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  • Learn driving under the influence of alcohol is punishable by Law
Criminal

Learn driving under the influence of alcohol is punishable by Law

By Anna Lewis
  • October 24, 2023
  • 7 min read

Dubai as well as the rest of the UAE’s emirates have strong laws and regulations in place that you must be aware of, whether you are a citizen or a visitor. Driving is something that the government of the UAE takes extremely seriously. Driving under the influence of alcohol is punishable by law, and will not be taken lightly.


In this article, we will talk about why driving under the influence of alcohol is punishable by law. We supply this driving information to numerous individuals for the same purpose, safety. If you are caught driving while under the influence of liquor, you will face harsh penalties depending on a variety of variables. Some might be harsher if you are a Muslim citizen. Let us take a look:


1. What happens if I am driving under the influence?

2. What are the penalties for drunk driving?

3. How are alcohol rules applicable to foreigners?

4. What are some crucial things to know before drinking alcohol?

5. When was the last update on the DUI penalties in the UAE?



1. What happens if I am driving under the influence?


The Emirates Traffic Laws are quite stringent when it comes to driving. Drivers under the influence of drink are responsible for over 14 percent of all traffic accidents in the UAE alone. Driving under the influence of alcohol is punishable by the regulation that comprises all of the parts and sub-sections that determine the Federal Law No.21 of 1995 Concerning Traffic.


This law’s Article No.10.6 urges all drivers to avoid driving while under the effect of alcoholic drinks, wine, narcotic substances, or anything comparable to these. Drinking liquor or other narcotic medications while driving might impair your judgment and cause you to lose control. That is why driving under the influence of alcohol is punishable by UAE’s government.


In addition, if the authorities discover you are driving under the influence of alcohol, the penalties are harsh. As a result, a piece of strong advice is to use caution and drive responsibly. When a motorist is driving (or trying to drive) while under the effects of alcohol, narcotic drugs, or similar substances, they can go to prison and get a fine of a minimum of AED 20,000.




2. What are the penalties for drunk driving?


As we mentioned earlier, driving under the influence of alcohol is punishable by the law. Let us talk about what this means, and what are the consequences you can face. Remember, it is extremely important to count on legal assistance if you find yourself in a legal situation. At Connect Legal you can find the best legal consultants in the UAE.


Driving under the influence of alcohol is punishable by the UAE’s authorities. An individual driving under the effects of drugs or alcohol can have their car retained. According to Article N. 59.3 of the Traffic Law, they will take his car for up to 60 days, and he will receive 23 black points.


As you can see, driving under the influence of alcohol is punishable by Dubai and these are the initial regulations according to the Traffic Law. Aside from that, while delivering judgment, the Court might impose specific fines based on the consequence of the driver’s drunk driving act. Driving under the influence of alcohol is punishable by the following penalties.


The driver’s license might be revoked for a minimum of three months, also a maximum of two years. If the driver has not requested a new license since his suspended license expired a long time ago, his future request for a new license may be denied. This is just another way in which driving under the influence of alcohol is punishable by the government.



2.1 Differences between non-Muslim and Muslim punishment


Imprisonment, a hefty fine, car seizure, license suspension, and black points could all severely ruin your reputation. These are all consequences of wrongful actions with liquor. Driving under the influence of alcohol is punishable by law regardless of your religion, nationality, or gender. However, there is a significant difference between Muslim people.


When Muslim people are found culpable of driving while under the effects of alcohol or narcotics, the penalties are harsher than for non-Muslims. Driving under the influence of alcohol is punishable by Muslim law. The penalty involves corporal punishment in addition to everything else.




3. How are alcohol rules applicable to foreigners?


When visiting the UAE, having alcohol permission is essential. While it is not required to have one, having one while drinking in public settings is considered a prudent precaution. However, we would like to emphasize that this liquor permit does not grant you the right to drive drunk. Driving under the influence of alcohol is punishable by law, even if you have a drinking permit.


Even if you are not drinking in public, you must always apply for permission. While no license is necessary for visitors or Muslim citizens of Dubai, non-Muslim habitants of Dubai must get an alcohol license. To apply, they must be 21 years old at least and have a monthly wage of at least AED 3,000. Driving under the influence of alcohol is punishable by the law for everyone.


When you are discovered driving intoxicated or under the effect of narcotic substances, it might be only useful to lower your sentence by a tiny amount. If you are found driving intoxicated or do not have this vital alcohol license, the 1972 Emirati Alcohol Law applies. Driving under the influence of alcohol is punishable by the following penalties:


  • Prison for 6 months
  • Fine of roughly AED 5000
  • Punished with both the fine and prison time.


