When do I need a UAE licence?
Article 8 of the Federal Decree-Law No. 14 of 2024 (Traffic Regulation) says no person may drive unless they hold a valid licence entitling them to drive that type of vehicle, and they must carry it while driving. A person responsible for a vehicle may not allow it to be driven by someone without the correct licence.
Article 9 exempts drivers with licences issued by competent authorities in a foreign state that are approved in the UAE, or valid international licences, during their stay for transit or visit, and holders of valid foreign or temporary permits permitted to remain for non-residence purposes.
What is the penalty for driving without a licence?
Imprisonment of up to three months and a fine of AED 5,000 to AED 50,000, or either, for driving without a licence or with one that does not permit that type of vehicle. For repeat offences, imprisonment of not less than three months and a fine of AED 20,000 to AED 100,000, or either (Article 37(2)).
Driving with a foreign licence not recognised in the UAE is punished by a fine of AED 2,000 to AED 10,000 the first time and, for repeat offences, imprisonment of not less than three months and/or a fine of AED 5,000 to AED 50,000 (Article 37(1)).
What about driving while my licence is suspended?
Article 36 punishes driving during a suspension ordered by the competent court, the licensing authority or the traffic control authority with imprisonment of up to three months and a fine of not less than AED 10,000, or either.
A vehicle driven twice by an unlicensed person is impounded (Article 32(2)), and the court can suspend or deprive licence rights after a conviction (Article 42).
Can the licensing authority suspend my licence?
Yes. It may suspend, cancel or refuse to renew a licence if the holder is not qualified or medically fit, and the traffic control authority can suspend one in coordination with it for safety reasons (Article 12).
The Executive Regulations set the procedures, so check the order you have received and its reasons.
What should I do first?
Check your licence status
Before driving after any notice.
Carry the licence
It must be on you (Article 8).
Do not lend your car
The owner can be liable.
Ask about recognition of a foreign licence
Rules vary by country.
Call us on +971 50 653 1334 or message us on WhatsApp. We answer at any hour.
Frequently asked questions
Can a visitor drive on a foreign licence?
Yes in the cases in Article 9, for example an approved foreign licence or valid international licence during a visit.
Is driving without a licence a crime?
Yes. Article 37(2) provides imprisonment of up to three months and a fine of AED 5,000 to AED 50,000, or either.
What if my licence is suspended?
Driving during suspension carries imprisonment of up to three months and a fine of not less than AED 10,000, or either (Article 36).
Can my car be impounded?
Yes, if you are caught twice driving without a licence (Article 32(2)).
Related guides
Traffic Offences overview
The main points, the process and your first steps.
Read the overviewReckless Driving
How the Traffic Regulation Law deals with reckless or dangerous driving, when a driver can be arrested and what the court can do to the licence.
Read the guideDUI
What the Traffic Regulation Law says about driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, the fines and prison terms, and how the licence is affected.
Read the guideSources
Source: Federal Decree-Law No. 14 of 2024 (Traffic Regulation), official English text on the UAE Legislation portal, checked 9 October 2026. The portal lists the law as active, in force from 29 March 2025. The Arabic text prevails over translations.
This page is general information, not legal advice.