# New UAE Traffic Regulations Mandate Health Reporting for Drivers Authorities will revoke or deny licenses based on medical fitness and traffic violations. - **Source:** [Emarat Al Youm](https://www.emaratalyoum.com) - **Published:** 2026-11-06 - **Topic:** [politics](https://brifing.si/c/politics) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/a03e4aaf-d600-404d-b651-a4b542dfdc2f ## New Traffic Law Implementation The United Arab Emirates will implement new executive regulations for the Federal Traffic Law starting January 1, 2025. These rules grant licensing authorities expanded powers to suspend, cancel, or refuse the renewal of driving licenses. The primary objective is to significantly elevate safety and security standards across all national road networks. ## Mandatory Health Data Reporting A critical update requires health authorities to coordinate directly with licensing bodies. Medical professionals must report individuals diagnosed with conditions that impair their ability to operate vehicles safely. This integration ensures that medical fitness remains a primary criterion for maintaining driving privileges, directly impacting those with chronic or sudden health issues. ## License Suspension and Cancellation The regulations categorize license actions into three tiers: suspension, cancellation, and renewal refusal. Suspension occurs due to judicial rulings, reaching the black point limit, or loss of medical fitness. Cancellation follows similar criteria, including the death of the license holder or a voluntary request to surrender the permit by the individual. ## Renewal Refusal Criteria Renewal applications will be rejected if a driver has unpaid traffic fines or has reached the cumulative black point limit. Furthermore, judicial orders or documented loss of physical or mental fitness will prevent renewal. These measures aim to ensure that only compliant and capable drivers remain active on public roads throughout the country. ## Vision Standards for Drivers Article 62 establishes strict medical requirements for vision, tailored to vehicle categories. Light vehicle drivers must meet a minimum visual acuity of 6/18 in each eye. Conversely, drivers of buses and heavy equipment are mandated to maintain a visual acuity of 6/6 in both eyes to ensure maximum operational safety. ## Re-evaluation of Expired Licenses Drivers holding licenses expired for over 10 years must undergo new theoretical and practical tests to regain their driving privileges. The Federal Traffic Council is authorized to define the minimum standards for these examinations. This process ensures that long-term inactive drivers are re-assessed against current safety protocols before returning to the road. ## Financial and Procedural Compliance Applicants must settle all outstanding traffic fines before their license renewal can be processed. If fines are subject to judicial rulings, proof of payment or settlement is required. Applications must be submitted within 30 days of the expiration date, following the formal procedures established by the relevant national licensing authority. ## International Flexibility Measures To assist residents, the new regulations allow licensing authorities to accept vision test reports issued outside the country. This flexibility facilitates the renewal process for holders of expired licenses currently abroad. By standardizing these requirements, the government balances strict safety enforcement with practical accessibility for all licensed drivers in the nation. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.emaratalyoum.com/local-section/other/2026-11-07-1.2100085 — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._