UAE Lowers Minimum Age Requirement for Driving License

The UAE government announced a new federal decree on traffic regulations, set to take effect on March 29, 2025.

Under the new law, 17-year-olds will now be eligible for driving licenses, lowering the minimum age from 18. Additionally, vehicles with excessive noise levels will be prohibited, and car horn use will be restricted within cities, permitted only for safety purposes.

The regulations also restrict pedestrians from crossing roads with speed limits over 80 km/h, with violators assuming any civil or criminal responsibility. Authorities also highlighted “deterrent penalties” for violations that could cause serious accidents, such as driving under the influence, hit-and-run incidents, jaywalking, and driving in flooded valleys.

Transporting hazardous materials or unusual loads will now require a permit from the relevant authority.

Aimed at aligning with global advances in transportation, the amendments address the rising use of self-driving and electric vehicles by specifying guidelines for inspection, registration, licensing, and renewal processes, as well as protocols for testing new automotive technologies.