New Traffic Law Takes Effect on March 29
Federal Decree-Law No. (14) of 2024 on the regulation of traffic will come into force on March 29, introducing significant amendments aimed at enhancing road safety, organizing vehicle movement, and ensuring adherence to safe driving standards.
Brigadier Engineer Hussein Ahmed Al Harthi, Chairman of the Federal Traffic Council at the Ministry of Interior, emphasized that the law is designed to improve traffic safety while keeping pace with technological advancements in the fields of transportation, vehicles, and road infrastructure. He noted that the executive regulations for the law will be issued within six months of its implementation, providing detailed provisions to ensure its effective enforcement.
Brigadier General Ahmed Saeed Mohammed Al Sam Al Naqbi, Head of the Traffic Awareness Team at the Federal Traffic Council, explained that the law introduces several key provisions that will be further elaborated in the executive regulations. These include the classification of vehicles and personal transportation means according to specific criteria to ensure compliance with technical standards. The law also regulates driving licenses in terms of types, validity periods, eligibility age, and the procedures for obtaining them. It establishes conditions for issuing learning permits and defines the mechanisms for driver training based on standards approved by the licensing authority. Additionally, the law sets out mandatory insurance requirements for vehicles, whether registered within the country, arriving from abroad, or transiting through its territory, ensuring the minimum level of compulsory vehicle insurance. It further outlines procedures for vehicle inspection, registration, and re-registration while ensuring compliance with technical and environmental safety standards.
Al Naqbi pointed out that Article (12) of the law specifies cases where driving licenses may be suspended or revoked, particularly in instances of deteriorating health conditions or other factors that could compromise traffic safety, ultimately reducing risks on the roads and ensuring drivers’ ability to operate vehicles safely. He also highlighted Article (27), which grants licensing authorities the right to recall and inspect any vehicle at any time to verify its safety and compliance with regulations. If a vehicle is deemed unfit for use, its owner will be required to carry out the necessary repairs, and the vehicle will not be permitted on the road until it successfully passes technical inspection.
Regarding vehicle modifications, Al Naqbi explained that Article (26) strictly prohibits any major modifications to a vehicle such as altering the body, increasing engine power, or changing its color without obtaining prior approval from the licensing authority and completing the necessary procedures. This measure ensures compliance with approved technical standards.
He further noted that the law stipulates several conditions under which vehicles may be impounded. These include operating an unfit vehicle that fails to meet technical standards, driving without a valid license for a second time, or allowing an unlicensed individual to drive. Other violations that may lead to impoundment include unauthorized modifications to the vehicle, involvement in an accident linked to a criminal offense requiring seizure, or any other cases specified in the forthcoming executive regulations.
On Article (10) of the decree, Al Naqbi stated that the law establishes four primary conditions for issuing a driving license. These include the requirement that an applicant must be at least 17 years old and must successfully pass a medical examination conducted by the licensing authority or submit an approved medical report, as outlined in the executive regulations. These forthcoming regulations will provide further clarity on all aspects of this article, including the types of licenses available for this age group and the procedures for their issuance.