Drink- and drug-driving offences can lead to fines, jail and licence suspension.
Dubai: Driving under the influence in the UAE carries severe legal consequences, with the country’s updated traffic law prescribing hefty fines, imprisonment, and the suspension or cancellation of driving licences for repeat offenders.
Under Federal Decree-Law No. 14 of 2024 on Traffic Regulation, which came into force on March 29, 2025, motorists found driving under the influence of alcohol, narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances face strict penalties aimed at improving road safety and deterring impaired driving.
Penalty for driving under the influence of alcohol
Under Clause (1) of Article 35 of the UAE Traffic Law, anyone who drives or attempts to drive a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol faces imprisonment and a fine ranging from Dh20,000 to Dh100,000, or either of the two penalties, depending on the court’s ruling.
Driving licence penalties
In addition to imprisonment and fines, motorists convicted of drink-driving face penalties affecting their driving licence:
- First offence: Licence suspension for a minimum of three months.
- Second offence: Licence suspension for six months.
- Third offence: Licence cancellation.
Penalty for driving under the influence of narcotics
Under Clause (2) of Article 35, anyone who drives or attempts to drive a vehicle while under the influence of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances or similar substances faces imprisonment and a fine ranging from Dh30,000 to Dh200,000, or either of the two penalties, as determined by the court.
Driving licence penalties
Motorists convicted of driving under the influence of narcotic or psychotropic substances also face licence-related penalties:
- First offence: Licence suspension for six months.
- Second offence: Licence suspension for one year.
- Third offence: Licence cancellation.
Driving with a suspended licence
Under Article 36 of the UAE Traffic Law, anyone caught driving while their licence is suspended faces up to three months’ imprisonment and a Dh10,000 fine, or either of the two penalties.
Fatal accidents
Under Article 40, a motorist who causes another person’s death while driving under the influence of alcohol, narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances faces a minimum fine of Dh100,000 and at least one year in prison, or both, depending on the court’s ruling.
