Today's Edition
YOUSUF SAIFUDDIN (ABU DHABI)
As the year 2026 comes to an end, the UAE has introduced some major traffic and transport law changes in the Executive Regulations of Federal Decree-Law No. (14) of 2024 Concerning Traffic and Road Regulation under Cabinet Decision No. (174) of 2026.
Enacted on October 6, 2026, according to the UAE Legislation portal, some of the major changes in traffic rules that people in the UAE can expect include: vehicle ownership cap for residents, stricter driving test standards, e-scooter and personal mobility device permits, speed limit and emergency exemptions and right-hand-drive restrictions.
The regulations take effect on January 1, 2027. Under Article 89, UAE residents can register up to five vehicles under new licensing rules.
Resident individuals will be allowed to register up to five vehicles, with additional fees applying to registrations and renewals beyond the first two, under new vehicle licensing regulations.
The rules stipulate that residents may own and register a maximum of two vehicles without the additional fee. Those wishing to register or renew an additional vehicle will be required to pay an extra charge for each vehicle, although the total number licensed to one resident must not exceed five.
The regulations also prohibit the licensing of right-hand-drive vehicles, allowing them to be used for display purposes only. Vehicles that fail to meet prescribed traffic safety requirements will not be eligible for licensing.
Under the new provisions, all vehicles must be designed and manufactured in accordance with safety and durability standards set by the competent authority in the UAE.
Driving Test
The regulations also set out competency requirements for applicants seeking a driving licence, setting a minimum passing score of 75% of the total marks.
The Licensing Authority will assign specific marks to each assessment criterion based on the applicant's ability to perform the required tasks. However, achieving the minimum passing score does not guarantee success.
Applicants will automatically fail if they cause an actual or potential danger to themselves or others during the test, or if the examiner has to intervene verbally or physically to prevent such danger.
Potential hazards include the vehicle's body or wheels touching designated boundaries or barriers, losing control of the vehicle when starting off, making errors when changing gears, and failing to stop or park in the designated location.
Violating traffic signals or road signs will also be considered a potential hazard.
Meanwhile, motorcycle licence applicants will fail if they touch the ground with their foot while riding.
Personal Mobility: Categories and Permits
The regulations also defined six categories of personal mobility devices used on roads, setting out characteristics of each.
These include conventional bicycles, electric bicycles, electric scooters, mopeds, skateboards and mobility devices designed for senior citizens and people of determination with limited mobility.
Electric bicycles are defined as bicycles fitted with an auxiliary power unit that assists the rider's pedalling, while electric scooters are powered by an electric motor and designed to be operated in either a standing or seated position.
Mopeds are classified as vehicles with an engine capacity not exceeding 50cc, two or more wheels and a maximum speed of 45 kilometres per hour. They may be powered by a mechanical or electric motor.
Skateboards, meanwhile, may have one or more wheels and can be propelled either by the user's physical effort or by a motor.
Mobility devices for senior citizens and people of determination are defined as motorised or manually propelled seats specifically designed for individuals with limited mobility.
Individuals must be at least 15 years old to obtain a permit to use an electric bicycle, electric scooter or moped. Permits issued for these three categories will remain valid for three years.
Speed Limit for Residential Areas
As per the new regulations, motorists must not drive in inner residential areas, near educational institutions or around hospitals in a manner that causes disturbance or puts others' lives at risk.
The speed limit in inner residential areas must not exceed 40kmph, with the designated limit clearly displayed through traffic signs and noticeboards.
Certain exemptions have also been set for emergency vehicle drivers responding to urgent calls and motorists transporting injured people or patients in critical condition – where they may exceed the speed limit only if doing so does not endanger others and the required warning lights and signals are activated.
