Dubai to implement new rules for driving licences from July 1

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has confirmed that the emirate will begin implementing a new federal law governing driving licences from July 1.

Under the new rules, expatriates in the UAE aged over 21 will have to renew their driving licences once in every five years – up from the current validity period of 10 years.

Meanwhile, UAE citizens and GCC nationals will continue to have their licences valid for 10 years.

The new rules also limit licence validity for new drivers and those aged less than 21 years.

Ahmed Bahrozyan, CEO of RTA Licensing Agency, said: “Article (84) of the Ministerial Resolution (177), which will be implemented as of July 1 this year, sets several stipulations for issuing and renewing driver licences.

“It sets the initial validity of driver licences issued or replaced, as two years for citizens, GCC nationals and other nationalities aged 21 years and above.

“For those aged less than 21 years, be it citizens, GCC nationals or other nationalities, the initial validity of the driver license issued, replaced or renewed shall be one year as currently applied,” he added.

Under current regulations, the cost of renewal for a driving licence in the UAE is Dhs110.

The new rules are expected not to immediately apply to existing licence holders.

According to reports, the new rules also specify that vehicles will have to stick to a speed limit of 40km per hour in residential areas, and caution drivers against making loud noises or endangering the lives of pedestrians near hospitals and schools.

Read more: Expats in UAE will have to renew driving licences once in five years

The UAE is taking several steps to reduce roads accidents and will implement further new regulations from July 1 that will see heavy fines and black points imposed on traffic offenders.

Under the new rules, tailgating will result in a fine of Dhs400 and four black points.

Those jumping a red light will be face a Dhs1,000 fine along with 12 black points and have their vehicle confiscated for 30 days.

A fine of Dhs800 along with four black points will be slapped on drivers distracted by mobile phones, while failure to fasten the seat belt while driving will lead to a Dhs400 fine along with four black points.

Speeding over the limit will draw fines ranging from Dhs300 to up to Dhs3,000 depending on the limit crossed.

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