Dubai takes drinking and driving very seriously, and for good reason—it’s one of the strictest places in the world when it comes to road safety. If you happen to be caught driving under the influence, then the penalties are severe—There is Drink and Drive Fine in Dubai, possible jail time, deportation (if you are an expat), and even losing your car.
The following guide puts together everything you need to know about drink and drive fines in Dubai, Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol Laws, and what exactly awaits you if you get caught.
Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol Laws in Dubai
Driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol is a severe offense in Dubai. The city enforces strict laws to protect lives and ensure road safety. Driving under the influence is governed by UAE Federal Traffic Law No. 21 of 1995 and its amendments.
Key Provisions
- Zero Tolerance: Any detectable blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is prohibited.
- Articles 49 & 58: Outline the prohibition of DUI and specify
How Much is the Drink and Drive Fine in Dubai?
If you get caught, be prepared, because this is no slap on the wrist.
- Minimum Drink and Drive Fine in Dubai: AED 25,000—yes, you heard it right—twenty-five thousand dirhams.
- Imprisonment: You may very well end up behind bars—the duration is decided by the court.
- License Suspension: You are not driving for quite a while—your license can be suspended anywhere between 3 months to 2 years.
- Car Impoundment: Your car can be confiscated for at least 60 days, or even permanently.
- Black Points: You will get 23 black points on your license (24 points = license revoked).
- Expats, beware: If serious enough, there is a real possibility of deportation.
It is just not worth it to drink and drive in Dubai.
Factors Influencing Penalties
Several factors determine the severity of DUI penalties:
- BAC Levels: Higher BAC levels lead to harsher penalties.
- Accidents: Incidents involving injury, death, or property damage escalate consequences.
- Repeat Offenses: Recidivists face stricter punishments.
- Offender Status: Expatriates and tourists may face deportation or entry bans.
What Happens If You Get Caught Drunk Driving in dubai?
- Police Stop You
If Dubai Police suspect you’ve been drinking, they’ll pull you over and do a breathalyzer or blood test. - Immediate Arrest
If there’s alcohol in your system, you’ll be taken to the police station, and your car may be impounded. - Case Registration
The police file a case, and your details go to the Public Prosecution. - Court Appearance
You will have to appear in court, where the judge decides on your fine, imprisonment, or deportation.
The legal process is not fast and easy—it is stressful, expensive, and may affect your future in Dubai.
Can You Reduce Your Drink and Drive Fine in Dubai or Avoid Jail?
It all depends on your case. If it’s a first-time offense and no one got harmed, it’s likely the court will go easy on you. But if there was an accident, injuries, or reckless driving involved, you’re in for much more serious punishment.
If you have any questions about this topic or are involved in any legal disputes relating to it, Our best criminal lawyers in Dubai will be pleased to talk with you.
How to Avoid a Drink and Drive Fine in Dubai?
The best way? Just don’t do it. If you do intend to drink, here’s how to avoid trouble:
- Uber, Careem, or a Taxi – It’s cheaper than a AED 25,000 fine!
- Safe Driver – Some services will provide a driver to take you home in your own car.
- Hotel – If you’ve been drinking, book a room instead of risking a drive.
- Plan in Advance – If you’re going out, plan how you’re getting home before you start drinking.
“I only had one drink, I feel fine.”
It doesn’t matter! In Dubai, even a single drop of alcohol in your system while driving is illegal.
Read Also : Is Drinking Alcohol illegal In Dubai?| Alcohol Laws In UAE
Testing for Drunk Driving
UAE authorities frequently set up checkpoints to check drivers. At these checkpoints, officers might request drivers to take a breathalyzer test or undergo blood testing. If the test results show the presence of alcohol or other illegal substances, the driver is detained and transported to a police station for additional processing.
In the event of accidents, law enforcement will conduct tests to establish whether alcohol or drugs were present. If the driver’s BAC (Blood Alcohol Content) is determined to be above the legal limit (which is zero), they will encounter the consequences, regardless of their role in causing the accident.
Final Thoughts: Stay Safe & Avoid Drink-Driving in Dubai
There is no “safe limit” when it comes to drinking and driving in Dubai—if you drink, don’t drive.
✔ If you need to get home, call a cab, book an Uber, or stay over.
✔ If you make a mistake and get caught, contact a lawyer immediately.
✔ If you want to stay out of trouble, know the laws and follow them.
📞 Need legal help? Contact Amal Khamis Advocates & Legal Consultants for trusted legal advisors in Dubai.
🚖 Stay Smart | Stay Safe | Never Drink and Drive 🚔
Your best bet? Get a lawyer in dubai ASAP. They can guide you through the process and might be able to reduce your sentence.
Frequently Asked Questions: Drink and Drive fine in Dubai
- What is the drink and drive fine in Dubai?
The minimum fine is AED 25,000, accompanied by penalties such as imprisonment and license suspension. - Can expatriates and tourists face deportation for DUI offenses?
Yes, expatriates may be deported, and tourists may face entry bans. - What procedures do police follow if someone is caught driving drunk in the UAE?
Police conduct alcohol tests, detain the driver, prepare a report, and refer the case to Public Prosecution. - Can I drive the next morning after drinking?
Be very careful! Alcohol can stay in your system for hours—you might still test positive the next morning. If you are not 100% sure you are sober, don’t risk it. - Is there a legal limit of alcohol for driving in Dubai?
Zero. Any amount of alcohol in your system = you’re breaking the law. - Will tourists be deported for drink-driving?
Yes. If the offense is serious enough, the court can order deportation for a non-citizen.
