Federal Law No. (21) of 1995 Concerning Traffic
Preamble
* Amended by:
Federal Law No. (12) of 2007 dated 19/08/ 2007
We, Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates State,
Pursuant to the perusal of the provisional*
Constitution; and
* The word "provisional" has been deleted from the Constitution of the United Arab Emirates, wherever mentioned, by virtue of Article (1) of the Constitutional Amendment No. (1) of 1996 dated 02/12/1996; this Constitution has become the permanent Constitution of the State.
Federal Law No. (1) of 1972 Concerning the Jurisdiction of Ministries and the Powers of Ministers and the amending laws thereof; and
Federal Law No. (9) of 1984 Concerning Insurance Companies and Agents and the amending laws thereof; and
Federal Law No. (8) of 1986 Concerning the Determination of the Axle Payload of Vehicles Using the Paved Roads in the State; and
Federal Law No. (3) of 1987 Issuing the Penal Code; and
Federal Law No. (35) of 1992 Issuing the Criminal Procedures Code; and
Acting upon the proposal of the Minister of Interior, the approval of the Cabinet and the ratification of the Federal Supreme Council,
Have promulgated the following Law:
UAE TRAFFIC LAW
PRELIMINARY PROVISIONS
Article (1) - Definitions
* As amended by Federal Law No. (12) of 2007 dated 19/08/2007
Upon enforcing the provisions of this Law, the following words and phrases shall bear the meaning opposite each, unless the context provides otherwise:
Licensing Authority: The competent authority in the Emirate which issues driving licenses, registers vehicles and monitors their circulation on public roads.
The road: Any passageway open for traffic with no need for special permission, and any public place wide enough for letting vehicles through and open for the public against a special permission or licensing from a competent body, or without same, and whether access to it is with or without charge.
The Minister of Interior may, by decision, consider private places wide enough for vehicles to pass through as roads in case the owner of such place so request.
The river of the road: The part of the utilised road on which traffic is allowed; (henceforth called "the road").
The shoulder of the road: A portion of the road parallel to and on both sides of the road river meant for emergency use (henceforth called "the emergency lane").
Lane: A longitudinal portion of the road formed by the division of the road which width allows one row of successive vehicles to pass through, whether or not it is delimited by a long line on the top of the road.
Authorised line: Any road earmarked for the passage of public passenger buses.
Traffic signs: All signs or poles exhibited on the road to warn the users of the road of traffic control. They include the signs showing the directions of traffic, the built places and the distances between them, the limits of maximum speed and the priorities, the parking places, etc. Such signs may take the form of posts or poles or signs painted on the road, and include the light signs or any other warnings or controls pertaining to traffic regulation.
The sidewalk: The portion of the road parallel to and on both sides of the road earmarked for pedestrians. The isles in the middle of the road are considered part thereof.
The vehicles: A mechanical machine or an ordinary bicycle or motorcycle or vehicle or any other apparatus circulating on the road by mechanical or any other force including the tractor.
Private car: The car prepared for personal use transporting people and their paraphernalia only.
Passenger car: The car prepared for transporting passengers and whose capacity does not exceed fourteen people.
The tractor: An automotive vehicle designed to pull or push wagons or tools or machines.
The wagon: A vehicle designed to link to a motor vehicle or tractor.
Quasi-wagon: A wagon without a front pivot attached in a way that leaves most of its weight and its burden’s weight to be carried by the tractor or the motor vehicle.
The motorcycle: A vehicle with two wheels or more fitted with an engine and prepared for transporting people or things.
The ordinary bicycle: A vehicle with two or more wheels, not fitted with an engine and runs by the power of its rider, meant to transport people.
The cart: Any vehicle that is pushed or pulled by a force of man or animal, used for transporting passengers or goods.
Stoppage: The stop of a vehicle for a short moment for people to get in or off or for loading or unloading goods.
Parking: Parking in a place for a long time, other than cases of stoppage.
High beams: The front light of the vehicle used for lighting the road for a long distance.
Low beams: The front light of the vehicle used for lighting the road in front of the vehicle for a short distance in a way that does not dazzle the other vehicle drivers.
Position lights: The front and hind lights of the vehicle warning about its presence and showing its width from the front and the hind.
The tariff: Fee for transporting people in public buses or taxis.
Article (2)
The stipulations of this Law govern all types of vehicles and their drivers, and the passage of pedestrians and animals on public roads.
