New UAE traffic rules for 2027: What changes for drivers, e-scooter riders

The UAE will introduce a series of updated traffic regulations from January 1, 2027, covering e-scooter permits, driving-hour limits, licence renewals, learner permits and road safety requirements.

Cabinet Decision No. 174 of 2026, which implements Federal Decree-Law No. 14 of 2024, outlines the updated provisions. While some rules introduce new requirements, others retain or revise existing regulations.

Here are the key changes motorists, learners and e-scooter users should know.

E-Scooter Permits Mandatory for Riders Aged 15 and Above

Under Article 59, applicants must be at least 15 years old to obtain permits for electric scooters, electric bicycles and small motorised bikes. These permits will remain valid for three years.

Article 6 also requires users to obtain the prescribed permit before riding and register their devices under the procedures established by the relevant licensing or traffic-control authority.

Riders must follow designated routes and speed limits and avoid roads reserved for motor vehicles.

Dubai's existing Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) scheme sets the minimum age for e-scooter permits at 16 and issues permits without an expiry date. The new federal regulation does not yet clarify how the two systems will be aligned or how existing permits will be treated.

E-Scooter Safety and Equipment Requirements

The updated regulations introduce technical and safety requirements for personal mobility devices, covering both private users and commercial rental services.

Under Article 4, e-scooters must have:

• A front headlight for night-time visibility.

• A rear light and red brake-linked lighting.

• An audible warning device mounted on the handlebar.

• A braking system on at least the rear wheel.

• Properly fitted and roadworthy tyres.

• Secure components that do not pose safety risks.

Licensing authorities may introduce additional technical requirements.

The regulations do not specify a nationwide numerical speed limit for e-scooters. The 45 km/h figure mentioned in Article 3 relates to the definition of small motorised bikes, not an e-scooter riding speed limit.

Driving Limited to Nine Hours Within 24 Hours

Article 7(2) introduces a maximum driving limit of nine hours within any 24-hour period.

The provision does not specify a particular category of driver, such as truck drivers or professional motorists. The Federal Traffic Council may revise this limit.

The regulation also prohibits driving when fatigue or exhaustion affects a person's ability to operate a vehicle safely, even if the driver has not reached the nine-hour limit.

However, the provision does not explain how driving time will be recorded or specify mandatory rest breaks.

Fresh Tests for Driving Licences Expired for More Than 10 Years

Motorists whose driving licences have remained unrenewed for more than 10 years from their expiry date will need to pass theory and practical tests before renewal.

Under Article 76, the relevant licensing authority will determine the tests required.

The regulation does not make a complete beginner driving course or mandatory training hours compulsory for these applicants.

Dubai already requires an evaluation test for licences that have expired for more than 10 years. However, the existing RTA assessment is not necessarily identical to the theory and practical tests specified under the new federal regulation.

Learner Permits Can Remain Valid for Up to Six Months

Article 82 revises the validity period for learner permits.

Under the new provision:

• Learner permits can remain valid for up to six months.

• Permits can be renewed through the licensing authority.

• Instructors must hold the required permits and authorisations.

• Only the learner and instructor can occupy the vehicle during driving lessons.

Learners may drive on roads in populated areas only when the instructor is satisfied that they can control the vehicle safely.

The previous federal regulation allowed learner permits for up to three months. The new rule does not mean every learner permit will automatically be valid for six months.

Speed Limits, Traffic Fines and Emergency Exceptions

Article 14 explains how speeding fines will be calculated based on posted speed limits. Licensing and traffic-control authorities must coordinate road speed limits and violation-detection speeds.

The regulation does not specify a nationwide numerical enforcement buffer or announce the removal of existing emirate-level buffers.

Article 8 also retains the maximum prescribed speed of 40 km/h in internal residential areas where the limit is indicated through appropriate signs and guidance boards.

Certain exceptions remain applicable to emergency vehicles performing urgent duties and motorists transporting seriously injured or ill individuals.

However, drivers must not put other road users at risk and must use the necessary warning and light signals.

Child Safety Seat Requirements and Front-Seat Rules

Article 11 requires children aged four and under to use appropriate rear child safety seats that comply with UAE standards and suit their height and weight.

For vehicles without rear seats, a rear-facing child seat must be installed in the front, with the passenger airbag deactivated.

A medical exception is available when a child's health condition prevents the use of a safety seat. This requires a certificate attested by the competent UAE medical authority, along with a companion accompanying the child in the rear seat.

The existing federal rule allowing children over 10 years old or those who have reached 145 cm in height to sit in the front passenger seat remains unchanged.

New Regulations for Motorcycle Delivery Riders

The updated traffic rules also introduce specific requirements for motorcycle delivery services.

Under Article 10:

• Delivery riders cannot use backpacks to carry orders.

• Deliveries must use approved loading methods.

• Carrying a passenger behind the rider is prohibited when using a motorcycle licensed for delivery purposes.

Professional drivers and delivery-vehicle drivers must also hold valid professional permits and present them to authorities when requested.

Article 57 provides for two-year professional permits, including permits for motorcycle delivery riders. Drivers cannot work without a valid permit or continue working with an expired one.

Stricter Rules for Overtaking and Pedestrian Crossings

Articles 20 and 21 outline situations where overtaking is prohibited to reduce road accidents and protect motorists.

Drivers cannot overtake when visibility is poor, oncoming traffic makes the manoeuvre unsafe or the road conditions do not allow sufficient space.

Overtaking is also prohibited:

• At intersections, roundabouts and squares.

• Near pedestrian crossings.

• On bends, steep rises and descents.

• On slippery roads.

• Where continuous road markings prohibit overtaking.

• Where traffic signs or signals restrict the manoeuvre.

Article 12 also requires motorists approaching marked pedestrian crossings to slow down and prepare to stop.

At uncontrolled crossings, drivers must stop completely when pedestrians have started crossing and allow them to reach the other side safely. At controlled crossings, motorists must also allow pedestrians to clear the crossing before proceeding.

When Will the New UAE Traffic Rules Take Effect?

The updated provisions are part of Cabinet Decision No. 174 of 2026, which replaces Ministerial Decision No. 130 of 1997 and its implementing decisions.

According to Article 131, the new traffic regulations will come into effect on January 1, 2027.

Motorists, e-scooter users, professional drivers and learner drivers should familiarise themselves with the updated requirements before the implementation date to ensure compliance with the UAE's revised traffic framework.