UAE’s New Traffic Fines 2025: How They Affect Rental Car Users

Driving in the UAE is an exciting experience, with its state-of-the-art roads and stunning cityscapes. But what happens when new traffic regulations are introduced, bringing stricter penalties and higher fines? For rental car users, this isn’t just a question of paying a fine; it’s about understanding how these changes could affect your overall costs and responsibilities.

The UAE’s new traffic fines for 2025 aim to enhance road safety and enforce stricter compliance. While this is a positive step toward safer streets, it’s crucial for rental car users to understand how these regulations apply to them. 

Drive UAE will dive into the key updates, their impact on rental car users, and tips to stay compliant while driving in the UAE. Let’s get started.

Overview of UAE’s New Traffic Fines in 2025

In 2025, the UAE is implementing significant updates to its traffic laws to enhance road safety and align with global transportation standards. 

Key changes include:

• Lowering the Driving Age: Individuals aged 17 and above will be eligible to obtain a driving license, reducing the previous minimum age requirement. 
• Increased Penalties for Jaywalking: Fines for crossing roads in undesignated areas will range from AED 400 to AED 10,000, with potential jail time for severe violation. 
• Stricter Fines for Driving Under the Influence:
  • Alcohol: Fines between AED 20,000 and AED 100,000, with possible license suspension from three months to permanent revocation.
  • Narcotics: Fines ranging from AED 30,000 to AED 200,000, along with potential imprisonment and license suspension. 
• Hit-and-Run Penalties: Fleeing the scene of an accident can result in fines between AED 50,000 and AED 100,000, license suspension, and possible imprisonment, depending on the severity.
• Driving Without a Valid License: Offenders may face fines starting at AED 10,000, 3 months imprisonment, and, for repeated offenses or unrecognized foreign licenses, fines up to AED 50,000.
• Tampering with License Plates: Using altered or damaged license plates can lead to fines up to AED 20,000 and imprisonment.
• Negligent Driving Resulting in Death: Causing a fatal accident due to careless driving may incur fines between AED 50,000 and AED 100,000, along with potential imprisonment.

These measures, effective from March 29, 2025, aim to promote responsible driving and reduce traffic-related incidents across the UAE. 

Unique Considerations for Rental Car Users

For rental car users in the UAE, understanding the implications of the updated traffic fines is crucial. These changes not only affect how you drive but also influence your financial and legal responsibilities when renting a vehicle.

Responsibility for UAE’s Traffic Fines

• Traffic fines incurred while using a rental car are typically the responsibility of the renter.
• Rental companies may charge an administrative fee for processing these fines.

Terms in Rental Agreements

• Rental agreements often include clauses detailing the renter’s obligations for traffic violations.
• Ensure you review and understand these terms before signing.

Toll Charges and Salik Gates

• Rental companies may automatically bill toll charges (Salik) to the renter, often with an additional service fee.
• Keep track of routes and tolls to avoid unexpected charges.

Parking Violations

• Improper parking can result in fines, and rental companies may add administrative fees to the penalty.
• Always check parking signs and regulations in unfamiliar areas.

Unpaid Fines Before Returning the Car

• Some rental companies require renters to settle fines before returning the vehicle.
• Outstanding fines may delay deposit refunds or incur additional charges.

International Drivers

• Visitors driving rental cars on international licenses should ensure their license is valid in the UAE to avoid penalties.
• Driving without a recognized license may result in severe fines and potential legal action.

Accidents and Insurance Claims

• If a fine is issued as part of an accident investigation, the renter may face additional responsibilities, including insurance claims or damage fees.
• Comprehensive insurance can help minimize liability.

Impact on Rental Car Costs

The UAE’s new traffic fines for 2025 have a direct influence on the cost of renting a car. 

Administrative Fees for Traffic Violations

• Rental companies typically charge an administrative fee on top of the traffic fine for processing violations.
• These fees can vary but may significantly increase the total cost of a fine.

Higher Insurance Premiums

• Stricter fines could lead to increased insurance costs for rental companies, which may be passed down to renters in the form of higher rental rates.
• Opting for comprehensive insurance coverage may increase upfront costs but can minimize liability for fines or damages.

Delayed Security Deposit Refunds

• If fines are issued during the rental period, companies may withhold the security deposit until all fines are cleared.
• This delay can affect renters’ budgets, especially for longer-term rentals.

Toll Charges and Processing Fees

• Rental companies often bill tolls directly to renters, adding processing fees for Salik gate charges.
• Frequent travel through toll gates can lead to substantial additional costs.

Penalties for Late Payment of Fines:

• Fines not paid within the rental period may incur late payment penalties, which the rental company could charge to the renter.
• These penalties can escalate quickly, increasing overall rental costs.

Increased Daily Rates

• Some rental companies may raise daily rates in response to higher operational costs associated with processing fines and adhering to stricter regulations.

Tips for Rental Car Users to Stay Compliant

Here are practical tips to help rental car users stay on the right side of the law:

• Familiarize yourself with UAE traffic laws, including updates for 2025, before hitting the road.
• Pay special attention to rules about speed limits, parking, and Salik toll gates.
• Read the terms and conditions, especially regarding liability for fines and tolls.
• Ask for clarification on administrative fees or penalties related to traffic violations.
• Avoid aggressive driving behaviors such as tailgating or sudden lane changes.
• Check with the rental company if they provide notifications for traffic fines.
• Only park in designated areas to avoid fines for improper parking.
• Use mobile apps or parking meters to ensure you’ve paid any applicable parking fees.
• Choose insurance coverage that includes liability for traffic fines or accidents.

Conclusion

The UAE’s new traffic fines for 2025 emphasize safety, responsibility, and adherence to road rules. For rental car users, understanding these changes and their impact is crucial to avoiding fines and ensuring a smooth rental experience. Compliance is not just about avoiding penalties; it’s about contributing to safer roads for everyone.