Article (3)
For the purpose of this Law and other laws issued by virtue of its stipulations, the motor vehicles shall be classified as follows:
1) The light vehicle:
Any vehicle designed for transporting persons or goods whose empty weight does not exceed 2.5 tons including the saloon car, and the motorcycle designed or prepared for the transportation of goods regardless of its weight.
It is also classified into two types: private and public.
2) The heavy vehicle:
Any vehicle designed for transporting goods whose empty weight is in excess of 2.5 tons.
It is also classified into two types: private and public.
3) The bus:
Any vehicle designed to transport more than fourteen passengers
It is classified into two types:
a) Light bus whose capacity does not exceed twenty six passengers excepting the driver.
b) Heavy bus whose capacity exceeds twenty six passengers excepting the driver.
All types of buses stated above are classified into private buses and public buses.
4) Mechanical tractors and other mechanical devices:
The vehicles designed for purposes other than transportation of persons or goods.
They are classified into three types:
a) The devices that run on other than wheels regardless of weight.
b) The light devices running on wheels whose empty weight does not exceed 7.5 tons.
c) The heavy devices running on wheels whose weight is in excess of 7.5 tons.
5) Handicapped carriers:
The vehicles whose weight does not exceed 250 kgs designed or manufactured specifically for use by persons with a corporeal deficiency or incapacity, used only by them, and do not include the mechanical vehicles which were modified for such use after their manufacture.
6) Motorcycles.
TITLE ONE. RULES OF TRAFFIC
Chapter I. General Provisions
Article (4)
Every user of the road must obey the directives of the police wearing his official uniform, and abide by the traffic signs and the traffic’s rules and ethics put forth for regulating the traffic movement.
Article (5)
Every driver of a motor vehicle shall abide by the following:
1) Hand his personal papers and those of the vehicle to any attending policeman in the event an accident happens, by or against such driver, which causes harm to humans or animals or property, and extend all necessary and possible assistance to care for the injured. He must also inform the nearest police station about the accident within a six-hour delay at most unless an acceptable excuse is provided, in case no policeman was present in the scene of the accident.
2) To slow down to a minimum speed when crossing a pedestrian passage not controlled by a traffic sign or a policeman, and upon changing the course of his vehicle for entering another road, and he must come to a full stop until pedestrians starting to cross the road have completely done so.
3) Give enough time to pedestrians starting to cross the road on the passageways reserved for them and controlled by a traffic sign or policeman and not start moving again even if it is sign for him to pass, until such passageway is clear of such pedestrians.
4) Refrain from parking his vehicle in the places where parking is prohibited, and in case he is constrained to such parking he should take to the right of the road far from crossings, crossroads, slopes and turns and take all necessary precautions to insure the safety of movement on the road, and never leave the vehicle with its engine running, and insure it does not move in his absence, as well as put on its lights in the period between sunset and sunrise, and, in general, warn other parties of its presence by whatever way.
5) Refrain from driving a vehicle causing a strong uproar and from using the horns inside the cities unless for avoiding danger or accidents.
Article (6)
In case there is no policeman or sign regulating traffic, at crossroads or road turns, the priority of passage is given to the vehicles coming from the main road, and in case the roads are equal in rank or there is a roundabout, priority is given to the party coming from the left.
In all cases, priority of passage is given in accordance with the following:
1) Official escorts.
2) Fire vehicles, when on duty.
3) Ambulances, when on duty.
4) Army vehicles when moving in convoys.
5) Police vehicles when using sirens or flash lighting.
Article (7)
* As amended by Federal Law No. (12) of 2007 dated 19/08/2007
It is not allowed to use the road in a way leading to blocking traffic on it to vehicles, persons or animals. Pedestrians may not cross the road except from places reserved for this purpose and are not allowed to stand on the road.
In all cases, pedestrians are not allowed to cross the roads on which the decided speed is in excess of eighty km per hour.
Article (8)
It is not allowed to put on the road any substance that may cause harm to it or its users or hamper traffic thereon.
Article (9)
It is not allowed to put up any traffic sign unless by approbation of the pertinent authorities as is provided for in the implementing regulation hereof*.
* Concerning the fixing of any traffic light, see Article (27) of Ministerial Decision No. (130) of 1997 dated 31/03/1997 Concerning the Issuance of the Implementing Regulation of this Law.
Chapter II. Obligations of the Vehicle’s Driver While Driving
Article (10)
The driver, while driving any vehicle on the road should abide by the following:
1) Keep the vehicle in the section nearest to the right edge of the road in respect to its direction.
