The UAE has set a maximum driving time of nine hours in any 24-hour period under new federal traffic regulations taking effect on January 1, 2027.

The regulations also prohibit driving when fatigue or physical exhaustion affects a person’s ability to drive safely.

The requirement is set out in Clause 2 of Article 7 of Cabinet Resolution No. 174 of 2026, which establishes the executive regulations for Federal Decree-Law No. 14 of 2024 concerning traffic regulation.

The nine-hour limit is included under the general obligations of vehicle drivers and is not restricted to truck drivers or other professional motorists. The Federal Traffic Council may also amend the maximum permitted driving hours.

However, the nine-hour limit does not mean drivers may continue driving until they reach that threshold if they feel tired. If fatigue impairs a person’s ability to drive safely, they must stop driving even if they have been behind the wheel for less than nine hours.

20 fatigue- and drowsiness-related crashes in 2025

According to UAE Ministry of Interior figures, 20 traffic accidents in 2025 were attributed to driver fatigue and drowsiness.

Dubai Police also warned on October 29 about the dangers of driving while tired or drowsy. The warning followed an incident in which a truck driver reportedly became drowsy while driving and struck a roadside metal barrier on Emirates Road (E611) towards Abu Dhabi.

Police said the driver lost control of the truck because of drowsiness and veered off course. He sustained minor injuries and was treated at the scene.

Brigadier Juma Salem bin Suwaidan, Director of the General Department of Traffic at Dubai Police, urged motorists to get sufficient rest before driving and to pull over in a safe place and rest if they feel tired or drowsy.

Warning signs of fatigue that should not be ignored

According to RoadSafetyUAE, fatigue behind the wheel is particularly dangerous because it can also reduce a driver’s ability to recognise how tired they are.

Poor-quality sleep and prolonged driving are among the main causes of fatigue at the wheel.

Frequent yawning, eye discomfort or pain, slower reactions and difficulty keeping the head upright are among the warning signs.

Unintentionally drifting between lanes, unusual changes in speed and difficulty remembering the last few kilometres of a journey may also indicate driver fatigue.

RoadSafetyUAE recommends that drivers get seven to eight hours of uninterrupted sleep before setting out and take a break of about 15 minutes at least once every two hours.

Drivers who feel tired should pull over in a safe place and rest. According to the organisation, listening to music or letting in fresh air may help maintain alertness only briefly, while sleep is the only effective way to overcome fatigue.