UAE Postpones Vehicle Ownership Limits Under New Traffic Regulations
The Ministry of Interior has deferred restrictions on the number of vehicles residents can register, pending a comprehensive review that takes into account the needs of families, investors and owners of luxury and classic cars.
The UAE Ministry of Interior has announced the postponement of proposed restrictions on the number of vehicles residents can register under the country's new federal traffic regulations, following public feedback and a review of the potential impact on different segments of society.
The decision concerns Article 89 of the new Implementing Regulations of the Traffic Law, which had introduced limits on vehicle registration as part of a broader regulatory framework scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2027.
Under the proposed provisions, residents registering or renewing more than two vehicles would have been required to pay an additional fee for each subsequent vehicle, with a maximum of five licensed vehicles permitted per resident.
However, the Ministry confirmed that implementation of the vehicle limit would be deferred until a comprehensive review is completed, ensuring that the regulations reflect the practical needs of vehicle owners while balancing broader transport and regulatory objectives.
The review will consider the rights of individuals who own multiple vehicles, the requirements of families and investors, and the different purposes for which vehicles are used. Particular attention will be given to classic, rare and luxury automobiles, which may be owned for investment, collection or recreational purposes rather than everyday transportation.
The decision reflects the UAE's approach to regulatory development, taking public feedback into consideration while introducing measures designed to enhance road safety and modernise the country's transport framework.
New Traffic Regulations to Take Effect in January 2027
While the vehicle registration restrictions have been postponed, several other provisions under the new federal traffic regulations are scheduled to come into effect on January 1, 2027.
The updated framework introduces measures aimed at improving road safety, reducing driver fatigue and strengthening licensing requirements.
Among the key changes is a limit of nine hours of driving within any 24-hour period. The regulation is intended to reduce the risks associated with prolonged driving and fatigue-related accidents.
Importantly, the nine-hour limit does not override the existing requirement for motorists to remain fit to drive. Drivers experiencing fatigue that could compromise road safety must stop driving, even if they have not reached the maximum permitted driving time.
The regulations also introduce additional requirements for motorists seeking to renew driving licences that have been expired for more than ten years. Under the new provisions, these drivers will be required to pass both theoretical and practical driving tests before their licences can be renewed.
The requirement applies specifically to the period since the licence expired, rather than the number of years since it was originally issued.
New Rules for Electric Scooters
The revised traffic framework also establishes a minimum age of 15 for individuals applying for an electric scooter permit in the UAE.
Permits will be valid for three years, introducing a clearer regulatory structure for the growing use of electric scooters as an alternative mode of urban transportation.
The changes form part of the country's continuing efforts to adapt traffic legislation to evolving mobility trends, while promoting responsible road use and improving safety for motorists and other road users.
With the vehicle ownership restrictions now under review, the UAE is seeking to ensure that its updated traffic regulations combine effective road safety measures with flexibility for residents, families and investors.
The Ministry of Interior has not yet announced a revised implementation date for the postponed vehicle registration limits.