2) Make sure there is enough scope of visibility in front of him when intending to overtake a vehicle or person or animal or obstruction, and to show his intention to overtake through using the warning signs and making sure that the persons he intends to overtake are responding thereto.
3) Keep to the furthest right edge of the road to make way for the crossing of a traffic movement having priority.
4) Take all the necessary precautions before turning on a bifurcation or turn or crossroad or crossways and give the necessary sign for changing his course and make sure that he can turn without exposing other users of the road to danger.
5) Abstain from overtaking any vehicle moving in the same direction as his, except from its left side, and such in case the front vehicle does not move to the left in order to turn to another road on the left after its driver has given the appropriate sign, provided there is enough distance of the road enabling him to cross without any danger.
6) Abstain from driving the vehicle while under the effect of wine or an alcoholic or narcotic substance or the like.
7) Abstain from driving the vehicle in a state of exhaustion affecting his capacity of control.
8) Slow down or stop whenever necessary to enable another vehicle in front of him which has given a sign for turning to the right or left, to do so.
9) Abstain from exposing pedestrians to danger and stop if necessary to avoid vexing or hurting any road user.
10) Abstain from exceeding the maximum speed decided for the road, with due consideration to the conditions of the place, the weather, the vehicle and other safety requirements.
11) Abstain from causing damage to the surface of the paved road, without prejudice to the provisions of Federal Law No. (8) of 1986*.
*
Federal Law No. (8) of 1986 dated 18/03/1986 Concerning the Determination of the Axle Payload of Vehicles Using the Paved Roads in the State.
12) Abstain from driving the vehicle backwards without assuring that the road is empty, and only for the necessary distance to move to safety or to turn.
13) Abide by the directives of the policeman controlling the traffic.
14) Use the automatic direction lights of the vehicle upon turning to the right or left.
15) Put on the vehicle’s lights between sunset and sunrise or whenever the need arises to warn others of its presence.
Chapter III. Obligations of the Driver of Vehicles Specified for Passengers and the Drivers of Heavy Vehicles
Article (11)
With due consideration for the preceding Articles, the driver of a passenger vehicle shall observe the following:
1) Not to exceed the number of passengers licensed by the Licensing Authority.
2) Not to allow heads, hands or other limbs to protrude from windows, and post a note to that effect in a conspicuous place in the bus.
3) Light the inside of the bus between sunset and sunrise and whenever the need arises.
4) Not to stop for taking in or letting out passengers except in authorised places.
5) Not to talk with the passengers while driving and not to allow them to stand or sit at his side.
6) Not to refuse any person willing to pay the regular tariff from getting on if the number of licensed passengers is not yet exhausted.
7) Post a conspicuous note showing that the vehicle is for passengers and the number of licensed passengers.
8) Hang in a conspicuous place or carry a copy of the decided tariff and show it at request.
9) Search his vehicle immediately after each trip for anything that may have been left and hand over whatever he finds, within 24 hours, to the nearest police station against a receipt.
Article (12)
With no prejudice to the preceding Articles the driver of a heavy vehicle shall abide by the following:
1) Not to exceed the load licensed by the licensing authority.
2) Not to carry passengers other than the employees of the owner of the vehicle and the labourers for loading and unloading within the limits stipulated in Article (45) hereof.
3) Not to load the vehicle in a manner constituting a danger with regard to the public or hindrance to traffic.
4) Put a red light at the end of the protruding cargo during the night and a red cloth during the daytime.
5) Inscribe the empty weight of the vehicle and the weight of the licensed load and its gross weight in a conspicuous and easily read manner on the vehicle.
6) The drivers of trucks must put a cover preventing seepage and scatter of earth, sand or other.
TITLE TWO. DRIVING LICENSES AND TEACHING DRIVING
Chapter I. Driving License
Article (13)
No person is allowed to drive any motor vehicle on the road without possessing a valid driving license issued by the Licensing Authority investing him with the right to drive the kind of vehicle he is driving. This license is referred to in this Law by the driving license.
Any person responsible for a motor vehicle may not allow any one not holding a license for driving such vehicle to do so.
Article (14)
* As amended by Federal Law No. (12) of 2007 dated 19/08/2007
Are excepted from applying the provisions of this Title:
1) The members of the armed forces when driving military vehicles on condition of possessing permits issued by their military authorities.
2) The drivers of motor vehicles licensed and registered in a foreign country, excepted from the provisions of registration and licensing provided for in this Law, when driving such vehicles, on condition that they possess valid driving licenses issued by the competent authorities in that country, or international driving licenses, permitting them to drive these vehicles within the time limits during which they are authorized to drive and within the time limit they are permitted to stay in the State whether for transit or visit or for a determined task.
