Tim Elliott
This is Lawgical, the first regular podcast navigating the latest legal updates shaping the UAE. Welcome, I’m Tim Elliott, and as always, I’m with Ludmila Yamalova, managing partner of the Dubai-based legal firm HPL Yamalova & Plewka. Great to be talking to you again, Ludmila.
Ludmila Yamalova
Good to see you, Tim, again. Thank you so much for being here.
Tim Elliott
This time, it’s the UAE’s new Federal Decree Law No. 14 of 2024, on traffic regulation. Everyone’s talking about this, Ludmila, so let’s dive into the story behind this new traffic law.
Ludmila Yamalova
Yes, indeed. As you rightly said, this is the new Federal Decree Law No. 14 of 2024, published recently in September. Although published in the official Gazette, it won’t come into effect until March 29, 2025.
Some laws in the UAE are introduced with a publishing date and an effective date, and this law is no exception. It’s replacing the previous federal traffic law, No. 21 of 1995, which has guided UAE traffic regulation for nearly 30 years. The goal is multifaceted, but ultimately, it’s about modernizing traffic regulations and enhancing road safety across the country.
Tim Elliott
What are the high-level changes introduced by this new law?
Ludmila Yamalova
At a high level, the new legislation brings several significant changes. First, and perhaps the most exciting, is lowering the driving age from 18 to 17. Additionally, it increases penalties for traffic violations, such as driving without a recognized UAE license or under the influence.
It also sets requirements for vehicle modifications, requiring specific approvals from licensing authorities. Modifying vehicles is popular in the UAE, so this part of the law will impact many people. Lastly, it lays the foundation for regulating self-driving, or autonomous, vehicles, with further regulations to be issued by the Council of Ministers.
Tim Elliott
Let’s talk about the change in the driving age. What does this mean, and when will it come into effect?
Ludmila Yamalova
This is perhaps one of the most exciting aspects of the law, and the response has been overwhelming. We shared this news on social media, and it has received tremendous interest. Interestingly, in most countries, the driving age remains 18, so lowering it to 17 here is notable.
However, since the law was introduced in September and we’re recording this in November, it’s important to note it hasn’t come into effect yet. This particular change will only take effect on March 29, 2025. We’ve received many inquiries about how this will affect families with teenagers close to turning 17, wondering if they can start the permit process early.
Previously, six months before turning 18, individuals could apply for a learner’s permit. The new law doesn’t specify this period, so we’re waiting for further regulations. But once the law is effective, we anticipate similar guidelines will be set for the new age requirement.
Tim Elliott
For now, what we do know is that the legal age to apply for a driver’s permit is 17, and theoretically, a 17-year-old could apply on their birthday if no additional regulations are in place.
Ludmila Yamalova
Exactly, but remember, the law isn’t yet effective. So if you’re 17 now, you can’t apply for a permit until after March 29, 2025.
Tim Elliott
Got it. Moving on, you mentioned increased penalties. What are some specifics, like for driving without a recognized license?
Ludmila Yamalova
Penalties have increased across various traffic offenses. Driving without a recognized UAE license now has fines ranging from 2,000 to 10,000 dirhams, with repeat offenses carrying even higher penalties, potentially leading to three months of imprisonment and fines from 5,000 to 50,000 dirhams.
To clarify, UAE residents need a UAE-issued license. Holding a foreign license alone doesn’t allow you to drive legally here. We’ve seen cases where residents mistakenly assume their home country license is sufficient, which is not the case. It’s crucial for residents to convert their foreign licenses to UAE licenses.
Tim Elliott
So, if you’re a UAE resident, showing a foreign license, even one from a reputable country, doesn’t cut it?
Ludmila Yamalova
Exactly. UAE law requires residents to drive with a UAE-issued license. This requirement applies even if you previously drove here as a visitor with a foreign license. Once you’re a resident, you need to convert your license to a UAE one.
We’ve seen situations where long-time visitors who recently became residents didn’t realize this, continuing to use foreign licenses. With the new law, penalties are more severe, especially if you’ve been a resident for some time without converting your license.
Tim Elliott
What about driving under the influence of alcohol? How does the new law address that?
Ludmila Yamalova
Driving under the influence remains a serious offense, with zero tolerance in the UAE. The new traffic law’s Article 35 specifies fines between 20,000 and 100,000 dirhams, possible imprisonment, or both. There’s also a progressive license suspension: three months for the first offense, six for the second, and permanent cancellation for a third offense.
What’s groundbreaking is that we’re discussing these penalties in these terms. In the past, such offenses typically led to immediate imprisonment and deportation. Now, while the fines and suspensions are strict, there’s a progressive structure, showing a more modern approach.
Tim Elliott
How about cases involving drugs? Is there a difference in penalties?
Ludmila Yamalova
Yes, the law distinguishes between alcohol and narcotic or psychotropic substances. Article 35.2 addresses driving under the influence of illegal drugs, with fines ranging from 30,000 to 200,000 dirhams, along with possible imprisonment. There’s a gradual license suspension for repeat offenses, similar to alcohol penalties.
Though the UAE still has zero tolerance, the updated law reflects a more progressive approach by structuring penalties rather than automatic deportation.
Tim Elliott
What about the law’s take on vehicle modifications? That’s a big part of UAE car culture, especially during off-road season.
Ludmila Yamalova
Absolutely. The new law addresses this popular practice. Modifications to a vehicle’s body, chassis, or engine now require prior approval from the licensing authority. Unauthorized modifications can lead to fines and even impoundment of the vehicle.
The law makes it clear that such changes can’t be done casually. Specific approvals are necessary, and these requirements emphasize road safety while recognizing the popularity of modifications here.
Tim Elliott
Lastly, what does the law say about self-driving vehicles?
Ludmila Yamalova
This new law establishes a foundation for regulating autonomous vehicles, anticipating future regulations for inspection, registration, licensing, and renewal. While specific guidelines are still to come, the law’s inclusion of autonomous vehicles is forward-looking and shows the UAE’s commitment to integrating these technologies.
Tim Elliott
Final thoughts on how this new law represents the UAE’s approach to traffic regulation?
Ludmila Yamalova
This law reflects the UAE’s focus on modernization and road safety. It’s proactive, anticipating changes in global transportation while setting a robust foundation for future traffic laws. It’s clear this law was eagerly anticipated and has generated significant public interest.
Tim Elliott
I would echo that. The UAE truly is an automobile nation. That’s Lawgical, covering the UAE’s new Federal Decree Law No. 14 of 2024 on traffic regulation, effective from March 29, 2025.
As always, our legal expert Ludmila Yamalova is from HPL Yamalova & Plewka. It’s always a pleasure, Ludmila.
Ludmila Yamalova
It’s a pleasure to be talking to you too, Tim. Thank you.
Tim Elliott
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