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The United Arab Emirates, including its capital Abu Dhabi, holds a zero-tolerance policy regarding Drinking Under Influence (DUI) and Driving While Intoxicated (DWI). This means that there should be no level of alcohol in your system while you are driving. The laws are stringent and can lead to heavy fines, imprisonment, or even deportation for expatriates.
DUI & DWI laws in the UAE are strict, and any violation can lead to severe consequences. If you are charged with a DUI or DWI offense, you would need legal assistance to help navigate complex legal proceedings. You might need a lawyer to understand the charges against you, the possible outcomes, and to protect your rights during the process. Furthermore, a lawyer could help reduce your charges, negotiate on penalties, or even get the case dismissed if there is a lack of evidence.
In Abu Dhabi, as in the broader UAE, driving with any level of alcohol in your systems is considered unlawful. Violating this law can result in penalties including a minimum fine of AED 20,000, a jail sentence ranging from one month to a year, and impounding of your vehicle for 60 days. Second-time offenders can face increased fines and longer jail sentences. For expatriates, deportation may be considered. For non-Muslims, in certain cases, it's allowed to consume alcohol within licensed venues but driving afterwards is strictly prohibited.
There is zero tolerance towards alcohol consumption for drivers in Abu Dhabi, so any amount of alcohol detected in the blood while driving is illegal.
Yes, the laws apply to everyone in the UAE regardless of their resident or visitor status.
Refusal to comply with lawful demands of police officers, including breathalyzer tests, can lead to penalties.
If charged with DUI, it’s advisable to seek legal assistance immediately to understand your rights and navigate legal processes.
While it depends on the circumstances of each case, experienced lawyers can potentially help reduce charges, negotiate penalties, or even advocate for the dismissal of the case if there is insufficient evidence.
A DUI charge can impact your criminal record, which may affect future travel to the UAE or other countries.
For expatriates, serious crimes including repeat or heavy DUI offenses may lead to deportation.
Yes, you can appeal against a DUI charge in court, but it is advised to do this with the help of a legal professional.
No, driving under the influence regardless of where you consumed alcohol is considered an offense.
While it may not result in a DUI charge, passengers may face legal trouble for being in a car when the driver is under the influence.
Contact the Abu Dhabi Police GHQ for information on local DUI & DWI law or the UAE Government's official portal, which provides detailed insight on UAE’s federal traffic laws and penalties. For legal assistance, there are multiple law firms specialising in assisting with DUI & DWI cases.
If you require legal assistance in a DUI & DWI case, seek out a legal professional specializing in such matters. Make sure to share all the details of the incident with your lawyer to build the most accurate defense or case. Finally, respect the UAE's zero-tolerance policy on DUI & DWI to prevent any such future incidents.
