Starting from January 1st, the new executive regulation of the Federal Traffic Law will come into effect, introducing a series of changes regarding vehicle registration and licensing for residents in the UAE. The updated law sets out specific limits on the number of vehicles residents may own, along with new procedures to enhance road safety and streamline the registration process.
New Vehicle Ownership Limits
According to Article 89 of the regulation, residents are permitted to own a maximum of two vehicles. Should they wish to register or renew an additional vehicle, an extra fee will apply for each car, although the total number of licensed vehicles per individual may not exceed five.
To apply for a vehicle license, either the owner or a legally appointed representative must submit their request through official channels or applications specified by the licensing authority, adhering to the relevant procedures and guidelines.
Prohibition of Right-Hand Drive Vehicles
The executive regulation prohibits the licensing of right-hand drive vehicles in the United Arab Emirates, allowing exceptions only for display purposes. Additionally, vehicles that do not meet traffic safety standards will not be approved for licensing.
Duration of Vehicle Licensing
The new regulations specify that the standard duration for vehicle licensing is set at one year, with the possibility of renewal. However, there is an exceptional option for light vehicles to extend the licensing period to two years, provided that three specific conditions are met:
- The vehicle must be newly manufactured at the time of its first registration.
- The age of the vehicle must not exceed six years from its manufacturing date.
- The vehicle must be owned by natural persons.
Moreover, Article 104 states that a single vehicle owned by a person with disabilities is exempt from the standard licensing fees.
Vehicle Deregistration Conditions
The regulatory framework grants licensing authorities the power to suspend, cancel, or refuse the renewal of vehicle licenses, including the permanent deregistration of vehicles whose licenses have expired for over five years. Under Article 117, the authority may suspend a vehicle’s license under two conditions: if there has been an unauthorised modification to the vehicle’s structure, engine, or colour, or if a judicial order mandates the suspension of the vehicle’s license.
Furthermore, the licensing authority is empowered to revoke vehicle licenses under various circumstances, including total damage to the vehicle frame rendering it unfit for use, judicial orders requiring revocation, or severe damage from traffic accidents that deem the vehicle inoperable, as assessed by the authority. Additionally, vehicles slated for public auction will also be considered for license cancellation.
Renewal applications may be denied if conditions for license renewal are not met, safety standards are not fulfilled, or if the vehicle is found to be non-compliant with technical inspections.
Importantly, the authority may deregister vehicles that have surpassed five years past their licensing expiration date, following the established procedures.
Age Requirements for Driving Licenses
Regarding age limits for driving licenses, the updated law provides detailed classifications aligned with vehicle types. The specifications are as follows:
- For motorcycles: A minimum age of 17 years is required for Category 1 licenses and 21 years for Category 2 licenses.
- For light vehicles: Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
- For heavy vehicles: A minimum age of 20 years is required.
- For light buses: Applicants must be at least 21 years old, the same age requirement applies to heavy buses.
- For operating light machinery: A minimum age of 20 years is required, and the same applies to heavy machinery.
Driving License Validity
The regulations specify that driving licenses issued to individuals aged between 17 and 21 are classified as provisional and are valid for one year, with the option for renewal for the same duration. For those aged 21 and above, the initial license is valid for two years. Upon reaching the age of 21, or when renewing licenses issued to those aged 21 and older, the following durations will apply: for UAE nationals and GCC citizens, licenses will be valid for ten years, and for other non-national residents, the validity is set for five years, with renewal terms similarly defined.
In summary, the new regulatory framework not only streamlines vehicle licensing procedures but also emphasizes safety and responsible vehicle ownership among UAE residents.