The United Arab Emirates (UAE) government has announced new traffic regulations set to take effect on March 29, 2025, aimed at enhancing road safety across the nation.

The federal decree law introduces stringent penalties, including prison sentences and substantial fines for a range of traffic offences, as part of the government's efforts to curb reckless driving and protect public safety.

One of the notable changes involves jaywalking.

The new law specifies that individuals who cross streets from unauthorized areas may face imprisonment and fines ranging from Dh5,000 to Dh10,000, particularly if their actions lead to traffic accidents.

Enhanced penalties will apply to jaywalkers in areas with speed limits of 80 km/h or higher, imposing a minimum three-month imprisonment and a fine of at least Dh10,000.

The law also addresses driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Offenders may incur fines up to Dh200,000, alongside a minimum six-month suspension of their driving licenses for first-time violators.

Subsequent infractions may lead to one-year suspensions and the potential cancellation of licenses after the third offence.

Individuals caught driving under the influence of alcohol face penalties of imprisonment and fines ranging from Dh20,000 to Dh100,000.

A significant focus of the new regulations is the hit-and-run offence.

Those who fail to stop following a traffic incident that results in injury may face imprisonment of up to two years and fines ranging from Dh50,000 to Dh100,000.

Similar penalties apply to vehicle owners who do not provide necessary information regarding accidents and those who deliberately evade law enforcement.

Additionally, the law stipulates penalties for driving with a suspended license or an unrecognized foreign license, including fines and possible imprisonment.

Individuals caught driving without a proper license face similar consequences, and repeated violations can lead to increased penalties up to Dh100,000.

In instances where negligence causes death, the law imposes imprisonment and mandatory fines starting from Dh50,000, escalating to Dh100,000 if the offence involves severe circumstances such as driving under the influence or running a red light.

Further regulations address the misuse of license plates, prescribing fines not less than Dh20,000 for offences such as forging or altering license plate data.

The UAE government has emphasized that these new penalties, enacted under Federal Decree-Law No. 14 of 2024 on Traffic Regulation, do not preclude any additional penalties stipulated under other laws.

Meanwhile, in related news, authorities in Abu Dhabi have temporarily closed a food establishment due to non-compliance with food safety regulations.

The Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority announced the closure of Gold Lucky Baqala in Mussafah 9 after determining substantial public health risks associated with its operations, citing violations of the food safety Law No. (2) of 2008. Residents are encouraged to report food safety concerns to local authorities.