New federal traffic rules to come into force on January 1, 2027.
Dubai: Driving licences in the UAE may be suspended, cancelled or refused renewal in 12 specified circumstances under new federal traffic regulations due to take effect on January 1, 2027. These include medical unfitness, accumulating the maximum number of traffic black points, court orders and unpaid traffic violations.
The regulations also require relevant health authorities to coordinate with licensing authorities and share information about individuals diagnosed with illnesses or medical conditions that could affect their ability to drive safely.
The new implementing regulations of Federal Decree-Law No. 14 of 2024 on the Regulation of Traffic outline three types of action that licensing authorities can take regarding driving licences and permits: suspension, cancellation and refusal of renewal.
These measures are linked to drivers’ traffic records, medical fitness and court decisions.
Three circumstances in which a driving licence can be suspended
Licensing authorities may suspend a driving licence or permit in any of the following three situations:
- A court issues an order to suspend the licence or permit.
- The driver reaches the maximum cumulative limit of traffic black points.
- The driver is found to lack the legal capacity or medical fitness required to drive.
Five circumstances in which a driving licence can be cancelled
A driving licence or permit may be cancelled by licensing authorities in five cases:
- A court orders the cancellation of the licence or permit.
- The driver reaches the maximum cumulative limit of traffic black points.
- The licence or permit holder requests its cancellation.
- The licence or permit holder dies.
- The holder is found to lack the legal capacity or medical fitness required to drive.
Four reasons a driving licence renewal may be refused
The regulations also identify four circumstances in which authorities may decline to renew a driving licence or permit:
- The driver is found to lack the required legal capacity or medical fitness.
- A court orders that the licence or permit should not be renewed.
- Outstanding traffic violations remain recorded against the driver’s traffic file.
- The driver reaches the cumulative limit of traffic black points.
Health authorities required to report medical conditions that could affect driving
The regulations introduce a requirement for relevant health authorities across the UAE to coordinate with licensing authorities and share information about individuals diagnosed with illnesses or medical conditions that may compromise their ability to drive safely.
Driving licence expired for more than 10 years? New tests will be required
Article 76, which covers driver reassessment and rehabilitation, states that motorists applying to renew a driving licence more than 10 years after its expiry, without having renewed it during that period, must pass theory and practical tests specified by the licensing authority.
Applicants must also fulfil all other renewal conditions set out in the regulations.
The Federal Traffic Council is authorised to determine the minimum theory and practical examination requirements for implementing this provision.
UAE driving licence renewal: 30-day deadline
Under Article 73, motorists are required to apply for driving licence renewal within 30 days of its expiry.
Renewal is subject to payment of the applicable fees and completion of the procedures established by the licensing authority.
Before a licence can be renewed, drivers must clear any fines arising from traffic violations or submit proof of payment of fines imposed by a court, where applicable. This applies to offences under the federal decree-law, its implementing regulations and related decisions.
UAE driving licence eye test requirements
Article 62 sets out medical standards for eye examinations across different driving licence categories.
For light vehicle drivers, the minimum visual acuity requirement begins at 6/18 in each eye individually, with provisions addressing differences in vision between the two eyes and cases involving sight loss in one eye.
Where a driver has lost sight in one eye, the functioning eye must have visual acuity of at least 6/6.
Bus drivers and operators of heavy and light equipment are required to have visual acuity of at least 6/6 in both eyes.
The regulations also allow licensing authorities to accept eye test reports issued outside the UAE. This means motorists with expired licences may use such reports when applying for renewal.
