UAE Tightens Traffic Laws: Jail Time and Fines Up to Dh200,000 for Jaywalking and Hit-and-Runs. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) recently introduced stringent changes to its traffic regulations, imposing increased fines and jail terms for a range of violations. Effective March 29, 2025, the Federal Decree-Law No. 14 of 2024 on Traffic Regulation aims to enhance road safety and address high-risk behaviors such as jaywalking, driving under the influence, and hit-and-run incidents. This comprehensive guide provides detailed insights into the revised law, including penalties for various offenses and specific circumstances that warrant more severe punishment.
Offenses and Penalties in the Updated UAE Traffic Law
1. Jaywalking: Strict Fines and Possible Jail Time
In a bid to reduce pedestrian-related accidents, the UAE has increased fines for jaywalking, especially in areas with high-speed traffic. Previously subject to a Dh400 fine, jaywalkers now face potential imprisonment and a fine of Dh5,000 to Dh10,000 if the offense results in a traffic accident. Additionally, if the jaywalking occurs in areas with a speed limit of 80 km/h or higher, violators may be subject to a minimum three-month jail term and a fine of no less than Dh10,000.
2. Driving Under the Influence: Heavy Fines and License Suspension
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol now comes with some of the steepest penalties in UAE traffic law. Violators can be fined up to Dh200,000, with imprisonment and other penalties imposed at the court’s discretion.
| Offense | Penalty | Additional Consequence |
|---|---|---|
| Driving under influence of drugs or narcotics | Minimum Dh30,000 fine + imprisonment | License suspension: 6 months for the first offense, 1 year for the second, and cancellation for subsequent violations |
| Driving under influence of alcohol | Fine between Dh20,000 – Dh100,000 + imprisonment | License suspension for 3 months on first offense, 6 months for the second, and cancellation on the third |
Drivers caught under the influence of alcohol face a fine of Dh20,000 to Dh100,000 and imprisonment. Additionally, the driver’s license will be suspended for progressively longer periods with each repeat offense, potentially leading to license cancellation on the third violation.
3. Hit-and-Run Incidents: Stiff Penalties for Fleeing Accident Scenes
To curb hit-and-run cases, UAE law now mandates up to two years of imprisonment and a fine between Dh50,000 and Dh100,000 for drivers who flee the scene of an accident resulting in injury. This includes failure to stop or provide essential information after an accident and deliberately colliding with law enforcement or security vehicles. Individuals attempting to evade police officers or obstructing investigations may also face serious consequences.
| Offense | Imprisonment | Fine |
|---|---|---|
| Failure to stop at accident site | Up to 2 years | Dh50,000 to Dh100,000 |
| Deliberate collision with traffic or security vehicles | As per court ruling | As per court ruling |
4. Driving Without a Proper License
Driving without the required license type, or using a suspended or foreign license not recognized in the UAE, will attract harsh penalties. Offenders face up to three months of jail time and fines ranging from Dh5,000 to Dh50,000. For repeat violations, penalties include longer imprisonment terms and higher fines.
| Scenario | Penalty Type | Fine Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Driving without a license | Jail up to 3 months | Dh5,000 – Dh50,000 |
| Using foreign license not recognized | Jail up to 3 months | Dh2,000 – Dh10,000 (1st offense), Dh5,000 – Dh50,000 for repeated offenses |
5. Causing Death Due to Negligence
Under the new law, individuals causing death on the road due to negligence will face severe penalties, including a mandatory fine of no less than Dh50,000 and imprisonment for a period decided by the court. The penalty increases under aggravating circumstances, such as running a red light or driving under the influence, with minimum fines of Dh100,000 and imprisonment of at least one year.
Aggravating Circumstances:
- Running a red light
- Driving under the influence of narcotics or alcohol
- Driving with a suspended or cancelled license
- Driving in hazardous areas, such as flood-prone valleys
In cases of aggravated negligence, penalties are significantly harsher, reflecting the UAE’s commitment to road safety.
6. Misuse of License Plates: Fines and Jail Time
Misuse or tampering with license plates also carries considerable penalties under the revised traffic law. Actions such as forging, altering, or transferring license plates without authorization from the licensing authority can result in a minimum fine of Dh20,000 and imprisonment. Additionally, knowingly allowing others to use a tampered license plate is equally punishable.
| Misuse Type | Fine | Additional Penalty |
|---|---|---|
| Forging or altering license plate | Dh20,000 minimum | Imprisonment as per court ruling |
| Allowing others to use tampered plate | Dh20,000 minimum | As per court ruling |
UAE’s Road Safety Initiatives and Law Enforcement Measures
The UAE Government’s revised traffic law emphasizes a zero-tolerance approach to risky behaviors on the road. By implementing stiffer penalties, the government aims to create safer roads and a more responsible driving environment. The law aligns with global road safety standards and reflects the UAE’s commitment to reducing accidents and ensuring public safety.
Special Circumstances and Additional Penalties
The updated regulations introduce additional provisions for various scenarios that compromise road safety:
- Driving with Foreign License: Individuals driving with a foreign license not recognized by UAE authorities face fines between Dh2,000 and Dh10,000 on the first offense, with subsequent violations leading to imprisonment or heavier fines.
- Suspended or Revoked License: Those found driving with a suspended or revoked license face a minimum three-month jail term and fines between Dh5,000 and Dh50,000, underscoring the UAE’s strict stance on unlicensed driving.
- Vehicle Ownership Responsibilities: Vehicle owners who fail to report accidents or provide accurate information regarding incidents involving their vehicles are liable for penalties up to Dh100,000, as well as possible jail terms.
- Public Safety Violations: Any deliberate collision with law enforcement, military, or traffic control vehicles can lead to penalties at the court’s discretion, reinforcing the priority on respecting public safety officials’ roles.
Offenses and Penalties Summary
| Offense Category | Specific Offenses | Penalty Type | Fine Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jaywalking | Crossing from undesignated areas, especially on high-speed roads | Jail + Fine | Dh5,000 – Dh10,000 |
| Driving Under Influence | Alcohol or narcotic substances | Jail + Fine + License suspension | Up to Dh200,000 |
| Hit-and-Run | Fleeing accident scene, not providing information | Jail + Fine | Dh50,000 – Dh100,000 |
| Unlicensed Driving | No license, suspended license, foreign license not recognized | Jail + Fine | Dh5,000 – Dh50,000 |
| Negligence Leading to Death | Aggravated circumstances like red light, DUI | Jail + Fine | Dh50,000 – Dh100,000 |
| Misuse of License Plate | Forging, altering, unauthorized use | Jail + Fine | Dh20,000 minimum |
Conclusion
The revised UAE traffic regulations highlight the government’s commitment to ensuring public safety and reducing road-related accidents. With stringent fines, mandatory jail terms, and clear repercussions for repeat offenses, these measures aim to deter dangerous behaviors on the road and promote a culture of responsible driving. As the new regulations come into effect in 2025, motorists and pedestrians alike must stay informed and adhere to these enhanced laws to contribute to a safer UAE.
