Dubai:The Federal Decree-Law No. 14 of 2024 on Traffic and Road Regulations, issued by the UAE government in 2024, is set to take effect on March 29. The official UAE legislation platform, “UAE Legislation,” which is developed and overseen by the General Secretariat of the Cabinet in coordination with relevant authorities, has announced that the new federal law exempts three categories from obtaining a driver’s licence.
Three exempted categories
Article 9 of the law specifies the three categories exempt from the licensing requirements:
Drivers of vehicles registered and licenced in a foreign country, exempt from registration and licencing provisions under this decree, provided they hold valid driving licenses issued by the relevant authorities in their home country, recognized in the UAE.
Holders of valid international driving licences, allowing them to drive during their stay in the UAE for transit or visit purposes.
Holders of valid international or foreign temporary driving permits authorized to stay in the UAE for non-residency purposes, in accordance with the regulations outlined in the decree and its executive bylaws.
Conditions for issuing a driver’s licence
Article 10 of the decree outlines four conditions for obtaining a driver’s licence:
The applicant must be at least 17 years old.
Successful completion of a medical examination as required by the licensing authority or submission of an approved medical report in accordance with the executive bylaws.
Passing the driving test as stipulated by the executive bylaws.
The executive bylaws specify the types of licences, their validity periods, conditions, age categories, and procedures for issuance.
Suspension of licence validity
Article 12 states that the licensing authority may suspend, revoke, or refuse to renew a driver’s licence if the holder is deemed unfit or lacks the necessary medical fitness to drive the authorized vehicles. Additionally, traffic enforcement authorities, in coordination with the licensing authority, may suspend a driver’s licence based on security or road safety considerations. The executive bylaws will detail the procedures and conditions for licence suspension, revocation, non-renewal, and driver reassessment programs.
Six offenses leading to driver detention
According to Article 31, law enforcement officers have the authority to arrest any driver caught committing one of the following six offenses:
