The new traffic decree-law sets forth the conditions for obtaining a driving licence
The Federal Decree-Law No. (14) of 2024 concerning the regulation of traffic, issued by the UAE Government last year, came into force on 29 March. The law introduces substantial amendments aimed at enhancing road safety, regulating traffic flow, and ensuring compliance with safe driving standards. These include three cases for immediate suspension or revocation of a driving licence, three cases allowing for the arrest of a driver, and six circumstances under which a vehicle may be impounded. The provisions of the law also address the procedures for issuing, suspending, and revoking driving licences.
Specific grounds for suspension or revocation of driving licences
The new traffic decree-law sets forth the conditions for obtaining a driving licence, including a minimum age requirement of 17 years for individuals.
It also outlines regulations for driving instructors. No person is permitted to provide driving instruction unless they hold a valid driving licence for the class of vehicle used for instruction and have been authorised to do so by the licensing authority. Moreover, instructors may not allow trainees to drive on public roads within populated areas unless they are confident that the trainee is capable of controlling the vehicle properly and safely.
The law authorises the licensing authority to suspend, revoke, or refuse to renew any driving licence or permit if the holder is found to be unfit or medically incapable of safely operating a vehicle for which the licence or permit was issued.
In terms of penalties, the new law sets out specific conditions under which a driving licence may be suspended or revoked immediately:
- The licensing authority may suspend or revoke a driving licence or permit, or refuse its renewal, if the holder is deemed unfit or medically incapable of operating a vehicle.
- The traffic enforcement authority, in coordination with the licensing authority, may suspend a driving licence on grounds of public safety or security concerns.
- The executive regulations of the law will specify the procedures and conditions for suspension, revocation, or non-renewal of licences or permits, along with the criteria for reassessment and rehabilitation of drivers.
The concept of unfitness to drive includes mental competence, physical health, and the absence of criminal records that would otherwise disqualify a person from obtaining a driving licence.
Driving licences for 17-year-olds
One notable provision in the decree-law is the allowance for individuals aged 17 to obtain a driving licence—a highly anticipated change aimed at providing a legal framework for safe driving by younger drivers.
The new traffic law seeks to align with the rapid developments in transport technologies by updating vehicle classifications, integrating modern technologies on roads, and establishing clear regulations regarding the issuance or revocation of driving licences. This reflects the UAE’s broader efforts to support intelligent transport infrastructure.
Regulations for driving instructors
As previously noted, the decree-law stipulates that individuals must be at least 17 years of age to apply for a driving licence. It further restricts driving instruction to those licensed and authorised to train others. Trainees may not drive in populated areas unless they have demonstrated sufficient vehicle control.
Additionally, the licensing authority retains the right to suspend, cancel, or refuse to renew a driving licence or permit if the holder is deemed medically or mentally unfit.
Driver arrest
Under the new law, traffic enforcement officers may arrest any driver caught in the act of committing the following offences:
- Causing death or injury to another person as a result of driving.
- Causing significant damage to another’s property due to driving.
- Driving in a reckless or dangerously irresponsible manner.
- Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any other substances that impair control.
- Refusing to provide accurate personal details (name, address, official documents) at the scene of an incident, or giving false information.
- Attempting to flee the scene of an accident that endangered a person’s safety, or failing to stop when ordered to do so by traffic enforcement personnel, resulting in a road pursuit.
(Article 32) Vehicle impoundment
The law grants traffic enforcement officers the authority to impound vehicles in any of the following situations:
- If the vehicle is unroadworthy, lacks required features such as proper number plates, silencers, brakes, or lighting, especially at night. In such cases, the vehicle must be repaired before being used again and may only be transported to a repair centre by tow or carrier vehicle, depending on the type of vehicle involved.
- If a driver is caught driving without a valid licence on two separate occasions. The vehicle will be impounded and will not be released until the appropriate licence is presented to the authorities, along with compliance with other conditions specified in the executive regulations.
- If the vehicle is driven by an unlicensed individual, unless exempt. The vehicle may only be released to the legal owner or an authorised representative.
- If the vehicle has undergone major unauthorised modifications to its chassis, structure, engine power, or colour without approval from the licensing authority, or is used in violation of licensing conditions.
- If the vehicle is involved in a criminal case and its seizure is necessary as evidence in court proceedings.
- Any other situation specified by the executive regulations of the decree-law.
By: New UAE traffic law enhances road safety and regulations
