Abu Dhabi tighten rules for under-21 drivers: 6-month suspension or permanent licence loss

Abu Dhabi Police have detailed the complete framework for handling traffic black points, licence suspensions, and rehabilitation options for drivers, particularly highlighting stricter regulations for motorists under the age of 21 who hold probationary licences. The comprehensive explanation was delivered by Lieutenant Colonel Saeed Khalfan Al Kaabi , from the Traffic Points Program Section at the Police Follow-up and Aftercare Department, during an appearance on the ‘Amn wa Aman’ (Safety and Security) programme, broadcast by Abu Dhabi Police and reported by Emarat Al Youm.

The latest advisory outlines how traffic points are assigned, what thresholds trigger suspension or cancellation, and the steps motorists can take to recover their licences or reduce black points. It also introduces an ongoing initiative aimed at educating drivers and reinforcing safer road practices across the emirate.

Understanding the traffic Black Points System
The black points system, formally known as traffic points, is part of the UAE’s Federal Traffic Law framework, created to deter unsafe driving and promote compliance. Each traffic offence carries a set number of points according to its severity, from violations such as speeding, tailgating, or using a phone while driving, to more serious offences like running a red light or endangering lives.

Under the Federal Traffic Law and its executive regulations, these black points remain on a driver’s record for one year before being cleared, provided the total does not exceed 24 points at any one time. Reaching or surpassing this limit can result in temporary suspension or full revocation of the driving licence, depending on the case.

Each violation carries a specific number of points depending on its severity. For example:

• Running a red light results in 12 traffic points.
  
• Endangering one’s own life or that of others carries 23 traffic points.
  
  

If a driver accumulates 24 points within a year, their driving licence is either suspended or revoked, depending on the type of licence held and whether the offence is a repeat occurrence.

Al Kaabi emphasised that these rules aim not to punish but to encourage responsible behaviour on the road. Drivers who reach the limit must undergo corrective measures before regaining their driving privileges.

Probationary drivers under 21: Stricter measures
Drivers under the age of 21, holding probationary licences, face more stringent consequences upon reaching the cumulative limit of 24 traffic points. According to Al Kaabi, such drivers have two choices:

• Licence suspension for six months, or
  
• Rehabilitation through the Traffic Points Programme , which requires payment of AED 2,400 and attendance at a one-day traffic law violators’ qualification course.
  
  

If the same probationary driver again reaches the cumulative 24-point limit during the trial period, their licence is cancelled entirely. They are then barred from applying for a new driving licence for one full year from the date of cancellation.

Al Kaabi reiterated that the repeated accumulation of points reflects unsafe driving patterns and that the cancellation measure aims to prevent habitual offenders from endangering public safety.

Rules for permanent licence holders (Aged 21 and above)
Motorists aged 21 or older, who hold permanent driving licences, are subject to slightly different penalties under the same law. When such drivers first reach the cumulative limit of 24 points, they can either:

• Have their licence suspended for three months, or
  
• Pay AED 2,400 and attend a one-day rehabilitation course under the Traffic Points Programme to recover their licence.
  
  

However, if the same motorist again accumulates 24 points within less than a year of the first violation, their licence will be suspended for six months. To recover it, they must again attend the rehabilitation course and pay AED 2,400.

These provisions apply equally to all permanent licence holders across the emirate, reinforcing the importance of consistent compliance with traffic laws.

Rehabilitation and reduction programmes for violating drivers
Beyond licence suspension and recovery, Abu Dhabi Police also provide services for drivers seeking to reduce their black points before reaching the 24-point threshold. As explained by Al Kaabi on the ‘Safety and Security’ programme, motorists with between 8 and 23 traffic points on their record can voluntarily enrol in a traffic points reduction course.

This optional programme allows eligible drivers to deduct eight traffic points from their total. To qualify, participants must:

• Visit an authorised service centre;
  
• Register for the rehabilitation course; and
  
• Pay a fee of AED 800.
  
  

The course focuses on raising awareness about safe driving behaviour, explaining how the black points system works, and highlighting the consequences of repeated offences. It also includes discussions on real-world case studies of common violations recorded by electronic surveillance systems.

Two main rehabilitation programmes are available:

Points reduction programme – For those with fewer than 24 points, reducing eight points after completing the course.

Licence reinstatement programme – For drivers whose licences have been suspended or revoked after accumulating 24 points, requiring payment of AED 2,400 and participation in intensive awareness lectures.

Al Kaabi clarified that both initiatives aim to educate drivers rather than simply penalise them, fostering a culture of shared responsibility on the road.

Where and when to register for courses
Applications and attendance for these rehabilitation and reduction services can be completed at several dedicated centres operated by Abu Dhabi Police, including:

• The Traffic Points Programmes Department in Musaffah, Abu Dhabi;
  
• The Traffic Points Programme branch in Al Ain; and
  
• The Traffic Points Programme branch in Zayed City, Al Dhafra region.
  
  

Registration typically runs from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m., and drivers must first ensure that their traffic points are correctly reflected in their records before applying.

Additionally, a special initiative launched by Abu Dhabi Police runs from 20 October to 20 November 2025, operating daily from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the Mushrif Mall Centre (first floor, Police platform). This month-long programme allows motorists to either reduce their black points or reinstate a suspended licence through in-person sessions.

The process involves:

Visiting the Abu Dhabi Police platform at Mushrif Mall Centre during the programme period.

Selecting the appropriate service — either point reduction (if under 24 points) or licence reinstatement (if suspended).

Paying the required fee (AED 800 for point reduction or AED 2,400 for reinstatement).

Attending all educational workshops and completing the full session in person.

There is no online registration or virtual participation option for these courses; physical attendance is mandatory to ensure participants engage directly with instructors and benefit from interactive training.

A call for safer driving and shared responsibility
Concluding his address, Lieutenant Colonel Saeed Khalfan Al Kaabi urged all drivers to be partners in promoting road safety, emphasising that “safety is everyone’s responsibility”. He called on motorists to adhere strictly to traffic regulations, avoid violations that accumulate black points, and act as role models in compliance and awareness.

He underscored that the black points system and its accompanying rehabilitation measures are not purely punitive but designed to reform driving behaviour, reduce accident risks, and instil a lasting culture of responsibility on the roads of Abu Dhabi.