How much alcohol can you have when driving?

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Alcohol Driving Limit in the UAE: What You Need to Know

In the UAE, the rules around drinking and driving are very strict. The alcohol driving limit in the UAE is zero, meaning that drivers are not allowed to have any alcohol in their system when they are driving. Let’s take a closer look at what this means for drivers.

The Zero-Tolerance Policy

The UAE strictly enforces a zero-tolerance policy on drinking and driving. This means that the alcohol driving limit in the UAE is effectively zero and driving with any amount of alcohol in your system is considered a violation of the law.

What Happens if You Are Caught?

If you are caught breaking the alcohol driving limit in the UAE, the consequences can be severe. You might be held in custody for up to 48 hours and have to give blood and urine samples to check for alcohol or other substances.

Your case will then be reviewed by the public prosecution, considering your criminal history and the seriousness of the offence, to decide on the penalty.

Potential Penalties

Breaking the alcohol driving limit in the UAE can result in a jail term ranging from one month to three years and/or a fine between Dh20,000 and Dh30,000. Other penalties can include getting 24 black points on your driving license, having your vehicle confiscated for 60 days, and attending a road safety course before being allowed to drive again.

In some cases, especially for expatriates, there might even be a risk of deportation.

Impact on Insurance

If you have an accident while breaking the alcohol driving limit in the UAE, your insurance will not cover it, even if the accident wasn’t your fault. This makes it even more important to always adhere to the zero-tolerance policy.

FAQ

Conclusion

To maintain safety on the roads, it is crucial to adhere to the alcohol driving limit in the UAE. Remember, the only acceptable limit is zero, and failing to comply carries heavy penalties, including fines, imprisonment, and loss of insurance coverage.