The United Arab Emirates is preparing one of the biggest shake-ups of its traffic laws in years. From January 1, a new set of rules will come into force covering almost everyone who uses the country’s roads, from private motorists and taxi drivers to delivery riders, parents with young children and people who ride e-scooters.
The changes are part of a wider effort by the federal government to cut road accidents, ease congestion and make the roads safer for children and other vulnerable users, as the country’s growing population puts more vehicles on the roads every year.
Nine-Hour Driving Limit
The amended federal law will introduce a maximum driving limit of nine hours within any 24-hour period, to reduce accidents caused by tired drivers. The authorities have not yet said whether the limit will apply to private motorists as well as professional drivers. If it covers professionals, taxi firms, bus operators and delivery companies will need to rethink rotas and working hours.
Minimum Age for E-Scooters
The minimum age for an e-scooter permit will be set at 15, and the permit will remain valid for three years. It is not yet clear how this will sit alongside Dubai’s existing minimum age of 16. The new law will allow three types of permit, covering e-bikes, e-scooters and small-wheeled cycles including mopeds and scooters, for use only on routes designated by the authorities in each emirate.
New Technical Requirements for E-Scooters and E-Bikes
Under Article 4 of the updated law, e-scooters and e-bikes must meet mandatory safety standards. Each vehicle must have a front light, a rear light with a red brake light, and a bell or horn on the handlebars. It must also have at least one rear-wheel brake, properly maintained tyres and intact wheel spokes, with every component kept in safe working condition.
New Rules for Delivery Riders
Motorcycle delivery riders will not be allowed to carry a passenger while making a delivery, and will not be allowed to carry orders in a backpack. Instead, they must use approved delivery equipment fitted to the motorcycle. Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority also plans cameras and smart sensors to monitor delivery riders’ speed, location and behaviour.
Mandatory Child Safety Seats
Drivers must provide a proper safety seat for any child aged four or under. The seat must suit the child’s height and weight, be fitted in the rear seats and meet national safety standards. Medical exceptions apply with an official certificate and another person sitting with the child in the rear. In vehicles with no rear seats, a seat may be fitted in the front only if it faces backwards and the airbag is off.
Maximum Vehicle Ownership Limit
The new legislation sets a limit of five vehicles that one person can register. Anyone registering or renewing a third, fourth or fifth vehicle will pay an additional fee, although the regulations do not say how much. They also do not explain what happens to people who already have more than five vehicles registered. Standard fees are 400 dirhams to register a new vehicle, 350 dirhams to renew, and 150 dirhams for inspection.
Two-Year Vehicle Registration Option
Owners of eligible light vehicles will be able to apply for a two-year registration period instead of renewing every year. The option applies to vehicles that were new when first registered and are no more than six years old from their date of manufacture, and owners will need approval to use it. For many motorists it means one less registration visit a year, though two years of fees fall due at once.
First Aid at Traffic Accident Scenes
The updated law will allow bystanders to give first aid to people injured in traffic accidents, provided they hold a valid, accredited certificate showing they have completed first aid training. Anyone offering help must also be physically able to respond properly to the injured person’s condition. The provision aims to remove the uncertainty stopping trained bystanders from helping while emergency services are on their way.
New Driving Licence Validity Periods
The regulations introduce different licence validity periods based on age and nationality. Once a temporary licence holder reaches 21, or when a driver who obtained their first licence at 21 or older renews it, the periods will be ten years for UAE and GCC nationals and five years for expatriate residents.
New Eyesight Requirements for Drivers
Finally, the law sets eyesight standards for drivers of different vehicle categories. Stricter vision requirements will apply to drivers of light and heavy buses and operators of light and heavy machinery. Licensing authorities may also accept eyesight reports issued outside the UAE when drivers apply to renew their licences, easing the process for residents tested while travelling abroad.
For the millions who live and work in the UAE, the new rules will take some getting used to. Drivers must check the driving-hours limit, parents must buy child seats, e-scooter riders must meet the new standards, and delivery riders must change how they carry orders. The test will come in January, when the laws move from paper to the daily reality of the country’s roads.
