The UAE has introduced a new traffic law, Federal Decree-Law No. (14) of 2024 on Traffic Regulation, set to come into effect on March 29, 2025. A key aspect of this new legislation is the reduction of the minimum age to obtain a driving licence for cars and light vehicles from 18 to 17 years.

The law outlines key conditions for both obtaining a driving licence and the circumstances under which it may be suspended.

Eligibility requirements for acquiring a driving licence include:

Minimum Age: Applicants must be at least 17 years old, as per the Gregorian calendar.

Medical Examination: A medical examination must be passed, or an approved medical report submitted, in compliance with the law's Executive Regulations.

Driving Test: Candidates must successfully complete a driving test as specified in the law's Executive Regulations.

Licence Types and Requirements: The Executive Regulations will further define the various types of driving licences, including their validity periods and specific conditions, as well as the age groups qualified for each variety.

The law also stipulates the conditions under which a driving licence can be suspended.

Article 12 specifies that a licence may be suspended or cancelled, or its renewal rejected, under circumstances such as:

If the holder is deemed unqualified or medically unfit to drive the vehicle type permitted by their licence.

If suspension is necessary to ensure public traffic safety and security, as determined by the Traffic Control Authority, in coordination with the Licensing Authority.

Regulations governing the processes for licence suspension, cancellation, or renewal rejection will also be delineated in the Executive Regulations, which will include guidelines for the reassessment and rehabilitation of drivers whose licences are suspended.

Serious offences, including drunk driving and reckless behaviour, are addressed in Article 31 of the new law, granting the Traffic Control Authority the authority to arrest offenders for:

Causing death or injury while driving.

Inflicting significant damage to property during vehicle operation.

Reckless driving that endangers public safety.

Operating a vehicle under the influence of harmful substances.

Refusal to provide identification following an incident.

Moreover, the law outlines stringent penalties for driving without a valid licence or using an unrecognised foreign licence.

First-time offenders face fines ranging from Dh2,000 to Dh10,000, while repeat offences can lead to imprisonment for at least three months and/or fines increasing to between Dh5,000 and Dh50,000.

For driving without a valid licence or with one outside the appropriate category, penalties start with potential jail time of up to three months and fines from Dh5,000 to Dh50,000 for first offences, escalating significantly for repeat violations.