Reported: 7 November 2026
1 November 2026
New executive regulations for the UAE Federal Traffic Law, due to take effect on 1 January, introduce controls on driver licensing based on fitness and health information.
Under the rules, licensing authorities may suspend, cancel or refuse to renew driving licences in a set of specified cases, including situations related to a driver’s eligibility and health fitness.
The regulations also include a clause requiring competent health authorities to coordinate with the licensing authority. Health data is to be provided for people with diseases or health conditions that may affect safe driving.
The executive regulations further set out how driving-related procedures are grouped into three categories: suspension cases, cancellation cases, and renewal refusal cases. They also reference a reassessment process for drivers whose licences have been expired for more than 10 years and establish medical requirements for eye examinations across driving categories, including stated visual acuity standards.
The changes are intended to increase road safety and security through clearer licensing decisions that take account of health-related eligibility.
Source: Emirates247.