UAE Issues Federal Traffic Regulations Covering Vehicle Noise, Child Restraints, and Driving Limits

The UAE Cabinet has issued Cabinet Decision No. 174 of 2026 concerning the implementing regulations of Federal Decree-Law No. 14 of 2024 on the Regulation of Traffic, with the new provisions scheduled to take effect across the country on January 1, 2027, according to official reports.

Under Articles 27 and 28 of the regulations, authorities have introduced defined enforcement procedures for vehicles emitting excessive noise that exceeds approved national specifications. Suspected vehicles will be intercepted and subjected to sound-level testing using specialized equipment. Non-compliant vehicles will receive traffic fines and mandatory impoundment, with the offending motorist bearing all transportation and towing costs to designated impound facilities. New vehicles equipped with unmodified factory exhaust systems are exempt from these noise limits.

For families and motorists, the regulations formalize child safety requirements inside vehicles, including mandatory approved child car seats and restrictions preventing young children from occupying the front passenger seat. In addition, the regulations prohibit driving while fatigued or exhausted, capping total driving time at a maximum of nine hours within any 24-hour period, subject to adjustment by the Federal Traffic Council.

The regulations also restrict individual residents to licensing a maximum of five vehicles. Residents may register up to two vehicles without additional surcharges, while supplementary fees will apply when registering or renewing a third, fourth, or fifth vehicle. Owners of eligible light vehicles that were brand new upon initial registration and are under six years old from manufacture may apply to extend registration validity from one year to two years.

The executive framework further establishes licensing guidelines for personal mobility devices such as bicycles and electric scooters—setting a minimum operating age of 15—and bars the road licensing of right-hand-drive vehicles, restricting them solely to exhibition purposes.