UAE overhauls traffic laws, lowers driving age to 17

Good news for young drivers: significant updates are coming to the UAE's traffic laws, making it easier than ever to get behind the wheel. The minimum driving age for cars and light vehicles has been lowered from 18 years to 17 years.

What else is new?

According to the latest government briefing, vehicle classifications have been updated to reflect technological advancements, including the growing availability of self-driving and electric vehicles.

The law also includes new noise restrictions, banning noisy vehicles and limiting car horn use in cities to emergencies only. Additionally, pedestrians will be restricted from crossing roads with speed limits over 80 kilometers per hour, with violators subject to civil or criminal liability.

Authorities have introduced "deterrent penalties" for serious offenses, such as driving under the influence of alcohol, narcotics, psychotropic substances, hit-and-run incidents, crossing at non-designated areas, and driving in flood-prone valleys.

Transporting hazardous materials or unusual loads will now require a special permit from the relevant authority.

These amendments are designed to align with the rapid evolution of global transportation. The law also outlines procedures for inspecting, registering, and renewing licenses for self-driving vehicles, along with mechanisms to test new technologies in the automotive industry.

The new regulations will officially take effect on March 29, 2025.