The UAE Ministry of Interior announced on Monday, November 9, 2026, through its official social media accounts that it had postponed a restriction limiting each resident to registering a maximum of five vehicles in their name. The measure had been due to take effect on Friday, January 1, 2027. The decision followed public feedback on the new traffic regulations, with implementation delayed pending the completion of a review and approval of appropriate rules.

The restriction was set out in Article 89 of the new Executive Regulations of the UAE Traffic Law, issued under Cabinet Resolution No. 174 of 2026 concerning Federal Decree-Law No. 14 of 2024. Under the article, each resident could register up to two vehicles without paying additional fees. Registering or renewing a third, fourth or fifth vehicle would incur an additional fee for each vehicle, while the total number registered in one person’s name could not exceed five.

According to Khaleej Times and Gulf News, the restriction applied only to individual residents, while Article 89 did not impose a similar limit on companies. However, the regulations did not specify the additional fee amounts or clarify the position of people who already have more than five vehicles registered in their names. The Ministry of Interior’s latest announcement did not provide a new implementation date, and it remains unclear whether the additional fees for third and subsequent vehicles have also been postponed alongside the five-vehicle cap.

The UAE Ministry of Interior said its review would take into account the rights of vehicle owners, the needs of families and investors, different patterns of vehicle use, and the status of classic, rare and luxury vehicles. The ministry stressed that public views and suggestions play an important role in refining legislation, improving quality of life and balancing the interests of different segments of society.

The issue of regulating vehicle ownership was previously raised in the UAE Federal National Council in 2026. During discussions on traffic problems, the council proposed reviewing vehicle ownership requirements and setting a defined service life for vehicles as possible measures to reduce congestion during peak hours.

The announced postponement applies only to the limit on the number of vehicles that may be registered. Other new UAE traffic regulations are still scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2027. These include allowing the registration validity of privately owned light vehicles to be extended from one year to two years, subject to a request from the owner and approval by the licensing authority, provided the vehicle was new when first registered and no more than six years have passed since its manufacture. The regulations also provide for permits allowing people aged 15 and above to use electric scooters.