A total of 36 traffic accidents were recorded across the UAE in 2025 involving drivers without valid licences, raising fresh concerns over road safety, according to the UAE Ministry of Interior.
Authorities said these incidents highlight the dangers posed by untrained and unauthorized drivers, often linked to inexperience and poor judgment on the road.
Officials stressed that driving without a licence is not just a violation of the law but a serious risk to public safety.
To address the issue, the UAE has strengthened enforcement under Federal Decree-Law No. 14 of 2024 on Traffic Regulation, imposing stricter penalties on violators.
First-time offenders caught using an unrecognized foreign licence may face fines ranging from Dh2,000 to Dh10,000.
Repeat offenders face tougher penalties, including at least three months in jail and fines between Dh5,000 and Dh50,000, or both.
For individuals driving without any licence, penalties include up to three months’ imprisonment and fines of up to Dh50,000. Repeat violations can lead to fines as high as Dh100,000, along with possible jail time.
Authorities said the stricter measures aim to deter illegal driving and reinforce discipline on the roads as part of broader efforts to improve public safety.