3) Holders of valid international or foreign driving licenses with permission to stay in the State, but not residing in the State, and such in accordance with the rules determined by the Minister of Interior in that concern.
Article (15)
For obtaining a driving license the following conditions must be satisfied:
1) That the applicant for a license concerning one of the vehicles mentioned in Article (3) of this Law is seventeen years old if applying for a license relating to the vehicles mentioned in item 5 or 6, eighteen years for the vehicles mentioned in item 1, twenty years for the vehicles mentioned in items 2 or 4, and twenty one years for the vehicles mentioned in item 3.
2) That he submit a medical report, from a government physician or a physician approved by the Licensing Authority ascertaining his medical fitness for driving a motor vehicle. Wearing medical eyeglasses or lenses rectifying the eyesight for a fitness test is allowed.
3) That he pass the required driving test organised by the implementing regulations and the decisions issued for the execution hereof.
Article (16)
* As amended by Federal Law No. (12) of 2007 dated 19/08/2007
The Licensing Authority is empowered to grant a driving license to whoever holds a valid license issued in a foreign country without performing the procedures mentioned in item 3 of Article (15), in case the license is issued by one of the countries excepted by a decision from the Minister of Interior, in compliance with the conditions determined by such decision.
Article (17)
The Licensing Authority shall issue the driving licenses after satisfaction of the procedures and consideration of the conditions decided in this Law and in its implementing regulations and decisions.
The Licensing Authority is entitled to determine the validity period of the driving license and may, at the date of expiry of the license, require its holder to submit proof of continuance of his health fitness before approving its renewal.
With the exception of applicants for a license in accordance with item 5 of Article (3) hereof, the licenses granted to applicants between 17 and 21 years of age, shall be temporary (on probation) and for one renewable year.
A replacement copy of the driving license may be issued for a lost or damaged license.
Article (18)
The Licensing Authority may suspend, annul or refuse renewal of any driving license in case it has proof that its holder has lost the capacity or the physical fitness for driving the vehicle he is licensed to drive.
Article (19)
The Automobile Clubs in the State shall undertake to issue triptickets and international driving licenses valid in one or more states. The implementing regulation explains the procedures to be followed in this respect.
Chapter II. Teaching Driving
Article (20)
No person is entitled to learn driving motor vehicles unless in accordance with a permit issued by the Licensing Authority for a renewable period of three months.
Article (21)
No person is entitled to teach driving of motor vehicles unless licensed to do so by the Licensing Authority and holder of a driving license issued in accordance with the law. Such person shall be responsible for the application of this Law and its Implementing Regulation during the teaching process, and he should not allow the apprentice to drive the vehicle on a road situated within the inhabited areas unless he is convinced that the apprentice is able to control the vehicle satisfactorily.
Article (22)
No person is allowed to open teaching schools for driving unless he is a national of the State, and such after obtaining a license from the competent authority.
Article (23)
The holder of the permit to learn driving may not drive any motor vehicle containing a passenger excepting his overseer who shall sit beside him. The apprentice must keep the learning permit with him while driving.
The Licensing Authority is entrusted with drafting the rules, conditions and other stipulations for teaching and learning driving*.
* The permit for opening a school for teaching driving shall be given in accordance with the conditions stipulated in Article (117) of the Implementing Regulation of this Law which was issued by the Ministerial Decision No. (130) of 1997 dated 31/03/1997.
TITLE THREE. INSPECTING, REGISTERING AND LICENSING MOTOR VEHICLES
Chapter I. General Provisions
Article (24)
Driving a motor vehicle or allowing somebody else to drive a motor vehicle on the road is not allowed unless such vehicle is registered and licensed pursuant to the provisions of this Law and its Implementing Regulations and decisions.
Article (25)
* As amended by Federal Law No. (12) of 2007 dated 19/08/2007
The following vehicles are excepted from the application of the provisions of Article (24):
1) The vehicles of the President of the State and the Emirate’s governors.
2) The vehicles registered for the armed forces and carrying their numbers.
3) The vehicles owned by persons in transit, and the foreign visitors and tourists, and such under the conditions determined by the implementing regulation hereof.
4) Passenger and freight cars licensed in any foreign country with permission to visit the State under the conditions decided in the implementing regulations and decisions hereof.
