UAE Enforces Nine-Hour Commercial Driving Limit Under New Federal Traffic Rules

Commercial transport operators in the UAE are preparing for operational changes under new federal traffic rules capping driving time at nine hours per 24-hour period. Taking effect on January 1, the regulations aim to address driver fatigue and will disrupt traditional 12-hour shifts. Companies will be legally responsible for compliance, with enforcement relying on electronic tachographs.

Published November 6, 2026 Source: The National

English Original
中文 Chinese version
العربية Automatic translation

Issuing authority: UAE Federal Government
Jurisdiction: United Arab Emirates
Stage: Final rule
Official document: Federal traffic regulations
Official source: www.thenationalnews.com

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Transport companies and commercial operators across the United Arab Emirates are preparing for significant operational adjustments ahead of new federal traffic regulations taking effect on January 1. The rules introduce a mandatory maximum driving limit of nine hours within any 24-hour period, according to a report by The National.

The measure is designed to combat driver fatigue and improve road safety across the national transport network. The cap is expected to disrupt standard 12-hour working shifts commonly observed among taxi, lorry, and commercial delivery fleet drivers.

Industry experts stated that enforcement will rely significantly on electronic tachographs installed in vehicles to monitor speeds, travel distances, and driving hours. Transport compliance specialists noted that operating companies bear full legal responsibility for ensuring schedule compliance and vehicle safety.