UAE Imposes Up to AED 200,000 Fine Under New Traffic Law

The UAE government has announced a series of new road safety measures, including strict penalties, under a federal decree on traffic regulations that will take effect on March 29, 2025.

The updated law enforces imprisonment and significant fines, up to Dh200,000, for a range of traffic violations—from jaywalking to driving under the influence of drugs. Below are the details of key offenses and new penalties:

Jaywalking Crossing roads from non-designated areas will incur higher fines. Currently, this offense results in a Dh400 fine; however, under the new law, jaywalkers could face imprisonment and fines of Dh5,000 to Dh10,000 if the act leads to an accident.

For those crossing in zones with a speed limit of 80km/h or higher, penalties include a minimum three-month jail term and a Dh10,000 fine or one of these penalties.

Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs Violations involving narcotics, psychotropic substances, or similar will incur fines of up to Dh200,000. Courts will mandate imprisonment and fines starting at Dh30,000. Driving licenses may be suspended for at least six months after the first offense, one year for a second offense, and permanently revoked after a third offense.

Driving under the influence of alcohol specifically will result in imprisonment and fines ranging from Dh20,000 to Dh100,000. License suspensions will be imposed for a minimum of three months after the first violation, six months after the second, and full cancellation after the third.

Driving with a Suspended or Unrecognized License Drivers caught with a suspended license may face up to three months in jail and fines of at least Dh10,000. Those using a foreign license unrecognized in the UAE may be fined Dh2,000 to Dh10,000 for a first offense. Repeated offenses will result in imprisonment for at least one month and fines ranging from Dh5,000 to Dh50,000.