What is the penalty for drink driving?
Article 35(1) of the Federal Decree-Law No. 14 of 2024 (Traffic Regulation) punishes whoever drives or attempts to drive on the road while under the influence of alcoholic beverages with imprisonment and a fine of AED 20,000 to AED 100,000, or either of these penalties.
The court shall suspend the driving licence for not less than three months the first time and not less than six months the second time, and cancel it the third time.
What about driving under the influence of drugs?
Article 35(2) punishes driving or attempting to drive under the influence of narcotic substances, psychotropic substances or the like with imprisonment and a fine of AED 30,000 to AED 200,000, or either.
The court may suspend the licence for not less than six months the first time and one year the second time, and cancel it the third time. Using drugs is also an offence under the narcotics law, and a foreigner convicted under that law faces deportation.
Can I be arrested at the roadside?
Yes. Article 31(4) lets traffic control authority members arrest a driver caught driving under the influence of alcoholic beverages, narcotic or psychotropic substances or the like, which causes loss of the ability to control the vehicle.
Article 32(5) allows a vehicle to be seized if it is connected with an accident involving a crime and it is necessary to seize it or present it as evidence.
What if someone was injured or killed?
Driving under the influence is an aggravating circumstance in causing death by driving: imprisonment of not less than one year and a fine of not less than AED 100,000, or either (Article 40).
The court may also suspend the licence for up to three years and bar a new licence for up to two years afterwards (Article 42).
What should I do first?
Do not drive, and do not argue
Comply and ask for advice.
Ask for an interpreter if needed
Before you sign.
Note times, tests and witnesses
Testing procedure is central.
Call us before any statement
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Frequently asked questions
Is the penalty prison or a fine?
Either or both: imprisonment and a fine of AED 20,000 to AED 100,000 for alcohol (Article 35(1)).
Will I lose my licence?
For alcohol the court shall suspend it for at least three months first time (Article 35(1)).
Is driving after taking medicine an offence?
Article 35(2) refers to narcotic or psychotropic substances or the like. Check the medicine before you drive.
Can the licence be cancelled?
Yes, on the third offence (Article 35).
Related guides
Traffic Offences overview
The main points, the process and your first steps.
Read the overviewCausing Death by Driving
What the law says about a death caused by a driver's fault, the higher penalty in listed circumstances and the effect on the licence.
Read the guideLicence Offences
What the law says about driving without a licence, with a suspended licence or with a foreign licence the UAE does not recognise, and who is exempt.
Read the guideSources
Source: Federal Decree-Law No. 14 of 2024 (Traffic Regulation), official English text on the UAE Legislation portal, checked 9 October 2026. The portal lists the law as active, in force from 29 March 2025. The Arabic text prevails over translations. Source: Federal Decree-Law No. 30 of 2021 (Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances), official English text on the UAE Legislation portal, checked 9 October 2026. The portal lists the law as active and last updated on 1 October 2025. The Arabic text prevails over translations.
This page is general information, not legal advice.