Is reckless driving a crime?
The Federal Decree-Law No. 14 of 2024 (Traffic Regulation) treats it in two ways. Traffic control authority members may arrest a driver caught driving in a reckless manner or in a manner that poses a danger to the public (Article 31(3)). Most traffic violations are punished by administrative penalties set by a resolution of the Council of Ministers (Article 45).
Where reckless driving causes death, injury or serious damage, criminal penalties apply under the offences for causing death (Article 40) or under the Crimes and Penalties Law.
What can happen to the vehicle?
Vehicles can be seized in listed cases, including driving in an unfit condition or without brakes or sufficient night lights, after substantial modifications without approval, or where the vehicle is connected to an accident involving a crime (Article 32).
A vehicle driven twice by a person without a licence is impounded until the required licence is presented and other conditions are met.
What can the court do to my licence?
When a person is convicted of a crime related to vehicle driving, the court may suspend the licence for up to three years and bar renewal for up to a further two years, or deprive a person without a licence of the right to obtain one for up to three years (Article 42).
A person deprived of the right to obtain a licence may ask the court that convicted them to cancel the deprivation after six months.
What aggravates a death case?
Exceeding a red light, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, driving with a suspended or cancelled licence, and driving in a valley while floods are running carry the higher penalty in Article 40.
See our guide to causing death by driving. If you are stopped, stay calm, do not argue and call a lawyer if you are being arrested.
What should I do first?
Stay calm and comply
Arguing can add charges.
Check what you are being charged with
Administrative fine or crime.
Collect dashcam and witness details
They can show what happened.
Ask about licence consequences
Before you accept anything.
Call us on +971 50 653 1334 or message us on WhatsApp. We answer at any hour.
Frequently asked questions
Can I be arrested for reckless driving?
Yes, if caught driving recklessly or dangerously to the public (Article 31(3)).
Can they take my car?
In the listed cases, yes (Article 32).
Can a court suspend my licence?
Yes, up to three years after a conviction for a driving crime (Article 42).
Are fines administrative?
Most violations are punished by administrative penalties set by Cabinet resolution (Article 45).
Related guides
Traffic Offences overview
The main points, the process and your first steps.
Read the overviewDUI
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 guideCausing Death by Driving
What the law says about a death caused by a driver's fault, the higher penalty in listed circumstances and the effect on the licence.
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.