Picture for illustrative purposes only. ARCHIVE

The UAE Government announced new measures on Friday (October 25), including stricter penalties, to improve road safety. The updated federal traffic regulations will take effect on March 29, 2025. The law specifies imprisonment and heavy fines of up to Dh200,000 for various traffic violations, including jaywalking and driving under the influence. Here’s a list of offences and changes outlined in the new law: Jaywalking Jaywalkers causing accidents- imprisonment and fines between Dh5,000 and Dh10,000. Crossing in areas with speed limits of 80kmph or above- minimum of three months imprisonment and a fine of at least Dh10,000, or either of these penalties. Driving under the influence of drugs Imprisonment and a fine ranging from Dh30,000 to Dh200,000 will be imposed, along with licence suspensions as follows: First offence: at least six months Second offence: one year Third offence: cancellation Driving under the influence of alcohol Imprisonment and fines between Dh20,000 and Dh100,000. Licence suspensions are as follows: First offence: at least three months Second offence: six months Third offence: cancellation Hit-and-run and failing to provide information Those who commit any of the following face up to two years imprisonment and fines from Dh50,000 to Dh100,000: -  Failing to stop at an accident involving injuries - Withholding information on a crime or accident - Fleeing from police - Deliberate collision with authority vehicles Driving with a suspended licence Three months imprisonment and a fine of Dh10,000, or either of these penalties. Driving on a licence not recognised in UAE Fine between Dh2,000 and Dh10,000. Repeated violations carry a minimum three-month jail term and a fine from Dh5,000 to Dh50,000, or either penalty. Driving without a proper licence or using a licence for incorrect vehicle type Three months’ imprisonment and a fine between Dh5,000 and Dh50,000, or either penalty. Repeated offences incur harsher penalties of at least three months in jail and a fine between Dh20,000 and Dh100,000. For example, a driver’s licence does not permit motorcycle riding without the appropriate permit. Causing death due to negligence Imprisonment and a minimum Dh50,000 fine. If a death results from running a red light, driving under the influence, using a suspended licence, or driving through flooded areas, the penalties increase to a minimum of one year in prison and a fine of at least Dh100,000, or either penalty. Misuse of licence plates The following violations incur imprisonment and/or a fine of at least Dh20,000: - Forging, imitating, or using a forged licence plate - Distorting or altering plate details - Allowing others to use a tampered plate - Transferring a plate between vehicles without the approval of the Licensing Authority FLE/Expat Media
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