Heftier fines, jail term for traffic violators under new UAE law

Imprisonment and penalties of up to AED 200,000 will come into effect for a number of traffic violations starting Saturday, March 29, as the UAE amends the law to improve road safety. 

A decree, issued last October, outlined the penalties for serious offences like driving under the influence or fleeing the scene of an accident, misusing licence plates or driving with a suspended licence.

Those crossing at undesignated areas on roads with speed limits over 80 km per hour could face jail term or fines ranging between AED5,000 and AED10,000 if they cause an accident. Currently, jaywalking results in a AED400 fine.

Stricter punishment also awaits those caught driving under the influence, with fines ranging between Dh20,000-Dh100,000, a jail term or both. The driving licence will also be suspended between 3 and 6 months for repeat offenders and cancellation for the third instance.

Those driving under the influence of drugs will face penalties between AED 30,000 and Dh200,000, and a jail term, with repeat offenders having their licence suspended for up to a year, and cancelled for third-time offenders.

Fleeing an accident or failure to stop or provide information to the police after causing an accident could lead to a prison term of not more than two years and/or fines ranging between AED 50,000 to AED 100,000. 

Reckless drivers who cause the death of another person will be imprisoned and fined AED 50,000. And, if the accident happens under "severe circumstances" like driving under the influence or through flooded areas, then the penalty will be at least one year in jail and/or AED100,000 in fines.

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A jail term of up to three months and/or a fine of AED 10,000 will be handed to those caught driving with a suspended licence. If found driving with a foreign licence unrecognised by the UAE, fines ranging between AED2,000 and AED10,000 will be handed to first-time offenders. For repeat offenders, the penalty will go up to AED 50,000 and/or a jail term of not less than three months.

The decree, published in October, also detailed a streamlined online licensing system that will be managed by the Minister of Interior or local licensing authorities in each emirate. Additionally, a new 'Federal Traffic Council' will be established, with its structure and responsibilities defined by a cabinet resolution.

The law also reduced the legal age for securing a driving licence from 18 years to 17 years, and outlined new rules for electric and self-driving cars.  A cabinet resolution will outline the procedures for inspecting, licensing and renewing licences for self-driving cars, alongside mechanisms for testing new vehicle technologies.