New UAE traffic regulations will limit individual residents to five licensed vehicles from 1 January 2027. The first two fall under the standard provision, while registering or renewing a third, fourth or fifth will attract an additional fee. The amount hasn't been announced, and it's not yet clear what happens to people who already have more than five cars registered. Something for multi-car households to watch.

The details

Individual residents in the UAE will face new limits on the number of vehicles they can register when federal traffic regulations take effect on 1 January 2027.

The measure is contained in Cabinet Decision No. 174 of 2026, which approves the executive regulations implementing the federal traffic law.

According to the published report on Article 89, the standard provision covers up to two licensed vehicles registered to an individual resident.

Residents who want to register or renew additional vehicles will be required to pay an additional fee for each vehicle beyond the first two, subject to an overall maximum of five licensed vehicles.

The amount of the additional charge has not yet been specified.

The report also notes that the regulations do not clarify how authorities will treat people who already have more than five vehicles registered in their names.

The provision specifically concerns individuals and does not establish an equivalent numerical limit for companies in the same article.

Other requirements cover electronic registration applications, roadworthiness and restrictions on licensing right-hand-drive vehicles.

Residents with multiple vehicles should monitor subsequent announcements from their respective licensing authorities before making registration decisions.