UAE Unveils Major Traffic Law Overhaul for 2027: From Driving Limits to Vehicle Registration

Starting January 1, the UAE is set to implement significant changes to its traffic laws, aiming to reduce accident rates, alleviate congestion, enhance child passenger safety, and limit daily driving hours for motorists. This comprehensive road legislation update is a cornerstone of the government's ongoing safety initiative, designed to accommodate the increasing demands on the nation's transport network driven by substantial population growth. These updated regulations within the federal traffic law are expected to affect millions of individuals who use the country's roads daily. The National provides a detailed overview of the measures all road users should be aware of as authorities introduce these changes at the beginning of the New Year.

Nine-Hour Driving Limit

The revised federal law establishes a maximum driving duration of nine hours within any 24-hour period to combat driver fatigue. While it remains unclear if this rule applies to both private and professional drivers, it is anticipated to have considerable implications for taxi, bus, and delivery service operators and their employees. The National is seeking clarification from the authorities regarding the practical application of this limit.

Minimum Age for E-Scooters

Under the amended law, the minimum age requirement for operating an e-scooter has been set at 15. A permit for e-scooter use, valid for three years, will now be obtainable from the age of 15. The new decision does not specify whether Dubai's existing age restriction of 16 will be altered or how these two requirements will be reconciled. The traffic regulations will permit the issuance of three types of permits by licensing authorities, covering e-bikes, e-scooters, and small-wheeled cycles (mopeds and scooters). These modes of transport are restricted to routes and roads designated by the licensing authority or the relevant traffic control authority in each emirate. A classification system for personal mobility devices, commonly used for 'last-mile' journeys, will be introduced. This system will encompass bicycles, e-bikes, e-scooters, small-wheeled cycles, skateboards, and mobility aids for the elderly and individuals with disabilities.

Technical Requirements for E-Scooters and E-Bikes

Article 4 of the updated law mandates that personal mobility transport, such as e-scooters and e-bikes, must be equipped with a front light for visibility at night, a rear light with a red brake light, and an audible warning device on the handlebars. Additionally, each device must have at least one brake on the rear wheel, properly maintained tires that are securely fitted, and intact wheel spokes under appropriate tension. All components must be in safe working condition.

Delivery Rider Checks

A series of regulations are in place to ensure the safety of the UAE's substantial number of delivery riders. They are prohibited from carrying passengers on their motorcycles during deliveries or using backpacks for order transport. Instead, they must utilize designated and approved equipment for carrying deliveries. This measure follows Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority's plans to deploy cameras and smart sensors to monitor the speed, location, and driving behavior of delivery motorcycle riders through a new system. The RTA stated that this initiative aims to identify dangerous riding practices, improve compliance with traffic rules, and enhance road safety in the emirate.

Child Seat Mandate

The forthcoming law requires drivers to provide appropriate safety seats for children aged four and under. These seats must be suitable for the child's weight and height, installed in the rear seats, and comply with national standards and specifications. Exceptions are allowed for children with medical conditions preventing the use of a protective seat, provided an official medical certificate is submitted and an accompanying adult is present in the rear seat. In vehicles lacking rear seats, a child safety seat may be installed in the front, but it must face backward, and the airbag must be deactivated.

Vehicle Ownership Cap

The UAE will impose a limit on the number of vehicles one person can register, capping it at five. Individuals seeking to register or renew a third, fourth, or fifth vehicle will incur an additional fee. The regulation does not specify the amount of this additional fee or how the limit will affect individuals who already have more than five vehicles registered in their names. The current fee for registering a new vehicle is Dh400, and the renewal fee is Dh350, with an extra Dh150 for inspection. This move is a response to the significant increase in the number of vehicles on UAE roads in recent years, prompting authorities to intensify efforts to reduce congestion and improve traffic flow.

Two-Year Vehicle Registration

Owners of light vehicles will have the option to extend their current one-year registration validity period to two years, subject to approval. This option is available for vehicles that are brand new at the time of initial registration and are no more than six years old from their manufacturing date.

Administering First Aid

The federal law permits individuals to administer first aid to victims of traffic accidents, provided they hold an accredited certificate confirming completion of a first aid training course. The certificate must be valid if it carries an expiry date. Individuals offering assistance must also possess the physical capacity to respond appropriately to the injured person's condition.

Driving Licence Rules

The regulation also introduces driving licence validity periods that vary based on age and nationality. For temporary licence holders who reach 21, or for those who obtained their first licence at 21 or older upon renewal, licences issued to UAE and GCC nationals will be valid for 10 years. Licences issued to expatriate residents will be valid for five years.

Eyesight Standards

The new law establishes specific eyesight standards for different driver categories. More stringent requirements are in place for drivers of light and heavy buses, as well as operators of light and heavy machinery. Licensing authorities may also accept eyesight examination reports from outside the UAE to facilitate the renewal of licences for drivers with expired permits.