UAE motorists could face transaction restrictions for ignoring vehicle recall notices.
Dubai: Motorists in the UAE who fail to act on vehicle recalls issued over manufacturing defects could face restrictions on transactions involving their cars under federal traffic regulations coming into effect on January 1, 2027.
The provision is set out in Article 122 of Cabinet Decision No. 174 of 2026, which establishes procedures for identifying recalled vehicles and their owners, as well as addressing manufacturing defects.
Under the regulation, licensing authorities must take appropriate measures to ensure vehicle owners respond to recalls issued by commercial agents. These measures may include restricting procedures or transactions linked to the vehicle identification number (VIN) of a car affected by a recall.
Such restrictions are not automatic. The regulation gives licensing authorities discretion to decide what measures are necessary when an owner fails to respond to a recall.
The rules also set out specific responsibilities for commercial agents representing vehicle manufacturers in the UAE.
They must monitor manufacturers’ announcements about defects and identify vehicles affected by recalls in the country.
Commercial agents are required to share the VINs of recalled vehicles, the reasons for the recalls and details of approved corrective measures with licensing authorities and the relevant consumer protection authority.
They must also publicise recall notices through the media.
Licensing authorities, working with commercial agents and in coordination with consumer protection authorities, must establish procedures to identify the names and addresses of owners whose vehicles are affected by manufacturing defects.
Repairs must be free
The regulation explicitly requires commercial agents to repair manufacturing defects covered by announced recalls at no cost to vehicle owners.
They must also ensure that the necessary spare parts and qualified personnel are available to carry out the repairs, while maintaining customer satisfaction.
Article 122 does not specify a deadline for owners to respond to a recall. Nor does it identify the specific types of vehicle transactions that could be restricted if an owner fails to comply.
These provisions form part of the Executive Regulation of the UAE’s federal traffic law, which takes effect on January 1, 2027.
