Jaywalking, hit-and-runs: Jail, up to Dh200,000 fine as UAE tightens traffic law

UAE Announces Stricter Traffic Laws: Hefty Fines & Jail Terms for Violations

The UAE Government has introduced new traffic regulations under Federal Decree-Law No. 14 of 2024, which will come into effect on March 29, 2025. The law aims to enhance road safety across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and other emirates by imposing hefty penalties, imprisonment, and stricter enforcement for serious violations.

Fines up to Dh200,000
Stricter penalties for reckless driving, hit-and-run cases, and unlicensed driving
Tougher measures against driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs

Jaywalking & Crossing from Undesignated Areas: Stricter Penalties

Current Fine: Dh400
New Penalty: Dh5,000 – Dh10,000 if the offence leads to an accident
Stricter Penalties for High-Speed Roads:

For crossing roads with an 80km/h speed limit or higher:

• Imprisonment of at least three months

• Fine of at least Dh10,000

Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol & Drugs

Strict Penalties for Drunk Driving in UAE

Driving under the influence of drugs or narcotics:

• Fine up to Dh200,000

• Mandatory imprisonment

• Driving licence suspension:

  • 6 months for the first offence

  • 1 year for the second offence

  • Permanent cancellation after the third offence

Driving under the influence of alcohol:

• Imprisonment + Fine of Dh20,000 – Dh100,000

• Licence suspension:

  • 3 months for the first offence

  • 6 months for the second offence

  • Cancellation after the third offence

Hit-and-Run & Failure to Provide Information

Hit-and-run cases or refusing to cooperate with authorities will now carry severe punishments:

Imprisonment (up to 2 years) + Fine (Dh50,000 – Dh100,000) for:

• Fleeing the scene of an accident resulting in injuries

• Failing to provide required information in an accident

• Evading police officers

• Deliberately colliding with security, military, or traffic authority vehicles

Driving Without a Valid UAE Licence: Jail Time & Heavy Fines

Driving with a suspended licence:
Penalty: Up to 3 months in jail + Dh10,000 fine

Driving with an unrecognized foreign licence:
First offence: Dh2,000 – Dh10,000 fine
Repeated offences: 3-month jail term + Dh5,000 – Dh50,000 fine

Driving without a licence or using a licence for the wrong vehicle type:
Penalty: Up to 3 months in jail + Dh5,000 – Dh50,000 fine
Repeat offenders: At least 3 months imprisonment + Dh20,000 – Dh100,000 fine

Example: A car driver cannot ride a motorcycle without the appropriate licence.

Causing Death Due to Negligence: Severe Punishments

Base Penalty: Imprisonment + Minimum fine of Dh50,000

Harsher penalties (minimum 1-year jail + Dh100,000 fine) for:

• Jumping a red light

• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs

• Driving with a suspended or cancelled licence

• Driving in a flooded valley during heavy rains

Stay safe and follow UAE traffic rules to avoid hefty fines and legal consequences.

Misusing Licence Plates: Jail & Fines Up to Dh20,000+

Offences include:
Forging or altering a licence plate
Using a fake or defaced licence plate
Transferring a plate without approval

Penalty: Imprisonment and/or fine of at least Dh20,000

Key Takeaways on UAE’s New Traffic Law (Effective March 29, 2025):

Jaywalking fines increased (up to Dh10,000 for accident-related violations)
Driving under influence = Fines up to Dh200,000 + Jail + Licence suspension
Hit-and-run = Up to 2 years imprisonment + Dh100,000 fine
Unlicensed driving = Heavy fines + Jail terms for repeat offenders
Traffic deaths due to negligence = Minimum Dh100,000 fine + 1-year jail

The UAE Government confirms that these penalties apply alongside other existing laws.

Follow us for more updates on Dubai’s road safety rules and UAE traffic laws!