UAE Imposes Nine-Hour Daily Driving Limit on Commercial Drivers From January 1

UAE transport, logistics, and delivery operators are preparing for significant operational adjustments following the introduction of a federal regulation capping commercial driving time at nine hours per 24-hour cycle. The new safety rules are scheduled to take effect from January 1.

According to road safety experts cited by The National, driver fatigue is a leading factor in severe traffic accidents involving buses and heavy goods vehicles. Analysts noted that 12-hour shifts have historically served as the standard across delivery and taxi services in the country.

Under the new regulatory framework, fleet operators will bear direct legal liability for driver scheduling and road operations. Complying with the cap will require businesses to restructure operating routes and recruit additional drivers.

Industry specialists also anticipate that increasing the adoption of tachographs—through both voluntary and mandatory installations—will become essential for tracking driving hours and vehicle distances.