UAE issues federal decree on traffic regulation and announces heavy fines for violations

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Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

The UAE Government has issued a new federal decree on traffic regulation, as part of the ongoing development of the UAE’s legal and legal framework.

The decree law aims to keep pace with the rapid development of transportation worldwide through the updating of vehicle classifications and the implementation of modern road technologies. There is a particular focus on expanding the use of self-driving vehicles, electric cars and various personal mobility devices, as well as the adoption of transportation methods based on high-tech solutions, leveraging the UAE’s sophisticated road network.

According to the federal decree, a cabinet decision will determine the requirements and procedures for the inspection, licensing and renewal of licenses of driverless vehicles, as well as the mechanisms to be followed for trials of new vehicle technology.

The decree law not only allows the use of new technologies to ensure road safety, but also allows penalties for vehicles or people who violate the rules. The licensing authority will create online and smart programs and applications for obtaining licenses and permits to be issued as per the decision of the Minister of Internal Affairs or the head of the relevant licensing authority in each Emirates.

The decree law also establishes a “Federal Traffic Council”, the composition, responsibilities and working procedures of which will be determined by the decision of the Council of Ministers upon the proposal of the Minister of Internal Affairs.

Controls on the use of roads

The decree law introduces comprehensive regulations that apply to all types of vehicles and drivers, as well as pedestrians on the road. These include banning pedestrians from crossing roads with a speed limit of (80) kilometers per hour; Pedestrians assume any legal or criminal liability arising from failure to comply with this. The decree law also prohibits vehicles from being stopped on the road or at the curb, placed for repair purposes, or standing on the road.

Driving license granting conditions

The decree-law establishes the conditions for the issuance of a driver’s license, including the attainment of the Gregorian age of (17). It also regulates the activities of driving instructors, who must have a driver’s license that allows them to drive the vehicle on which they will provide training and must be authorized by the licensing authority to provide training.

Driving instructors cannot allow trainees to drive on any road in populated areas unless they are satisfied that the trainee can control and maintain control of the vehicle. On the other hand, the licensing authority may suspend, revoke or refuse to renew any driver’s license or permit if the license or permit holder is proven to be unfit or medically unfit to operate the vehicles for which the license or permit is held. .

The decree law prohibits making fundamental changes in the shape, chassis, body, engine power or color of the vehicle unless the licensing authority’s approval is obtained in accordance with the controls and procedures determined by the licensing authority. It is stated that insurance companies cannot include a condition in their insurance policies that would reduce or prevent the coverage of all legal liabilities arising from death, bodily injury or material damage caused by the vehicle.

Deterrent penalties

According to the decree law, penalties and administrative penalties, the organization that will impose the said penalties and receive the relevant complaints, and the organization that will collect the said penalties and fines are determined by the decision of the Council of Ministers.

It establishes deterrent penalties for various violations and dangerous crimes through either of these two penalties, including imprisonment and a fine of not less than AED 20,00 or misuse of vehicle number plates, imprisonment and a fine of not less than AED 20,000. A prison sentence of not more than AED 100,000 or for driving or attempting to drive a vehicle under the influence of alcoholic beverages, and a fine of not less than AED 30,000 and not more than AED 200,000, or for driving or attempting to drive a vehicle under the influence of narcotic or psychotropic substances. to use.

Those who drive a vehicle with a suspended license will be punished with imprisonment for a period not exceeding (3) months and a fine of not less than AED 10,000 or one of these two penalties. Fleeing the scene of the accident and failure to provide relevant information shall be subject to imprisonment for a period not exceeding (1) year and a fine of not less than AED 50,000 and not more than AED 100,000 or either or any of these. two penalties.

Any person who causes the death of another person by negligent driving of a vehicle shall be subject to imprisonment and a fine of not less than AED 50,000 or both. If the incident occurs under special aggravating circumstances, such as driving in a valley during floods, the penalty will be imprisonment for at least one year and a fine of not less than AED 100,000, or both.

Crossing the road at places other than those designated for this purpose will be punishable by imprisonment and a fine of not less than AED 5,000 and not more than AED 10,000, or one of these two penalties if this action causes traffic congestion. accident.