Middle East

UAE issues new traffic laws: Reduces minimum age of drivers

The new regulations will come into effect on March 29, 2025.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) government on Friday, October 25, announced a series of new traffic regulations under a federal decree-law, set to take effect on March 29, 2025.

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Taking to X, the government said that the new law aims to keep up with the rapid evolution of transportation worldwide.

The decree-law has introduced comprehensive regulations affecting all types of vehicles, drivers, and pedestrians on the road.

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Here are key updates

  • Adjusting vehicle classifications to accommodate the growing use of self-driving and electric vehicles, as well as personal transportation.
  • Standards for self-driving vehicle: The Cabinet has established new protocols for the inspection, registration, licensing, re-registration, and renewal of self-driving vehicles, along with guidelines for modern technology trials.
  • Obligations for personal transport users: Individuals using personal transport devices are now required to adhere to specific obligations.
  • Minimum age for driving licence: The law permits individuals over the age of 17 to obtain a driving license. Previously, the legal age for obtaining a driver’s license was 18.

The UAE has become the first Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) country to reduce the legal age limit for drivers.

  • Pedestrian regulations: Pedestrians are prohibited from crossing roads with speed limits exceeding 80 km/h and may face civil or criminal liability for violations.
  • The use of loud vehicles and alarms in urban areas is strictly prohibited, with alarms only allowed for safety purposes.
  • The law prohibits the transportation of hazardous materials or unusual loads without a permit from the relevant authority.
  • Strict penalties: Severe penalties are imposed for offenses like causing death while driving under the influence, leaving the scene of an accident, improperly crossing roads, or driving through flood-prone areas.
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This post was last modified on October 25, 2024 4:01 pm

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Sakina Fatima

Sakina Fatima, a digital journalist with Siasat.com, has a master's degree in business administration and is a graduate in mass communication and journalism. Sakina covers topics from the Middle East, with a leaning towards human interest issues.

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