5) The vehicles holding commercial numbers, under the conditions determined by the implementing regulation hereof.
Article (26)
The licensing of any motor vehicle or the renewal of its license shall be on condition of insuring it at least against third parties, in accordance with the provisions of this Law.
Any person inflicted with bodily harm caused by the use of a vehicle may resort directly to the insurance company for compensation.
Article (27)
Licensing the motor vehicle shall be given on the basis of a demand submitted by its owner on the form made for this purpose to which shall be attached all the substantiating documents after satisfying all the conditions of safety in the vehicle provided for in the implementing regulations and decisions hereof.
The licensing shall be valid for the period fixed by the implementing regulations and decisions hereof. The above regulations and decisions shall also determine the conditions for the renewal of the license and the principal information to be mentioned in the license book and the cases of notifying the licensing authorities of any change in the information and qualifications related to the owner or the vehicle, or to sending the vehicle abroad or its destruction or loss or perishing of the book of licenses. The said regulations and decisions fix the conditions and procedures for licensing the private vehicles in the office of the President of the State and the Amiri office in each Emirate.
Article (28)
The motor vehicle may be registered in the name of whoever resides or works in the Emirate where the Licensing Authority exists. Public passenger vehicles, however, may not be registered in the names of non-nationals, just as registration or licensing or renewal of licensing of private cargo vehicles may not be effected except after the applicant proves that the nature of his occupation or work justifies his acquisition of such vehicle.
Article (29)
The Licensing Authority is entitled to issue a professional license to anyone who trades in motor vehicles, or to owner of the factory that produces such vehicles. Such license allows testing any vehicle after its manufacture or upon its offer or showing for sale provided the vehicle is fitted with two (on trial) plates.
The implementing regulation hereof shall determine the conditions of using and renewal of the plates and licenses* mentioned in this Article.
*
With regard to the conditions of using and renewal of plates and licenses, see Articles (155) and following of Ministerial Decision No. (130) of 1997 dated 31/03/1997.
Article (30)
The Licensing Authority may inspect or test any motor vehicle at any time it sees fit for the public good.
The owner of the vehicle shall have the right of complaint against the result of the inspection before the Authority within ten days, and the decision shall be final.
Article (31)
With the exception of vehicles exempted from the terms of registration pursuant to the provisions of this Law, and with the exception of the vehicles of the President of the State and the Emirate governors, no motor vehicle may be driven without two plates carrying its registration numbers fixed in a prominent place, one in the front and the second in the rear. For the wagon and quasi-wagon one rear plate is sufficient. The conditions and qualifications of the plates shall be determined in the implementing decisions hereof.
Article (32)
The Licensing Authority shall be notified of any act of disposition transferring ownership of the motor vehicle within fourteen days and on the part of both parties to the disposition act. The holder of the original license shall be liable for the obligations resulting from the utilization of the vehicle until the transfer of the license to the other party is completed.
Article (33)
Without prejudice to the sanctions provided for in this Law, the Licensing Authority may suspend or annul or refuse renewal of the vehicle’s license, and such under the conditions decided in the implementing regulation hereof.
Chapter II. The Technical Conditions of the Vehicles, Their Inspection, Repair and Usage
First - Technical Conditions
Article (34)
It is not allowed to drive any motor vehicle on the road unless it is in good mechanical condition and fitted out, at the least, with the following:
1) Strong steering gear in good condition and easy to turn.
2) Two efficient brakes independent of each other, or one breaking apparatus activated by two means, each independent from the other, any one of which stops the vehicle quickly and surely in case the other one fails completely to do so.
3) An adequate horn valid to give sound warning in case of need.
4) A front mirror fixed in a way that helps the driver monitor the rear road.
5) Wind shields made of secure glass and perfectly transparent.
6) Wipers.
7) Safety belt, the implementing regulation shall determine the conditions of use of this belt.
8) Exhaust system.
9) Speedometer.
10) Spare tire in usable condition.
11) Fire extinguisher ready for use in buses, trucks and tankers built to transport liquid fuel.
It is possible to extend this obligation to other vehicles under conditions to be determined by the implementing regulations and decisions hereof.
The devices specified in items 5, 6, 7 and 10 of this Article are not required for motorcycles.
Article (35)
Every motor vehicle shall be fitted with lights fixed in a conspicuous manner showing the width of the vehicle. Such lights may not be covered or neutralized in any part of the vehicle or its load. It must also be fitted with direction lights.
Every wagon shall also be fitted with hind and side lights showing its length.
