The drink and drive fine in uae ranges from AED 20,000 to AED 100,000. The court can impose imprisonment and the fine, or either penalty. This is set out in Article 35(1) of Federal Decree-Law No. 14 of 2024 on Traffic Regulation. The court must also suspend the driving licence for at least 3 months for a first offence. The minimum suspension is 6 months for a second offence. For a third, the court must cancel it. The law has applied since 29 March 2025 and repealed Federal Law No. 21 of 1995.
The offence covers driving and attempting to drive on the road while under the influence of alcoholic beverages. The Decree-Law itself states no alcohol level.
Quick Answer
Under Article 35(1) of Federal Decree-Law No. 14 of 2024, the drink and drive fine in UAE ranges from AED 20,000 to AED 100,000. The court may impose imprisonment, the fine or both. The offence includes attempting to drive while under the influence of alcohol.
A conviction also requires a driving licence suspension of at least three months for a first offence and six months for a second, with cancellation for a third offence. If you are stopped or charged, preserve the case documents, obtain legal advice and confirm your licence status before driving again.
Drink and Drive Fine in UAE and Related Traffic Penalties
| Conduct | Penalty | Article |
|---|---|---|
| Driving or attempting to drive under the influence of alcohol | Imprisonment and a fine of AED 20,000 to AED 100,000, or either penalty. The court must suspend the licence for at least 3 months for a first offence. For a second, the minimum is 6 months. For a third, it must cancel the licence | 35(1) |
| Driving or attempting to drive under the influence of narcotic or psychotropic substances | Imprisonment and a fine of AED 30,000 to AED 200,000, or either penalty. The court may suspend the licence for at least 6 months for a first offence. For a second, it may suspend it for at least one year. For a third, it may cancel the licence | 35(2) |
| Driving during a licence suspension ordered by the court, the Licensing Authority or the Traffic Control Authority | Imprisonment of up to 3 months and a fine of at least AED 10,000, or either penalty | 36 |
| Causing a death by fault while using a vehicle | Imprisonment and a fine of at least AED 50,000, or either penalty | 40 |
| The same, where any of these applies: the driver was under the influence of alcohol, a narcotic or a psychotropic substance. The driver had a suspended or cancelled licence. The driver passed a red light or drove in a flooded valley | Imprisonment of at least one year and a fine of at least AED 100,000, or either penalty | 40 |
The penalties in the Decree-Law do not prevent a more severe penalty in any other law (Article 33).
Facing a Drink Driving Charge in the UAE?
Discuss the alleged offence, test report, police documents and possible licence suspension with Leaders Advocates. Ask which criminal procedure and legal response may apply to your case.
Licence and other measures
- On a conviction for a driving crime, the court may additionally suspend the licence for up to 3 years. It may also bar renewal for up to 2 further years after the suspension ends (Article 42). This is discretionary and separate from the minimum suspension that Article 35(1) makes mandatory for alcohol offences.
- A driver with no licence can be barred from obtaining one for up to 3 years. He can ask the convicting court to cancel the bar after 6 months (Article 42).
- A Traffic Control Authority member can arrest a driver caught driving under the influence of alcohol. This also covers a narcotic or psychotropic substance that makes him lose the ability to control the vehicle (Article 31).
- A vehicle can be seized where it is linked to an accident involving a crime. The seizure must be needed to impound it or present it as evidence (Article 32).
- Administrative penalties, such as black points, are set by a Cabinet resolution and not in the Decree-Law (Article 45).
Deportation of a foreigner is not automatic. Under Penal Code Article 126 the court may order it for a misdemeanour. It decides in light of the case.
If you are stopped or arrested
For the broader criminal process, see what to do when a complaint is filed against you in Dubai.
- Do not drive, even a short distance. The offence includes an attempt to drive.
- Ask what the charge is. You must be told of the charge and of your right to remain silent. The Public Prosecution must receive you within 48 hours (Criminal Procedure Law, Article 48).
- Ask for a lawyer before you sign a statement, and keep every document you are given, including the test report.
- Note where you were stopped, whether there was an accident, and whether anyone was hurt. A death or an injury changes the charge (Article 40). For accident reports and related claims, read our guide to UAE law for car accidents.
- Check the status of your licence and your vehicle before you drive again. Driving during a suspension is a separate offence (Article 36).
If you face a charge, send us the case papers on WhatsApp or through the Contact Us page.
Review Your Drink Driving Case Documents
Discuss the charge, police report, test results and any accident or licence-related issue with Leaders Advocates. Ask about the applicable penalties, court process and documents needed for a legal assessment.
Concerned About Licence Suspension or a Traffic Court Hearing?
Speak with Leaders Advocates about the court proceedings, driving licence status and possible consequences of a drink driving allegation. Obtain advice before taking further legal or driving-related steps.
Questions about drink driving
Relevant Legal Services
For drink driving allegations, criminal traffic offences, licence-related court proceedings and criminal defence, explore our criminal defence lawyers in Dubai, criminal litigation lawyers in Dubai and litigation lawyers in Dubai. The appropriate response depends on the charge, evidence, any accident and the relevant court procedure.
Related Legal Guidance
Need Legal Help With a Drink Driving Charge in the UAE?
To discuss a charge, speak to our lawyers on WhatsApp or use the Contact Us page. Our criminal defence, criminal litigation and litigation services can help assess the available evidence, legal procedure and potential consequences.
