What is the Impact for you if a friend committed a traffic violation in your car
So, your buddy with a valid UAE driving license wants to borrow your car. Totally get it, you're just a bit worried about what might happen if they get into some trouble while driving it. Like, what if they are caught with alcohol in their system or doing something illegal with your car?
Alright, here's the lowdown in plain speak:
First off, we are looking at Federal Law No. 21 of 1995 on Federal Traffic Law, amended by Federal Law No. 12 of 2007, plus Ministerial Resolution No. (178) for the year 2017 on Traffic Control Rules and Procedures, and Federal Decree Law No. 31 of 2021 on Crimes and Penalties Law. All of these apply to the situation.
Now, in the UAE, driving under the influence of alcohol is a big no-no and is considered illegal. It can land you in jail and/or you will have to cough up a hefty fine. This is according to Article 49 of the UAE Traffic Law. It says, "Shall be sentenced to imprisonment and/or to a minimum fine of Twenty-Five Thousand Dirhams, whoever commits any one of the following acts:
- Driving or attempting to drive a vehicle on the road while under the effect of alcoholic drinks or anesthetic substances and the like.”
Also, Article 10 of the UAE Traffic Law spells out the responsibilities of anyone driving on UAE roads. One of the big ones is not being under the influence of alcohol or drugs, as mentioned in Article 10(6) of the UAE Traffic Law. And remember, Article 10(10) says you've got to stick to the speed limits.
So, if your friend takes your car and gets caught driving under the influence, the police might impound your car. According to Article 59(3) of the UAE Traffic Law, "A policeman may arrest any vehicle driver if found involved in the commitment of one of the following crimes:
- Driving a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or any other narcotic or the like, thus depriving him of his power of control over it.”
Now, if your friend pulls some reckless driving that might lead to accidents, injury, or just plain chaos on the road, and then refuses to give their details or makes a run for it, the police can take your car too. Article 59 of the UAE Traffic Law covers this.
And let's not forget, if your friend uses your car for illegal stuff, they could end up in jail, or worse. The UAE Penal Law has the details on punishments for crimes committed using vehicles.
Plus, any traffic violations they rack up in your car could come back to bite you. Black marks, fines, and restrictions on your own driving license if it's linked to your car. The 2017 Ministerial Resolution on Traffic Control Rules lays it all out — fines, points, car impoundments, and license suspensions.
So, it's up to you. If you're cool with your friend's driving habits and trust them, go for it. But if they rack up violations, you might end up with penalties. If that happens, you can reach out to the relevant license authority in the UAE to see if those penalties can be shifted to your friend's license instead.
Hope this clears things up for you! Drive safe!