A liquor license obtained in Dubai is only valid in Dubai’s emirate. Remember driving under the influence of alcohol is punishable by each Emirate in particular. If you wish to travel to other emirates inside the UAE, you must get emirate-specific permissions. As a foreign, make sure you carefully follow the laws to avoid deportation.



4. What are some crucial things to know before drinking alcohol?


There are a few things everyone should take into consideration when they are planning to drink alcohol in the UAE. Of course, we cannot forget that in the UAE driving under the influence of alcohol is punishable by law. And the reason we say this so frequently is because it is very different than in other cultures.


On several occasions, foreigners forget that driving under the influence of alcohol is punishable by RTA and get in serious trouble. This is particularly dangerous since there is an amount limit for alcohol consumption. Also, some people need to request a permit to drink, which the authorities could deny. It is not as simple as in other countries.



4.1 Rely on the designated driver


If you have consumed liquor at a party owing to an unforeseen circumstance, you must ensure that you do not drive yourself home. Always take a cab or have a non-drinking friend drop you off. Driving under the influence of alcohol is punishable by the law and everyone should consider that before going to a party.


4.2 Arrogance makes accidents


Accidents are more frequently than not caused by intoxicated drivers’ arrogance. When you believe you can drive flawlessly while drunk, you endanger not just the lives of others, but also your own.


For accidents and injuries, you might require car accident lawyers to assist your case. Both parties will need to take this resource to fix the conflict and get the proper compensation and punishment. Driving under the influence of alcohol is punishable by law because it can be a serious source of accidents. Including the death of the people involved.


4.3 Consider the responsibility of alcohol limit for Dubai


To be eligible to bring alcohol into Dubai, you must be 18 years old at least. The maximum amount of alcohol permitted per individual is 4 liters or 2 boxes of beer (a box contains 24, 355ml cans).


However, that does not mean that you are allowed to drive under the influence of less than that. Driving under the influence of alcohol is punishable by any amount of alcohol.


4.4 It has long-lasting consequences


The Driving Rule was revised in 2017 and is now quite stringent. Dubai, as well as the rest of the UAE, has a zero-tolerance policy for drunk driving. The penalties are high here, but it is also difficult to return to your usual driving schedule after being reprimanded.


Driving under the influence of alcohol is punishable by far more than just that precise moment. It can have long-lasting repercussions. Whether it is from a bad reputation, the black points, or a prohibition to obtain a new license.


4.5 The level of intoxication depends on different factors


The police and appropriate authorities in Dubai use a variety of variables when determining how intoxicated you are while driving and imposing appropriate sanctions. Driving under the influence of alcohol is punishable by law and the severity of the punishment will depend on the overall conditions and situation.

These criteria include your gender, weight, and the amount of liquor in your system. How long you were consuming before being caught, the amount of food ingested before drinking, and other similar characteristics.


Whenever you find a difficult situation regarding alcohol consumption, you should contact a civil lawyer to help your case. By registering on our website you can offer your legal services, or find the greatest lawyers to provide you an over the top assistance.




5. When was the last update on the DUI penalties in the UAE?


In recent months, the United Arab Emirates has made broad modifications to many outdated regulations. A few examples can be the Labour Law or the calculation of gratuity. However, for this article, particularly those governing alcohol use in the UAE. Despite some changes, driving under the influence of alcohol is punishable by law still.


Alcohol drinking is no more subject to stringent licensing requirements, according to recent developments. However, this does not mean people can disregard all prudence and act as they choose. It is critical to recognize that, despite the recent reforms, the UAE has numerous severe and stringent rules in place. Particularly as it relates to public security.


Alcohol use is now permitted for everyone aged 21 and up, according to recent amendments. Further alcohol intake should take place whether in a private setting or a permitted public setting. Selling alcohol to a minor is illegal, and still, driving under the influence of alcohol is punishable by the UAE.




6. Where can I find legal assistance regarding drunk driving?


As you can see, driving under the influence of alcohol is punishable by Dubai in a severe way. Thus, it is only reasonable that you start practicing caution and discretion while drinking alcohol before driving in UAE. For more understanding of legal repercussions, read our blog. Finally, the simplest approach to prevent the above is to hire a careful driver to transport you home.


You can find legal assistance to help you with a case of DUI here, at Connect Legal. Our team is ready to listen to your case and plan a great path for it. Since driving under the influence of alcohol is punishable by law, do not hessite looking for legal assistance if you are caught up in an accident.


Was this information helpful to you? Do you want to learn more about how driving under the influence of alcohol is punishable by law in the UAE? Connect Legal is ready to take your call. We may communicate with you by email at [email protected] or by phone at +971 43 416 688, whichever is more convenient for you.


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