The UAE’s new traffic regulations take effect on 1 January 2027. Understand the changes to vehicle registration, electric scooters, child safety, driving hours and delivery services.
05 November, 2026
UAE Traffic Regulations 2027: New Rules for Drivers, Electric Scooters and Delivery Services
The UAE is introducing new implementing regulations governing road traffic from 1 January 2027. The changes cover vehicle registration, driving licences, personal mobility devices, child safety, professional drivers and delivery services.
The regulations are introduced through Cabinet Decision No. 174 of 2026, implementing Federal Decree-Law No. 14 of 2024 on the Regulation of Traffic.
The changes are relevant to private vehicle owners, families, electric scooter users, delivery businesses and professional drivers. Residents and businesses should review the new requirements before the effective date to understand whether their existing arrangements need to change.
1. Vehicle Registration: Limits and Additional Fees
The new regulations introduce specific conditions for registering vehicles owned by individual residents.
Under Article 89, residents may register up to two vehicles without additional fees. Registering further vehicles may attract an additional fee for each vehicle, subject to a maximum of five vehicles registered to one resident.
The regulations also prohibit the licensing of right-hand-drive vehicles for road use. Such vehicles may be permitted for exhibition purposes only.
What this means: Residents who own or plan to register multiple vehicles should check the applicable fees and licensing conditions with the relevant authority before making registration arrangements.
2. Two-Year Registration for Eligible Light Vehicles
Article 98 introduces an option for eligible light vehicles to have their registration validity extended from one year to two years.
This is not an automatic extension. The vehicle owner must apply, and approval is subject to the relevant licensing authority.
The option is available for vehicles that were brand new when initially registered and are not more than six years old from their date of manufacture.
Vehicle owners should confirm eligibility and application procedures with the relevant licensing authority.
3. New Rules for Electric Scooters and Personal Mobility Devices
The regulations establish a classification system for personal mobility devices used on roads.
The categories reported by WAM include:
Bicycles;
Electric bicycles;
Electric scooters;
Small-wheeled cycles, including mopeds and scooters;
Skateboards; and
Mobility aids designed for elderly individuals and people with disabilities.
The new rules also introduce a minimum age of 15 years for scooter permits.
This is an important development for individuals who use electric scooters and similar devices for daily commuting. Users should check the permit and operating requirements applicable to their particular device and location.
4. Child Safety Seats: Requirements for Young Passengers
Article 11 strengthens the requirements concerning child safety while travelling in vehicles.
Drivers must provide appropriate child safety seats for children aged four and under. The seats must correspond to the child's weight and height, be installed in the rear seats and comply with applicable national standards and specifications.
The regulations provide limited exceptions where a child's medical condition prevents the use of a protective seat. An official medical certificate must be submitted, and an attendant must accompany the child in the rear seat.
For vehicles without rear seats, a child safety seat may be installed in the front, provided it faces backwards and the airbag is deactivated.
Practical point for families: Parents and vehicle owners should check that their child safety seats meet the applicable specifications and are correctly installed.
5. Driving Hours and Fatigue-Related Restrictions
Article 7 addresses driving while fatigued or exhausted to an extent that affects a person's ability to operate a vehicle safely.
The regulations also establish a maximum driving period of nine hours within any 24-hour period, subject to adjustment by the Federal Traffic Council.
This provision is particularly relevant to professional drivers and businesses whose operations depend on regular vehicle journeys.
Employers and transport operators should review their driving schedules and operating procedures in light of the new requirements.
6. Additional Requirements for Delivery Drivers
Article 10 introduces specific obligations for delivery drivers.
These include:
Wearing the prescribed uniform;
Holding a valid professional permit and presenting it when requested;
Using approved systems installed in their vehicles; and
Following the prescribed requirements for transporting deliveries.
The regulations also prohibit delivery drivers from carrying a passenger behind them on a motorcycle while performing delivery duties or using backpacks to transport orders. Approved equipment designated for carrying deliveries must instead be used.
Delivery companies and operators should review their driver policies, equipment and operational procedures before the regulations take effect.
7. First Aid at Traffic Accident Scenes
Article 13 addresses the provision of first aid to people injured in traffic accidents.
Individuals may administer first aid provided they hold an accredited certificate confirming successful completion of a first aid training course. Where the certificate has an expiry date, it must remain valid.
The individual must also have the physical capacity required to respond appropriately to the injured person's condition.
This provision recognises the importance of appropriate training when assisting people injured in road accidents.
What Should Residents and Businesses Do Before January 2027?
The new regulations affect different groups in different ways. The following steps can help prepare for their implementation:
Private vehicle owners
Review vehicle registration arrangements, particularly if registering more than two vehicles.
Check whether an eligible light vehicle qualifies for two-year registration.
Confirm that vehicle modifications and specifications meet licensing requirements.
Parents and families
Check child safety seat specifications and installation.
Review the applicable requirements before travelling with young children.
Electric scooter users
Identify the classification applicable to the device being used.
Check permit, age and operating requirements with the competent authority.
Delivery and transport businesses
Review professional permits and driver documentation.
Check delivery equipment and vehicle operating procedures.
Review driving schedules and fatigue-management practices.
Conclusion
The UAE's new traffic regulations introduce changes that extend beyond ordinary driving requirements. They address vehicle registration, personal mobility devices, child passenger safety, professional driving hours and delivery operations.
With the regulations scheduled to take effect on 1 January 2027, residents and businesses should review the requirements relevant to them and make the necessary preparations in advance.
Understanding the applicable provisions will help vehicle owners, families and transport operators maintain compliance and avoid disruption to their activities.