Motorcycles should be fitted with one principal light for lighting the road in front of them at nighttime plus a rear light. In case the motorcycle is fitted with a sidewagon, such wagon shall be fitted with two lights, one for the front and the other for the rear.
The ordinary bicycles must be fitted with one principal front light and a red light with a red reflector in the rear.
The cart shall be fitted with enough lighting to warn the other road users of its presence during the night.
The conditions and specifications of all the lights stipulated in this Article shall be fixed in the implementing regulations and decisions of this Law.
Article (36)
Putting on the main front lights of the vehicle with no need, when the vehicle is parked, shall be prohibited.
The usage of a red lamp in the front of the vehicle and the white light that sends direct beams in its rear shall also be prohibited.
The search lights in the vehicle may not be used as an additional means of lighting and shall be used only to light on the parts of the vehicle being repaired.
Second - Inspection of Motor Vehicles
Article (37)
All types of motor vehicles shall be subject to a technical inspection carried out by the Licensing Authority pursuant to the provisions of this Chapter with the exception of the vehicles exempted from the requirements of registration and licensing.
It is prohibited to modify the body of the motor vehicle or change its colour unless by prior permission from the Licensing Authority.
The owner of the motor vehicle shall commit to asking the Licensing Authority to inspect his vehicle in the wake of carrying out any principal modification in its engine or its body.
Article (38)
* As amended by Federal Law No. (12) of 2007 dated 19/08/2007
The vehicles shall undergo a technical inspection at the time of submitting demands for their registration, licensing or renewal of licensing in the place and time fixed by the Licensing Authority. It is allowed, with approval of the Authority, to do the inspection in a place determined by the applicant for licensing and such under the conditions to be fixed by the implementing regulation hereof.
New vehicles shall be exempted from the inspection under the conditions to be fixed by the implementing regulation hereof.
The owner of the vehicle may complain of the result of the technical exam by submitting a complaint to the Licensing Authority within fourteen days, and its decision shall be final.
Article (39)
The Licensing Authority may, after licensing any motor vehicle, for the public interest, inspect the vehicle at any time, and the owner of such vehicle shall be compelled to execute the directives issued by said authority on the grounds of the results of the inspection, and he may have to submit it for inspection for another time, otherwise the Licensing Authority may suspend or annul the vehicle’s license.
Article (40)
If the Licensing Authority is convinced through the report of the examiner appointed by itself that a licensed vehicle is not fit to circulate, it may warn the owner not to use it, provided such warning list the defects and faults existing in the vehicle. The owner should stop using it completely until it is reexamined after repair.
The Licensing Authority must reexamine the vehicle and enable the owner to use it again in case the repair conditions are satisfied, but in the case where reinspection is required, the owner of the vehicle shall pay the due inspecting fees for once only.
Third - Repairing the Vehicles
Article (41)
No garage owner may undertake the repair of a motor vehicle bearing traces of an accident without the approval of the Licensing Authority.
Article (42)
Parking or leaving any motor vehicles or any other mechanical machines on a road or sidewalk for repairs is not allowed unless such repair is only temporary and does not result in obstructing traffic or traffic safety.
Chapter III. Provisions Specific to Fee and Freight Vehicles
Article (43)
Letting or leasing private vehicles not licensed for letting is prohibited. Using such vehicles for transporting people or goods against a fee or free of charge is also prohibited.
Article (44)
Practising the profession of letting vehicles may not be performed except after obtention of a permit from the Licensing Authority.
Article (45)
With due consideration of the provisions of Article (12) hereof, no cargo vehicle may carry any passengers except the employees of the vehicle’s owner or a number of labourers for loading or unloading its cargo, on condition that such number does not exceed what is sufficient to serve this purpose, and such in accordance with what is determined by the implementing regulation of this Law.
Article (46)
The Licensing Authority may grant license to any public cargo vehicle to transport passengers for a fee in case it is convinced there is no danger in transporting passengers in such vehicle, provided seats for passengers are installed; and, in any way, the number of such passengers may not exceed fifteen for light cargo vehicles and thirty for heavy ones.
Article (47)
Public buses, not equipped with places for cargo, may carry only the light belongings that can be carried by hand, and such belongings may not be put inside the bus in the vicinity of doors or any other place that may cause any harassment to the passengers.
Article (48)
Upon using any vehicle for passengers or cargo, no passenger or cargo may be carried nor additions may be made in such a way as to expose the passengers or third parties to any danger, or that may result in obstructing the movement of traffic regardless of whether the vehicle is empty or full, and such in accordance with what the implementing regulation of this Law shall determine.
