UAE Tightens Traffic Laws with Hefty Penalties to Improve Road Safety

In a bid to enhance road safety across the country, the UAE Government has rolled out more stringent traffic penalties, set to take effect on March 29, 2025. The newly enacted Federal Decree Law No. 14 of 2024 focuses on tightening enforcement on a variety of road-related offences. The law includes severe punishments like jail sentences and fines reaching up to AED200,000, targeting violations ranging from minor infractions like jaywalking to serious crimes such as driving under the influence.

New Penalties for Key Violations

Jaywalking The penalty for jaywalking has increased significantly under the new regulations. Previously a AED400 fine, offenders now face fines between AED5,000 and AED10,000, particularly if their actions cause an accident. Those caught crossing roads with speed limits of 80 km/h or higher outside designated areas risk at least three months in prison or a fine of no less than AED10,000.

Driving Under the Influence The harshest penalties are reserved for those driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or other substances. Drivers found guilty of these offences will face up to AED200,000 in fines. For drug-related violations, a mandatory prison sentence and a minimum AED30,000 fine will be enforced. Repeat offenders face even tougher consequences: a six-month license suspension for first-time offenders, increasing to one year for a second violation, and permanent license revocation after the third. Alcohol-related offences carry fines between AED20,000 and AED100,000, with escalating license suspensions or cancellations for multiple infractions.

Hit-and-Run and Non-Cooperation with Authorities Offenders who flee accident scenes or fail to cooperate with authorities are subject to severe penalties. Running from an accident that causes injury can result in up to two years in prison and fines ranging from AED50,000 to AED100,000. Additional penalties apply for failure to provide crucial information after an accident or fleeing from law enforcement.

Driving with a Suspended or Invalid Licence Driving with a suspended license may lead to three months of imprisonment or a fine of at least AED10,000. Foreign nationals using unrecognized licenses face fines between AED2,000 and AED10,000 for a first offence, with repeat violations carrying up to three months in jail or fines between AED5,000 and AED50,000.

Unlicensed Driving Individuals driving without the proper license, or using a license intended for a different type of vehicle, can expect serious consequences. For first-time offenders, penalties range from three months in jail to fines of AED5,000 to AED50,000. Repeat offenders could face a minimum three-month prison sentence or fines between AED20,000 and AED100,000.

Fatal Accidents Caused by Negligence Drivers responsible for accidents that result in fatalities due to negligence are subject to prison time and a minimum fine of AED50,000. Aggravating circumstances—such as running red lights, driving under the influence, using a suspended license, or driving in hazardous weather conditions—can lead to at least one year in prison and fines of AED100,000.

Misuse of License Plates Tampering with license plates, including forgery or unauthorized use, is also addressed in the new law. Offenders may face fines starting from AED20,000 and potential imprisonment, especially if they knowingly permit others to use altered plates.

The UAE Government emphasized that these new penalties do not replace any stricter laws already in place. These regulations demonstrate the country’s ongoing commitment to road safety, ensuring that both drivers and pedestrians adhere to more cautious and responsible behaviors on the road.