Under the new traffic rules, children in the UAE will only be able to sit in the front passenger seat of a vehicle if they are older than 10 years or have a height of at least 145 cm. This is according to the federal traffic regulations that will take effect on January 1st, 2027. Here’s all you need to know about the traffic-related update coming from the UAE that is bound to change the way you travel.
New Traffic Regulations For Children
In the past few days, you have already heard about many new traffic changes that are going to take effect on January 1st, 2027. And among them is a rule for children. Basically, these are based on the requirements given in Article 11 of Cabinet Decision No. 174 of 2026. It concerns the Implementing Regulations of Federal Decree-Law No. 14 of 2024, which is on traffic regulation. Under the regulations, a child can only occupy the front seat if they are either over 10 years of age or have reached a height of at least 145 cm.
Appropriate Child Safety Seats
A provision for the safety of children, Article 11 also requires drivers to offer appropriate child safety seats for children aged four and under. These seats should be installed in the rear of the vehicle. They should be suitable for the child’s height and weight. Additionally, they must also comply with the safety standards that are applicable in the UAE. However, two exceptions for the use of rear safety seats have been set.
The first is for children who have medical conditions which prevent them from using the child safety seat. These conditions are established through medical certificates that are approved by the relevant medical authority in the UAE. In such cases, the child must be accompanied by another person in the rear seat.
The second condition is that vehicles without rear seats may have child safety seats installed in the front. However, it must be rear-facing, and the airbag must be deactivated
Also Read: Planning To Apply For Driver’s License In The UAE? This New Rule Would Make It Harder To Pass!
UAE Limits Driving Hours
These provisions are part of the regulations that govern road traffic in the UAE. These will come into force on January 1st, 2027. In fact, just recently, the UAE also set a limit on driving. Yes, it set a nine-hour limit on driving in 24 hours under the new federal traffic regulations. This will also take effect on January 1st, 2027. Basically, Article 7 requires drivers to limit the total driving time. This is kept at nine hours within a 24-hour period. Not to mention, it also restricts them from operating a vehicle if they are fatigued or exhausted to an extent that affects their ability to drive the vehicle safely.
These regulations aim to make roads safer for everybody in the UAE.
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/Oksana Krasiuk (Cover image is for representative purposes only)
FAQs
Under the new traffic rules in the UAE, can children no longer sit in the front?
Under the new traffic rules in the UAE, which come into effect on January 1st, 2027, only children who are above the age of 10 or at least 145 cm in height can sit in front.
Where can children under the age of four in the UAE in a vehicle seat?
Children under the age of four must sit in a proper child seat, which must be installed in the rear seat of the vehicle.