TITLE FOUR. SANCTIONS OF TRAFFIC CRIMES AND THEIR PROCEDURES
Chapter I. Sanctions
Article (49)
* As amended by Federal Law No. (12) of 2007 dated 19/08/2007
Shall be sentenced to imprisonment and / or to a minimum fine of Twenty Five Thousand Dirhams, whoever commits any one of the following acts:
1) Fabricating or forging numbers plates or using a fabricated or forged plate.
2) Deformation or obliteration or changing the information on a number plate and using it for the purpose it was meant for.
3) Using or permitting others to use a number plate, with knowledge of its deformation or obliteration or change.
4) Transfer a numbers plate from one vehicle to another without approval of the Licensing authority.
5) Refraining from stopping in the event of occurrence of an accident, by or against, resulting in damage to persons, without acceptable excuse.
6) Driving or attempting to driving a vehicle on the road while under the effect of alcoholic drinks or anesthetic substances and the like.
Article (50)
* As amended by Federal Law No. (12) of 2007 dated 19/08/2007
Whoever drives a vehicle on the road whilst suspended from driving by court order or by order of the Licensing Authority shall be sentenced to imprisonment for three months and / or to a minimum fine of Twenty Five Thousand Dirhams.
Article (51)
* As amended by Federal Law No. (12) of 2007 dated 19/08/2007
Whoever drives a vehicle on the road without a driving license or a license not allowing him to drive that type of vehicle shall be sentenced to a period not in excess of three months imprisonment and / or to a minimum fine of Five Thousand Dirhams.
Article (52)
* As amended by Federal Law No. (12) of 2007 dated 19/08/2007
Shall be sentenced to a period not in excess of one year and / or to a minimum fine of Five Thousand Dirhams, whoever commits one of the following acts:
1) Lending or borrowing, leasing or hiring a number plate in contradiction to the provisions hereof.
2) Failure of an owner of a vehicle causing a crime or accident to provide information in his possession and which could have led to uncovering the circumstances of the crime or accident or the person causing the crime or accident and his arrest.
Article (53)
* Abrogated by Federal Law No. (12) of 2007 dated 19/08/2007
Article (54)
* Abrogated by Federal Law No. (12) of 2007 dated 19/08/2007
Article (55)
* Abrogated by Federal Law No. (12) of 2007 dated 19/08/2007
Article (56)
* As amended by Federal Law No. (12) of 2007 dated 19/08/2007
Whoever refuses to give his name and address or gives false information to a policeman in his official uniform, or to showing his official card, when asked to do so upon his involvement in a crime punished pursuant to this Law and its implementing regulations and decisions, shall be sentenced to imprisonment not in excess of three months and / or to a minimum fine of Five Hundred Dirhams.
Article (57)
* As amended by Federal Law No. (12) of 2007 dated 19/08/2007
Without prejudice to the sanctions provided for in this Title, whoever violates any other provision of this Law or the implementing regulations and decisions thereof, shall be sentenced to imprisonment for a period not exceeding one month and / or a minimum fine of Two Hundred Dirhams but not in excess of Five Hundred Dirhams.
Recidivism in a crime punishable in accordance with this Law and its implementing regulations and decisions shall be considered an aggravating circumstance, if done within one year as of the date of commitment of the crime.
Article (58)
If it is established to the court that a person has been convicted of a crime relating to the driving of a motor vehicle, it may:
1) Suspend his driving license for a specific period and deprive him of the right to obtain a renewed license for a further period after the expiry date of the suspended license.
2) Deprive him from the right to obtain a driving license for a specific period if he does not hold a license in accordance with this Law.
Suspension of a license or deprivation of the right to obtain one implies its invalidity during the period of suspension or deprivation as well as the illegality of obtaining another license during this period of suspension or deprivation from the license. Whoever presents a demand for a license in contravention to the provisions of this Article shall be considered as contravening the provisions of this Law and the license obtained through such contravention shall be considered null and void.
Nonetheless, whoever is deprived of the right to obtain a driving license may submit before the same court that condemned him an application for abrogating such deprivation after the lapse of six months from the date of the condemnation.
Chapter II. Procedures for Traffic Crimes
Article (59)
A policeman may arrest any vehicle driver if found involved in the commitment of one of the following crimes:
1) Causing the death of another person owing to the driving of a vehicle, or causing harm to him.
2) Driving a vehicle in a reckless or dangerous way.
