Starting March 29, 2025, the UAE will implement new traffic laws designed to enhance road safety, with some violations carrying fines as high as 200,000 dirhams (about half a crore rupees). Here’s a breakdown of the key offenses and penalties under the new law:
1. Jaywalking
- Current Fine: 400 dirhams
- New Penalty: If jaywalking causes a traffic accident, offenders face imprisonment and a fine of 5,000 to 10,000 dirhams.
- Speed Limit: For crossing roads in areas with a speed limit of 80 km/h or more, violators face 3 months imprisonment and a fine of 10,000 dirhams or more.
2. Drunk Driving
- Penalty: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs could result in a fine of up to 200,000 dirhams.
- License Suspension:
- First offense: 6 months
- Second offense: 1 year
- Third offense: Permanent suspension.
3. Failure to Provide Traffic Accident Information
- Penalty: Fines of 50,000 to 100,000 dirhams and imprisonment for up to 2 years for:
- Failing to stop after an accident.
- Escaping from police officers.
- Colliding with traffic or military vehicles intentionally.
4. Driving with Unrecognized or Suspended License
- Penalty: Driving with an unrecognized foreign license or a suspended license carries:
- Fine: Between 2,000 to 10,000 dirhams for the first offense.
- Repeat Offenses: Imprisonment and a fine between 5,000 and 50,000 dirhams.
5. Causing Death Through Negligence
- Penalty: Causing a fatal accident due to negligence results in:
- Imprisonment and a fine of at least 50,000 dirhams.
- Aggravating Circumstances: If the death occurred due to running a red light, driving under the influence, or driving with a suspended license, the penalty increases to 1-year imprisonment and a fine of at least 100,000 dirhams.
6. License Plate Offenses
- Penalty: Using forged or counterfeit license plates, or tampering with plate data, carries:
- Imprisonment and/or a fine of at least 20,000 dirhams for violations such as:
- Forging or using a counterfeit license plate.
- Distorting, deleting, or changing license plate data.
- Imprisonment and/or a fine of at least 20,000 dirhams for violations such as:
7. Other Notable Offenses
- Driving in Flood-Affected Areas: Special penalties for driving in flood-prone zones during adverse weather conditions.
- Misuse of License Plates: Heavy fines and potential imprisonment for unauthorized use or transfer of license plates.
These changes emphasize stricter enforcement of road safety laws, aiming to reduce accidents and improve the overall driving experience in the UAE. Violators should be aware of the severe penalties and take necessary precautions to stay compliant with the new traffic regulations.