UAE Traffic Law 2026: The Stricter Penalties Every Driver Needs to Know

UAE road rules changed fundamentally on 29 March 2025, when Federal Decree-Law No. 14 of 2024 on Traffic Regulation came into force. The law introduced criminal penalties for serious violations, unified enforcement across the Emirates, and established a Federal Traffic Council to standardise how rules are applied.

Some of the largest changes target behaviour that previously carried only administrative fines. Crossing a road where the speed limit is 80 km/h or higher, for example, is now a criminal offence with fines up to AED 10,000 and possible imprisonment.

Penalties that went criminal

• Jaywalking on high-speed roads: fines up to AED 10,000 and minimum 3 months in prison
• Driving under the influence of drugs: fines up to AED 200,000
• Driving under the influence of alcohol: fines from AED 20,000 to AED 100,000
• Hit-and-run: up to 2 years in prison
• Causing death by negligent driving: minimum AED 50,000 fine plus jail time
• Driving with a suspended licence: fines from AED 10,000

“The decree-law aims to keep pace with rapid global developments in the transport sector, supporting the expanded use of self-driving vehicles, electric cars and smart enforcement.”

Plate misuse is explicitly covered

The law also tightens rules around number plates themselves, listing the misuse of vehicle licence plates among serious violations. That covers tampering, obscured or fake plates, and improper mounting — all of which carry penalties under the federal framework.

Black points and licence suspension

• 24 black points within 12 months triggers licence suspension
• First offence: 3-month suspension
• Second offence: 6-month suspension
• Third offence: licence cancellation and re-testing

Rules around plates, registration and ownership are changing across the Emirates. Staying current matters whether you are buying a first car or collecting premium numbers.