence suspended for at least six months for the first offence.
Repeat offences: Lead to longer suspensions and higher fines, up to AED 200,000.
Causing death or injury in an accident: Arrest and severe penalties, including possible jail time.
Driving with a suspended licence: Up to three months in jail or a fine of at least AED 10,000.
Allowing children under 10 in the front seat: AED 400 fine.
Failure to use a child car seat for children under 4: AED 400 fine
Other notable penalties:
Vehicle impoundment for serious offences or repeated violations
Fines up to AED 50,000 for major offences like using fake number plates or reckless driving
Repeat offenders face doubled impoundment time and higher release fees
Fine for jumping a red light: AED 1,000
Fine for speeding over 60 km/h: AED 2,000
Fine for driving under the influence: AED 30,000 (minimum for first offence)
Fine for jaywalking: AED 400; up to AED 10,000 and 3 months jail for serious cases
Maximum fine for major offences: AED 50,000
Black points for serious violations: Up to 24 points
Vehicle impoundment: Up to 90 days for some offences
The UAE New Traffic Rule and the increase in UAE traffic fines reflect the government’s earnestness in road safety. The country endeavours to minimise road accidents with reduced driving ages, stringent regulations for instructors, and higher fines for unsafe driving behaviour; in that way, all are safe on the roads. Every driver should acquaint himself or herself with these rules in order that he or she should not be subjected to huge penalties and that he or she may also work towards the safety of other people using the road.
