The key facts
- From January 1, 2027, drivers will be prohibited from being behind the wheel for more than nine hours within 24 hours
- One person will be able to register no more than five cars; a surcharge applies for the third and subsequent ones
- Children under four may be transported only in child seats on the rear seats
What changes on January 1, 2027
In the UAE, amendments to the federal traffic law come into force on January 1, 2027. As The National explains in detail, the changes are aimed at reducing accidents, fighting congestion, protecting child passengers and limiting time behind the wheel. The reform is linked to the growing population of the emirates and the strain on the transport network: by the end of 2025 Dubai's population exceeded 4.5 million people.
Driving limit and rules for couriers
The law establishes a maximum of nine hours of driving within any 24-hour period — a measure against driver fatigue. It is not specified whether it applies to private car owners or only to professionals; for taxi, bus and delivery operators it will be significant. The National asked the authorities for clarification on the practical application of the limit. Couriers are prohibited from carrying passengers on a motorcycle during deliveries and from using backpacks for orders — only approved equipment is allowed. This complements the plan of Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) to track couriers' speed, location and riding style using cameras and sensors.
Cars, children and e-scooters
One person will be able to register no more than five cars; an additional fee is introduced for registering or renewing the third, fourth and fifth — its amount, as well as the procedure for those who already own more than five cars, is not defined by the law. Standard registration of a new car costs 400 dirhams, renewal — 350 plus 150 for the technical inspection. Owners of passenger cars registered new and no older than six years will be able to extend the registration period from one year to two. Children under four may be transported only in seats appropriate for their weight and height on the rear seats; the exception is with a medical certificate and an accompanying person in the back, and in cars without rear seats the seat is installed rear-facing with the airbag deactivated. The minimum age for an e-scooter permit is 15 (the permit is valid for three years); it is unclear how this will be reconciled with the current Dubai threshold of 16. Scooters and e-bikes must have a front headlight, a rear red brake light, a sound signal on the handlebar and a working rear brake. The law also introduces rules for providing first aid at the scene of an accident (only with a valid certificate), validity periods of driving licences by age and citizenship — 10 years for UAE and GCC citizens, five years for expats — and vision requirements by driver category.
