Penalties For Drinking And Driving
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Drinking & Driving in Dubai and the UAE
The UAE’s Federal Law No. 21 of 1995 states a zero-tolerance policy towards drunken driving. Apart from alcohol, the law also punishes driving under the influence of narcotics. If you are found driving under the influence, you are punishable by UAE law as this is a criminal offense. To be clear, consuming alcohol is not illegal in the UAE. However, some strict regulations govern alcohol consumption in Dubai and the UAE.
If you want to consume alcohol in Dubai, you must first be 21 years of age and above. Furthermore, you must do so only in private spaces because UAE law discourages drinking in the streets or public places without a license. If you are a tourist or an expatriate and wish to consume alcohol in hotels or clubs, you must have an alcohol license. In addition to this, expatriates can purchase alcohol only from specialized and licensed stores. Lastly, only non-Muslim expatriates can obtain an alcohol license.
What are the penalties for drinking and driving in Dubai?
Drinking and driving is a criminal offense in the UAE. Regardless of the amount of alcohol consumed, you cannot be seated behind the wheel. This has been mandated to prevent accidents from occurring and protect the lives of innocent pedestrians, bystanders, drivers or passengers on the road.
As per Article No. 49 of the UAE Federal Traffic law, the offender faces imprisonment and must pay a fine of AED 25,000. This length of imprisonment is decided by a court, especially if an accident causes injury or death.
If police find that a drunken driver has caused an accident/death, is driving recklessly or cannot safely operate the vehicle, they can arrest the offender under Article No. 59. 3 of the Federal Traffic Law. The court has the authority to suspend the offender’s license for 3 months to 2 years. The court may also reject a new license to the offender on the expiration of the suspended license as per Article No. 58.1. Sometimes, your vehicle is also seized and kept in the impound lot if you are found drinking and driving.
Therefore, it is advisable to drive without consuming any alcohol to protect your best interests in the UAE. If you have further queries on this matter, contact us today.
Contact Us On +971 50 353 8199 , BR Law Firm ( Office Of Hassan Tamim Advocates & Legal Consultants )