8 new UAE traffic guidelines every driver should know before they take effect

Ras Al Khaimah: Retired Brigadier Ahmed Al-Sam Al-Naqbi, former head of the Traffic Awareness and Safety Team at the Federal Traffic Council in the Ministry of Interior, has highlighted eight key guidelines under the new executive regulations for the Traffic Law, which will come into effect on January 1, 2027. The changes cover vehicle licensing, licence renewals for eligible vehicles, personal means of transport, technical safety requirements, child protection inside vehicles, driving while fatigued, safety requirements for delivery drivers and first aid for people injured in accidents. Among the most significant provisions are a maximum driving time of nine hours within a 24-hour period, a two-year licence period for eligible light vehicles, rules governing bicycles and electric scooters, and requirements for suitable child seats. Here are the eight key guidelines: Driving limited to nine hours The new executive regulations prohibit driving when fatigue or exhaustion affects a person's ability to drive safely. They also set the maximum driving time at nine hours within a 24-hour period, although this period can be amended by a decision of the Federal Traffic Council. Al-Naqbi said limits on driving hours are particularly important for truck drivers because of the nature of their work and the long distances involved in transporting goods. Continuing to drive while tired reduces attention, slows reactions to unexpected situations and increases the likelihood of accidents that could endanger drivers and other road users. He said the measures support efforts by the Ministry of Interior and other authorities to reduce serious accidents and deaths by addressing one of the risks associated with prolonged driving. They also reinforce the driver's responsibility to assess their physical condition and ability to continue a journey safely. Qualified people can help accident victims The regulations allow qualified members of the community to assist people injured in accidents, provided they have the necessary first-aid training, a recognised certificate or relevant experience in accordance with the conditions specified in the regulations. Al-Naqbi said the first few minutes after an accident can be crucial, particularly in cases involving bleeding or serious injuries. A qualified person can provide necessary assistance until ambulance and rescue teams arrive, helping to prevent injuries from worsening. Such intervention can also support the work of police, the National Ambulance Service and other competent authorities. The presence of trained people can be particularly valuable when several accidents occur in the same area and emergency teams are delayed in reaching some locations. However, Al-Naqbi stressed that the desire to help must be accompanied by the knowledge and ability to respond correctly. Those without the necessary training or experience should avoid direct contact with injured people and allow qualified teams to provide appropriate care. Retired Brigadier Ahmed Al-Sam Al-Naqbi. He said institutions in the civil and military sectors provide employees with first-aid and traffic-safety courses, while programmes in schools, universities and other institutions include training on responding to injuries and fires. Expanding such programmes would improve community preparedness for emergencies and strengthen a culture of safety in educational, professional and community environments. Eligible light vehicles can get two-year licences The regulations introduce more specific procedures for vehicle licensing and allow licences for eligible light vehicles to be extended to two years, making the renewal process easier for owners. The changes also regulate the number of vehicles that residents are permitted to license, while allowing additional vehicles to be licensed within established limits and subject to applicable fees. New rules for bicycles and electric scooters Personal means of transport, including bicycles and electric scooters, will be subject to a clearer framework governing their use. The regulations specify age groups, required permits and designated routes, helping to regulate their operation and reinforce users' responsibility to comply with traffic rules. Stricter technical safety requirements Technical requirements for bicycles, electric scooters and other personal means of transport include equipment such as lights, brakes and warning devices. Al-Naqbi said these requirements improve safety and make users more visible to others on the road, reducing risks associated with vehicles that lack necessary safety equipment. Greater protection for young children Drivers will be required to provide suitable seats for young children, strengthening safety requirements inside vehicles. Al-Naqbi said the requirement reinforces the driver's responsibility to provide appropriate protection for children travelling in vehicles. New safety requirements for delivery drivers The regulations introduce clearer requirem