UAE residents can register up to five vehicles under new traffic regulations starting January 1, 2027. Extra fees will apply from the third vehicle, while eligible car owners can request two-year registration
ABU DHABI: The UAE will introduce new vehicle registration regulations from January 1, 2027, limiting the number of vehicles individual residents can register and offering longer registration periods for eligible cars.
Cabinet Decision No. 174 of 2026 establishes the changes under the executive regulations of Federal Decree-Law No. 14 of 2024 on traffic regulation. The measures aim to strengthen vehicle licensing and road safety standards.
Five-Vehicle Registration Limit for Residents
Under Article 89, individual residents can register a maximum of five vehicles. The first two vehicles will not attract additional fees beyond standard registration charges. However, registering or renewing a third, fourth or fifth vehicle will require an extra payment for each vehicle.
The regulations do not specify the additional fee amounts or explain how authorities will handle residents who already have more than five registered vehicles.
Two-Year Vehicle Registration Option
Article 98 introduces an optional two-year registration period for eligible light vehicles, replacing annual renewal for those approved.
To qualify, vehicles must meet three conditions:
- They were new when first registered.
- They are no more than six years old from their manufacturing date.
- They belong to an individual rather than a company.
Licensing authorities must approve applications before extending registration validity.
Additional Vehicle Licensing Restrictions
The updated regulations also prohibit licensing right-hand-drive vehicles for regular road use. Such vehicles may only be registered for exhibition purposes. Vehicles that fail prescribed safety requirements will also be ineligible for registration.
Impact to Expect
The changes will increase registration costs for residents with multiple vehicles while offering eligible motorists greater renewal flexibility. Vehicle owners should review their registrations before January 2027.
