Under Article 35 of Federal Decree-Law No. 14 of 2024 on Traffic Regulation, in force since 29 March 2025, driving or attempting to drive under the influence of alcohol is punishable by imprisonment and a fine of AED 20,000 to AED 100,000, or either penalty. The court must also suspend the driving licence for at least three months the first time. For narcotics or psychotropic substances, the fine range is AED 30,000 to AED 200,000. These cases go through the police, the public prosecution and the criminal courts.
Who this guide is for
- Drivers who have been stopped, arrested or charged for driving after drinking alcohol or taking drugs.
- Residents and visitors who want to understand the risks before they drive.
- Family members trying to understand what happens after an arrest.
This guide covers the federal traffic law, which applies in every emirate. It does not cover administrative fines, black points or vehicle impound rules, which are set by separate decisions and may differ between emirates. If there was also a crash, see our guide on car accidents, police reports and insurance in Dubai.
What the law says
The 2024 traffic law replaced Federal Law No. 21 of 1995 (Article 51). The UAE Legislation platform lists its issue date as 30 September 2024 and its in-force date as 29 March 2025, with no amendments shown as of September 2026.
| Point | Alcohol (Article 35(1)) | Narcotics or psychotropic substances (Article 35(2)) |
|---|---|---|
| Criminal penalty | Imprisonment and a fine of AED 20,000 to AED 100,000, or either | Imprisonment and a fine of AED 30,000 to AED 200,000, or either |
| First offence | Licence suspended for at least 3 months | Licence suspended for at least 6 months |
| Second offence | Licence suspended for at least 6 months | Licence suspended for at least 1 year |
| Third offence | Licence cancelled | Licence cancelled |
Both offences also cover attempting to drive, not only driving. In the Arabic text, which prevails, licence suspension under both paragraphs is mandatory. The English translation of paragraph 2 says the court "may" suspend, so rely on the Arabic.
Other articles matter too:
- Arrest. Traffic police may arrest a driver caught in the act of driving under the influence of alcohol, narcotics or psychotropic substances to a degree that removes control of the vehicle (Article 31).
- Death caused while impaired. If a driver causes a death by error while under the influence, the penalty rises to imprisonment of at least one year and a fine of at least AED 100,000, or either (Article 40).
- Extra court measures. On conviction for a driving offence, the court may suspend a licence for up to three years and bar a new licence for up to two further years (Article 42).
- Harsher laws still apply. The traffic law does not prevent a heavier penalty under another law (Article 33).
For drugs, the narcotics law (Federal Decree-Law No. 30 of 2021) adds a separate rule: a conviction for drug use more than once means no driving licence is issued, or an existing one is cancelled, until one year after the sentence ends (Article 72). For the rules on prescription medicines, see bringing medication into the UAE.
Is there a legal alcohol limit?
The traffic decree-law does not set a numerical blood alcohol limit. It refers to driving "under the influence of alcoholic beverages". We did not find an official source giving a permitted level for private drivers. The safest reading is that there is no amount you can rely on. If you have been charged, ask a lawyer how the prosecution will prove the offence in your case.
What if there was an accident?
An accident adds more risk:
- You must still report it within three hours, unless the police accept an excuse for delay, and must not leave the scene if anyone is hurt (Articles 5 and 38).
- Insurance. The unified third party liability motor policy published in the Central Bank rulebook lets the insurer recover the compensation it paid from the insured or the driver if the driver caused the accident while impaired by alcohol or narcotics. The comprehensive (loss and damage) policy also excludes damage to your own car in that situation, if this is proven to the authorities or admitted, except for rental cars. Your own policy wording may add detail, so read it and ask your insurer.
- Rental cars. For rental vehicles, the recourse chapter says recovery is made against the driver who rented the car.
Visitors and residents: can I be deported?
Under Article 126 of the Crimes and Penalties Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 31 of 2021), a court may order a foreigner who is sentenced to imprisonment for a misdemeanour to be deported, in addition to or instead of the prison term. Deportation cannot be ordered against the spouse or a first-degree relative of a UAE citizen, except in state security crimes. Whether a court orders it depends on the case, so ask a lawyer early.
Step by step
- Stay calm and cooperate. Give your correct name and details; refusing is a separate offence (Article 41).
- Ask what you are accused of. Note whether it relates to alcohol or drugs, and whether there was an accident.
- Contact family or your consulate if you are held, and ask to contact a lawyer.
- Do not drive while your licence is suspended; that is a separate offence under Article 36.
- Collect your documents. Keep every police and prosecution paper and reference number.
- Tell your insurer if there was an accident, and follow the claim steps in your policy.
- Attend every summons from the prosecution or court on time.
- Check the outcome. After a judgment, confirm the licence status and any travel ban through official channels. See how to check a travel ban.
Documents checklist
- Emirates ID or passport, and visa page
- Driving licence and vehicle registration
- Police report number and any arrest or release papers
- Public prosecution or court notices
- Medical records, if you were treated or tested
- Insurance policy and any claim correspondence
- Rental contract, if the car was rented
- Names and contact details of witnesses
Common mistakes
- Assuming a small drink is fine. The decree-law sets no permitted level.
- Driving during a suspension. It adds a separate offence with its own penalties.
- Ignoring the insurance risk. The insurer may recover what it paid to others.
- Missing a hearing. A missed date can lead to a judgment in your absence.
- Relying on commercial websites. Check figures against the law itself.
When to speak to a licensed lawyer
Speak to a licensed lawyer as soon as you are charged, especially if there was an injury or death, if drugs are alleged, if it is a repeat offence, or if you are not a UAE national and deportation is possible. A lawyer can explain the procedure and your options at each stage. The free case check can help you set out the facts first, and CaseDaleel can introduce an independent licensed professional only if you choose.
Frequently asked questions
What is the fine for drink driving in the UAE?
Under Article 35(1) of Federal Decree-Law No. 14 of 2024 it is imprisonment and a fine of AED 20,000 to AED 100,000, or either penalty.
How long will my licence be suspended?
For alcohol, at least three months the first time, at least six months the second time, and cancellation the third time.
Is drug driving treated differently?
Yes, the fine range is AED 30,000 to AED 200,000, with suspension of at least six months, then at least one year, then cancellation.
Is there a legal blood alcohol limit in the UAE?
The traffic decree-law does not state one, so do not rely on any amount being allowed.
Can a tourist be deported for drink driving?
A court may order deportation of a foreigner sentenced to imprisonment for a misdemeanour under Article 126 of the Crimes and Penalties Law, so the risk exists.
Will my insurance pay if I crash after drinking?
Third parties are covered, but the unified policy lets the insurer recover that money from the driver, and damage to your own car is excluded except for rental cars.
Does trying to drive count, even if I did not move?
Article 35 covers anyone who drives or attempts to drive on the road while under the influence.
Official sources
- UAE Legislation — Federal Decree-Law No. 14 of 2024 on Traffic Regulation (Arabic)
- UAE Legislation — Federal Decree-Law No. 31 of 2021 issuing the Crimes and Penalties Law (Arabic)
- UAE Legislation — Federal Decree-Law No. 30 of 2021 on Combating Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances (Arabic)
- Central Bank of the UAE Rulebook — Unified third party liability motor policy: recourses against the insured
- Central Bank of the UAE Rulebook — Unified loss and damage motor policy: exclusions
General information, not legal advice. CaseDaleel is not a law firm.