The UAE traffic laws are governed by Federal Decree Law No. 14 of 2024 on Traffic Regulation (“Law”). This Law lays down extensive provisions regarding the usage of public roads, the proper conduct of drivers of vehicles, requirements when applying for a driver’s license, and other traffic related requirements. Apart from this, the Law governs vehicle ownership, the responsibilities of the owner of a vehicle, and the format in which the ownership may be transferred to another person.

How to identify the owner of a vehicle?
The owner of a vehicle is the person whose name is on the license of the vehicle. Every vehicle will have an official document issued by the licensing authority, which will contain details about the vehicle, including the ownership of the vehicle, the official insurer of the vehicle, the validity dates of the license, and other relevant information specific to a vehicle. The person whose name is contained in this license will be considered the owner of the vehicle.

Transfer of ownership
Under the Law, Article 22 talks about transfer of ownership of a vehicle. The law states that if the ownership of a vehicle is to be transferred, either as part of a sale or due to another reason, such transfer must be mandatorily registered with the licensing authority.

Liabilities of an owner after transfer of ownership
Article 22 further states that the owner of the vehicle will remain liable for the obligations arising from the use of the vehicle until the Vehicle License is registered in the name of the new owner in accordance with the procedures followed by the licensing authority. Therefore, in instances where physical transfer of the vehicle has been carried out and the future owner of the vehicle commits a traffic crime while using the vehicle, the previous owner will continue to be liable for such offenses, unless the transfer of ownership is registered with the competent authority.

Obligations of a vehicle owner

Obligation to renew vehicle registration
Vehicle registration renewal must be carried out annually. Vehicle owners get a grace period of 30 days after their vehicle registration expires every year. If you apply for the renewal after the allotted flexible period, an additional fee will be charged. The following documents are required for vehicle registration renewal:
- Emirates ID
- Valid Driving License
- Renewed Vehicle Insurance Policy
- Vehicle Registration Card, also known as Mulkiya
- “Passed Certificate” from an assigned RTA testing facility.
Obligation to approve vehicle modifications
The vehicle owner must ensure that no substantial modifications are to be made to the vehicle shape, (chassis), body, engine power or color except with the approval of the licensing authority in accordance with the law. The licensing authority will inspect and approve the modifications before the vehicle can be used.
Obligation after vehicle recall and re-inspection
The licensing authority has the right to recall any vehicle for re-inspection. Furthermore, the traffic control authority may also refer a vehicle for re-inspection, to the licensing authority, if it deems that the vehicle is a risk to traffic safety. In such cases, if an inspection raises problems and shows that the vehicle is not roadworthy, the licensing authority may inform the vehicle owner not to use the vehicle. However, the authority is required to provide a statement of the deficiencies and defects in the vehicle.The vehicle owner may begin to use the vehicle once these deficiencies have been addressed, and the vehicle undergoes a successful re-inspection.The Vehicle Owner has the right to appeal the Inspection result to the licensing authority within (10) ten days, and its decision issued in this regard shall be final
Exemption from Vehicle License Renewal Fees
As per Article 24, if a vehicle owner does not wish to use the vehicle, he can request to cancel the Vehicle License and handover the license plate as prescribed. Consequently, he will be exempt from the Vehicle License Renewal Fees.

Conclusion
Vehicle ownership is often seen as an integral requirement in the UAE. However, individuals are often unaware of the responsibilities that arise when owning a vehicle in the UAE. The UAE law not only lays down obligations for car owners, but also imposes fines if these obligations are not met. Therefore, it is extremely important to be aware of these liabilities and fulfil them in accordance with the UAE law.