Understanding Traffic Regulations in the UAE: A Comprehensive Overview

Posted by Awatif Mohammad Shoqi Advocates & Legal Consultancy on June 26th, 2024

Introduction:

In the UAE, adherence to traffic laws is essential to ensure road safety and orderly conduct. The legal framework governing traffic-related matters comprises Federal Law No. 21/1995 Concerning Traffic Law and Ministerial Decision No. 178/2017, which outlines the Rules and Procedures of Traffic Control.

Understanding these regulations is essential for motorists to maintain the integrity of the road network and safeguard public welfare.

Federal Law No. 21/1995 Concerning Traffic:

Under the Traffic Law, traffic crimes and their procedures are outlined. Various offences, such as fabricating or forging number plates, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and failing to stop at the scene of an accident, are addressed with corresponding penalties.

For instance, Article 49 states that using forged plates or transferring number plates without proper authorization, use of a number plate with deformation or alteration may result in imprisonment and/or a minimum fine of AED 25,000. Similarly, Article 50 may impose penalties for driving or attempting to drive a vehicle on the road while under the influence of alcoholic drinks or aesthetic substances carries the same penalties. Moreover, Article 59 grants authorities the power to arrest drivers engaged in severe violations, including reckless driving or fleeing the scene of an accident.
 

Ministerial Decision No. 178/2017:

This ministerial decision supplements the Traffic Law by providing detailed procedures for recording and managing traffic contraventions. Key provisions include the allocation of traffic points based on the severity of violations, with a cumulative limit of 24 points within a year. Notably, Article 10 mandates informing vehicle owners of recorded contraventions and establishes penalties for failure to notify the actual driver within the specified timeframe.

Driving under the influence of alcohol incurs a fine as prescribed by the Court, 23 black points, and a 60-day vehicle seizure for light vehicles, with no suspension of the driving license. Similarly, exceeding the maximum speed limit by over 80 km/hour results in an AED 3,000 fine, 23 black points, and a 60-day vehicle seizure for light vehicles, with no suspension of the driving license.

Ministerial Decision No. 178/2017 provides a comprehensive framework for recording and managing contraventions, while Federal Law No. 21/1995 Concerning Traffic establishes the legal basis for sanctions and enforcement procedures.
 

Conclusion:

Understanding the legal framework governing traffic regulations in the UAE is essential for all road users. Federal Law No. 21/1995 Concerning Traffic and Ministerial Decision No. 178/2017 provide comprehensive guidelines for enforcing traffic laws, recording contraventions, and imposing penalties for non-compliance. By adhering to these regulations, motorists contribute to safer road environments and uphold the principles of public safety and orderliness.

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Author

Awatif Mohammad Shoqi Advocates & Legal Consultancy is a full-service law firm in UAE, duly licensed to perform legal services and advocacy in the United Arab Emirates with a head office in Dubai and branch office in Abu Dhabi.  Our firm serves and represent both local and expatriate companies and individual clients.