3) Driving a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or any other narcotic or the like, thus depriving him of his power of control over it.
4) Refusal to give his name or address or giving a false name or address at the time of occurrence of one of the crimes mentioned in this Article.
5) Attempt to flee in case an accident harming any person occurs or in case of an order to stop given by a policeman.
This procedure is subject to the provisions of the Criminal Procedures Code.
Article (60)
A policeman may confiscate a motor vehicle in the following instances:
1) In case it is circulating on the road whilst unfit for use, or if it does not satisfy the requirements of this Law with regard to the number plates, or exhaust, or running without brakes or sufficient lights at night. In these cases the vehicle may not be used until its defects are repaired, and if its repair necessitates taking it to a garage, it shall be pulled by another vehicle, and it may not be used unless after it satisfies all the legal requirements.
2) In case its driver is convicted in using it without a valid license, and it was used again without such license. In this case the seizure of the vehicle shall not be lifted till after showing the said license.
3) In case it is caught on the road being driven by a person without a license or permission to drive it, unless he is exempted from same. In this case, the vehicle shall not be released except to a driver holding a driving license and legally authorized to receive the vehicle.
4) In case it is used on the road after effecting important changes to its chassis or body or colour without notifying the Licensing Authority with such changes, as is stipulated in this Law.
5) In case it is connected with an accident involving a crime and it is necessary to exhibit the vehicle as evidence in the court.
Article (61)
* As amended by Federal Law No. (12) of 2007 dated 19/08/2007
1) The Minister of Interior shall determine the instances in which arrest of the license or the vehicle is allowed.
2) With the exception of the sanctions provided for in this Law, the fines decided in the contravention tables issued by decision of the Minister of Interior shall be collected, provided they are not in excess of Three Thousand Dirhams. If the contravener refuses, the papers shall be referred to the public prosecution, and in case of conviction the fine decided by the court shall not be less than half the decided sum.
TITLE FIVE. FEES OF THE PROCEDURES OF THE LAW AND ITS IMPLEMENTATION
Chapter I. Fees
Article (62)
A cabinet decision shall decide the fees due for any of the procedures provided for in this Law and its implementing regulation with a maximum limit of 3,000 (Three Thousand) Dirhams for each fee.
The fees collected by the Federal Traffic Departments shall accrue to the State.
Article (63)
* As amended by Federal Law No. (12) of 2007 dated 19/08/2007
Are exempted from the registration and licensing fees the following vehicles:
1) The vehicles owned by the Federal Government and the local governments and their departments.
2) Vehicles used for agricultural purposes and which are not used as means of transportation on the road.
3) The vehicles of handicapped persons.
4) One vehicle for holders of social affairs cards to be registered in his Emirate.
5) Vehicles of welfare establishments.
Article (64)
The motor vehicles which are not utilised for a period in excess of six months shall be exempted from the fees of renewing their licenses for that period, provided the owner of the vehicle notify the Licensing Authority and hand over to it the license of the vehicle or its numbers.
Article (65)
The vehicle whose registration was cancelled because its license was not renewed within a year of the lapse of its validity shall not be registered unless the outstanding registration fees are settled.
Chapter II. Implementation of the Law
Article (66)
The Minister of Interior shall determine the specimens of drafting the contraventions committed in violation of the provisions hereof.
Article (67)
The Licensing Authority shall draft the application forms submitted for obtaining licenses and permits issued in conformity with the provisions of this Law. The forms for these licenses and permits are issued by decree from the Minister of Interior.
Article (68)
The Licensing Authority shall draw up the rules and procedures it deems capable of preserving the traffic system and decreasing the proportions of traffic contraventions and insuring the best standard of driving. This includes the rules pertaining to pedestrians, drivers, vehicles and animals.
Article (69)
The Minister of Interior shall issue the necessary implementation regulations and decisions of this Law. Until such regulations and decisions are issued, the present regulations and decisions shall continue to be applied.
Article (70)
The licenses, permits and authorizations in effect at the effective date of this Law shall remain valid until the expiry of the period set for its validity. Their renewal or exchange, however, shall be subject to the provisions of this Law.
Article (71)
Any provision contravening or contradicting the provisions of this Law is, hereby, abrogated.
Article (72)
This Law shall be published in the Official Gazette and shall come into force three months after the date of its publication.
Promulgated by Us
at the Presidential Palace in Abu Dhabi
On 20 November 1995
Corresponding to 27 Jumada al-Akhir 1416 H.
Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan
President of the United Arab Emirates
