From 2027; Driving More Than 9 Hours a Day Will Be Prohibited

Long and uninterrupted driving in the UAE will face legal restrictions starting next year. According to new federal regulations, drivers will not be allowed to drive more than 9 hours in any 24-hour period starting January 1, 2027. This law also prohibits continuing to drive in conditions where fatigue or drowsiness jeopardizes the driver's safety.

These regulations are outlined in Article 7, Clause 2 of Cabinet Decision No. 174 of the UAE in 2026 and, unlike some occupational restrictions, are not limited to truck drivers or professional drivers only. The Federal Traffic Council may also decide to change the driving hour limits.

However, the 9-hour limit does not mean that drivers can continue driving without regard to their physical condition until they reach this time. If fatigue impairs concentration and the ability to control the vehicle, the driver must stop; even if they have driven for less than 9 hours.

Police warning after a truck accident on UAE road

Statistics from the UAE Ministry of Interior show that in 2025, 20 traffic accidents were attributed to driver fatigue and drowsiness.

In one of the recent incidents, a truck driver on the UAE road, E611, heading towards Abu Dhabi, apparently fell asleep at the wheel and crashed into a metal barrier beside the road. Dubai Police, on October 29, announced this incident and warned about the dangers of driving while fatigued.

According to the police, drowsiness caused the driver to lose control of the vehicle and veer off the road. He sustained minor injuries in the incident and was treated at the scene.

Brigadier Jumaa Salem bin Suwaidan, Director of the General Traffic Department of Dubai Police, urged drivers to rest adequately before traveling and to stop in a safe place if they feel fatigued or drowsy.

How do we know if we are too tired to continue driving?

Fatigue does not always manifest as severe drowsiness. Sometimes the driver may not notice a decline in concentration and slower reaction times; an issue that can increase the likelihood of an accident.

The UAE Road Safety Organization identifies frequent yawning, eye pain or burning, slow reactions, difficulty in keeping the head up, unintentional speed changes, and drifting between lanes as signs of fatigue. Not remembering parts of the traveled route can also be a serious warning sign.

To reduce this risk, it is recommended that drivers have 7 to 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep before traveling and take a 15-minute break at least every two hours on long routes.

If you feel fatigued while driving, stop at the first safe location. Opening the window or listening to loud music may temporarily increase alertness, but it does not replace the need for sleep and rest.
Source: Gulf Times