A new set of implementing regulations under the UAE Federal Traffic Law is scheduled to take effect from 1 January 2027, bringing changes covering vehicle registration, e-scooters and e-bikes, child safety, professional drivers and road-safety requirements.
The rules are contained in Cabinet Decision No. 174 of 2026, which implements Federal Decree-Law No. 14 of 2024 on the Regulation of Traffic.
Importantly, these provisions should not be presented as already in force in November 2026. Most are scheduled to apply from 1 January 2027.
There has also already been one significant change to the original announcement: the proposed limit on the number of vehicles residents may license has been postponed for further review.
Vehicle ownership limit has been postponed
The original regulations included a provision under Article 89 that would have limited an individual resident to a maximum of five licensed vehicles, with additional fees applying beyond the first two.
However, on 9 November 2026, the Ministry of Interior announced that the vehicle-number limit would be postponed pending further review and approval of appropriate regulatory requirements.
The Ministry said the review would consider factors including:
the rights of vehicle owners, family needs, investors and the use of classic, rare and luxury vehicles.
So residents should not assume that a five-vehicle cap will automatically take effect on 1 January.
Further guidance is expected after the review is completed.
Some light vehicles may qualify for two-year registration
One of the more practical changes is the possibility of extending vehicle registration validity from one year to two years.
Under Article 98, owners of eligible light vehicles may request the longer registration period, subject to approval by the relevant licensing authority.
The option applies where the vehicle:
was brand new when first registered; and
is no more than six years old from its date of manufacture.
This does not mean every light vehicle will automatically receive a two-year registration.
Owners will still need to meet the eligibility conditions and follow the procedures announced by their emirate’s licensing authority.
New permit framework for e-scooters and e-bikes
The regulations introduce a more detailed framework for personal-mobility devices.
The categories include:
- bicycles;
- electric bicycles;
- electric scooters;
- small-wheeled cycles;
- skateboards; and
- mobility aids intended for elderly people and people with disabilities.
Licensing authorities will be able to issue permits for certain categories including electric bicycles, electric scooters and small-wheeled cycles.
The minimum age stated for these permits is 15 years, and the permit is valid for three years.
Designated routes still matter
Getting a permit does not mean an e-scooter or e-bike can be ridden anywhere.
The regulations state that these devices can only be used on roads and routes designated by the relevant licensing or traffic-control authority in each emirate.
That means riders will still need to follow local rules in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and the other emirates.
The federal regulation establishes the overall framework, while local authorities can determine where particular devices may be used.
New technical requirements for personal-mobility devices
The rules also specify safety equipment for devices such as e-scooters and e-bikes.
Requirements include items such as:
a front light for night visibility;
a rear position light and red brake light;
an audible warning device;
at least one rear-wheel brake; and
properly maintained tyres and components.
Additional technical requirements may also be set by the relevant licensing authority.
Child-safety requirements are clarified
The regulations contain specific requirements for young children travelling in vehicles.
Drivers must provide an appropriate child safety seat for children aged four years and under.
The seat must:
match the child’s height and weight, comply with applicable standards and normally be installed in the rear of the vehicle.
Exceptions are provided in limited circumstances.
For example, a medical condition may prevent the use of a child restraint if supported by an official medical certificate and an attendant accompanies the child in the rear seat.
Where a vehicle has no rear seat, a child restraint may be fitted in the front if it is rear-facing and the passenger airbag is deactivated.
Driving while seriously fatigued is prohibited
The new regulations also address driver fatigue.
Article 7 prohibits driving when tired or exhausted to the extent that the driver’s ability to operate the vehicle safely is impaired.
The regulation also establishes a maximum driving period of nine hours within a 24-hour period, subject to adjustment by the Federal Traffic Council.
This provision is particularly relevant to professional and commercial drivers.
New obligations for delivery riders
Delivery drivers will also have additional operating requirements.
The regulations require delivery drivers to:
wear the prescribed uniform;
carry a valid professional permit; and
use approved equipment and systems.
Motorcycle delivery riders will also be prohibited from carrying a passenger while performing delivery work.
The rules further state that orders should not be transported in ordinary backpacks where approved delivery equipment is required.
Right-hand-drive vehicles
The implementing regulations also restrict licensing of right-hand-drive vehicles for normal road use.
Under the announced rules, such vehicles may be licensed only for display purposes, rather than ordinary road use.
Owners of imported, classic or specialist vehicles should therefore check the applicable licensing rules before importing or registering a vehicle.
What should residents do before January?
There is no need for most motorists to take immediate action simply because the regulations have been announced.
Before 1 January 2027, residents should instead identify which provisions actually affect them.
For example:
Vehicle owners: check whether the two-year registration option applies to your vehicle.
E-scooter and e-bike riders: watch for permit and designated-route instructions from your emirate.
Parents: make sure child restraints are appropriate for the child’s age, height and weight.
Professional and delivery drivers: review working-time, permit and equipment requirements.
And anyone following the proposed vehicle-ownership restrictions should wait for the Ministry of Interior’s further guidance rather than relying on the original five-vehicle rule.
Federal rule, local implementation
One important point is that not every practical detail will necessarily be identical across the UAE.
The federal regulation establishes the legal framework, but licensing and traffic authorities in individual emirates may publish additional information on:
fees, application procedures, approved routes, permit systems and implementation arrangements.
Residents should therefore check the relevant authority in their own emirate as January approaches.
MalluMetro Take
The 2027 traffic regulations are broader than a simple change to vehicle registration.
They cover how newer forms of transport such as e-scooters and e-bikes fit into the road system, strengthen child-safety requirements and introduce clearer obligations for professional drivers and delivery services.
But the changing vehicle-ownership provision is also a useful reminder not to treat an early summary of a new regulation as the final implementation position.
The original five-vehicle limit was announced as part of the new regulations, but the Ministry of Interior subsequently postponed that provision for further review on 9 November 2026.
For residents, the practical approach is:
know which rule may affect you, but wait for the relevant licensing authority’s final implementation details before changing registrations, buying permits or making other decisions.
Most of the new implementing regulations are scheduled to take effect from 1 January 2027.
Verified sources: Emirates News Agency (WAM), 4 November 2026; Ministry of Interior/WAM update, 9 November 2026. Status reviewed 13 November 2026.