UAE traffic offences that can cost you Dh100,000 and jail time
Know the fines, jail terms and penalties before getting behind the wheel
DUBAI: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has enacted a strict new traffic law with penalties that include hefty fines, licence revocation, and even imprisonment.
Drivers and pedestrians alike can now face fines of up to Dh100,000 and jail terms for serious violations.
Whether it’s jumping a red light, fleeing the scene of an accident, or simply crossing the road in the wrong place – mistakes on the road can now carry life-changing consequences.
Jaywalking penalties
Crossing outside pedestrian zones
- Fine: Dh5,000 to Dh10,000
- Jail: Possible imprisonment
Crossing high-speed roads (80km/h or more)
- Fine: Minimum Dh10,000
- Jail: Minimum 3 months
Pedestrians must use designated crossing areas or face serious consequences – especially on high-speed roads where the risk of fatal accidents is greater.
Deadly recklessness
Causing death due to vehicle misuse or negligence
- Fine: Minimum Dh50,000
- Jail: Possible imprisonment or both
If caused by red light jumping, drunk driving, or driving with cancelled/suspended licence
- Fine: Minimum Dh100,000
- Jail: Minimum 1 year or both
Fatalities caused by serious violations carry some of the most severe penalties under the new law. Authorities aim to eliminate repeat offenders with high deterrence value.
After the Accident
Failing to stop after causing injury
- Fine: Dh50,000 to Dh100,000
- Jail: Up to 1 year or both
Withholding accident information or shielding the perpetrator
- Fine: Dh50,000 to Dh100,000
- Jail: Up to 1 year or both
Fleeing police, ramming into police/military/security vehicles
- Same penalties apply
Refusing to remain at the scene of an accident or misleading authorities can now be prosecuted with maximum force. The law treats evasion and deception as criminal conduct.
False Identity or Refusal
Refusing to provide name/address or giving false details to traffic police
- Fine: Dh10,000 to Dh20,000
- Jail: Up to 3 months or both
Traffic officers have full authority to demand identification, and refusing to comply is a punishable offence – even if no accident has occurred.
Exempted Drivers
The law also clearly states who is exempt from holding a UAE driving licence:
- Military, security, and police drivers with internal permits
- Foreign-registered vehicle drivers with valid home-country licences
- Temporary international licence holders visiting for non-residency purposes