United Arab Emirates Can Impound Cars for 30 Days (2026)

The United Arab Emirates can impound a vehicle for 30 days after a red-light violation, alongside a fine and 12 black points. Alcohol is banned outright, with the limit fixed at 0.0%. Motorway speeds reach 120 km/h, and the minimum driving age is 17.

Speed limits are 60 km/h in urban areas, 100 km/h on rural roads, and 120 km/h on motorways. The blood alcohol limit is zero. You must be at least 17 to drive.

Emergency Numbers in United Arab Emirates

General Emergency: 999 | Police: 999 | Ambulance: 998 | Fire: 997

Save these numbers before you start driving. In the United Arab Emirates, emergency calls are free from any phone.

Speed Limits in United Arab Emirates

The default speed limits for passenger cars in United Arab Emirates are 60 km/h in built-up areas, 100 km/h on rural roads, and 120 km/h on motorways.

Trucks and vehicles over 3.5 tonnes have lower limits: 60 km/h urban, 90 km/h rural, and 100 km/h on motorways.

Important: Posted signs always override default limits. Watch for temporary restrictions in construction zones, near schools, and in residential areas.

Speeding Fines and Penalties

Speeding fines in United Arab Emirates escalate based on how far you exceed the limit. Exceeding by up to 10 km/h: AED 300 (approx. EUR 75). Exceeding by 11-20 km/h: AED 600-700 (approx. EUR 150-175) + 6 black points. Over 20 km/h: AED 1,000-2,000 (approx. EUR 250-500) + 12 black points + vehicle impoundment or more.

Other common fines:

• Mobile phone use while driving: AED 800 (approx. EUR 200) + 4 black points
• Running a red light: AED 1,000 (approx. EUR 250) + 12 black points + vehicle impoundment (30 days)
• Seatbelt violation: AED 400 (approx. EUR 100) + 4 black points

Traffic Rules and Regulations

Drive on the right side of the road. Overtake on the left. At roundabouts, enter counter-clockwise and yield to traffic already circulating.

Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants. Children must use appropriate restraint systems based on their age and height.

Using a hand-held phone while driving is illegal. The fine is AED 800 (approx. EUR 200) + 4 black points. Use hands-free devices only.

Use headlights in poor visibility, tunnels, and at night. Some areas require headlights at all times.

Priority at intersections follows posted signs. When no signs are present, yield to traffic from the right.

Drink-Driving Laws and Alcohol Limits

United Arab Emirates enforces a zero-tolerance drink-driving policy. Any detectable alcohol in your blood while driving is illegal. There is no safe amount — even one drink can put you over the limit. Penalties include heavy fines, licence confiscation, and potential imprisonment.

The safest approach is to not drink at all if you will be driving. Alcohol affects reaction time and judgement regardless of the legal limit.

Tyre Requirements and Regulations

Winter tyres are not required in United Arab Emirates. Standard tyres are sufficient for normal driving conditions.

The legal minimum tread depth is 1.6 mm.

Studded tyres: restricted.

For detailed tyre law information, see our Tyre Laws in United Arab Emirates guide.

Mandatory Vehicle Equipment

Vehicles in United Arab Emirates must carry the following:

Required:

• Warning triangle
• First aid kit
• Fire extinguisher

Recommended:

• Reflective vest (high-visibility)

Keep all equipment accessible — not buried under luggage. Police may check during routine stops.

Driving License Requirements

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required for foreign drivers in United Arab Emirates. Always carry your original driving licence — photocopies are not accepted. Your foreign licence is valid for up to 6 months.

The minimum driving age is 17 years.

IDP required for tourists. Some nationalities can convert licence. Rental agencies require IDP.

Parking and Fuel

Parking in major cities can be limited and expensive. Shopping centres and commercial areas usually have dedicated car parks. Read signs carefully to avoid towing.

Current fuel prices in United Arab Emirates: petrol approximately $0.75/litre, diesel $0.78/litre (USD). Prices vary by region and station.

Most fuel stations accept major credit and debit cards. In rural areas, keep your tank above half — stations may be far apart.

Seasonal Driving Conditions

United Arab Emirates has arid to semi-arid conditions. Extreme heat can affect both driver and vehicle — carry water, monitor tyre pressure (heat increases pressure), and watch for sand or dust on road surfaces.

Night driving in desert areas requires extra caution due to limited lighting and potential wildlife crossings.

Useful Driving Phrases in Arabic

Knowing a few phrases in Arabic helps at fuel stations, toll booths, and during police checks:

Download the Arabic language pack in your translation app for offline use.

Practical Driving Tips for United Arab Emirates

• Download offline maps of United Arab Emirates before your trip — mobile signal can be unreliable on rural roads.
• Take a break every 2 hours on long drives. Fatigue is a leading cause of road accidents.
• Use our interactive tools on this page — compare rules with your home country and calculate potential fines before you set off.