If your child loves “calling shotgun,” the rules are about to change. New federal traffic regulations in the UAE will limit who can sit in the front passenger seat. They take effect on January 1, 2027.
UAE Front Seat Rule
A child can sit in the front passenger seat only if they meet one of two conditions:
- They are over 10 years old, or
- They are at least 145 cm tall
So age alone doesn’t decide it. A younger child who has reached 145 cm qualifies, and a child over 10 qualifies regardless of their height.
The rule comes from Article 11 of Cabinet Decision No. 174 of 2026, which sets out the implementing regulations of Federal Decree-Law No. 14 of 2024 on traffic regulation.
Child Safety Seats for Young Children
The same article says drivers must provide a suitable child safety seat for children aged four and under. These seats must go in the rear of the vehicle. They must also suit the child’s height and weight and meet the safety standards that apply in the UAE.
Two Exceptions
The rules allow two exceptions to the rear seat requirement.
1. Medical conditions. If a child has a medical condition that prevents them from using a child safety seat, the rule can be relaxed. This must be shown with a medical certificate approved by the relevant medical authority in the UAE. In that case, another person must sit with the child in the rear seat.
2. Vehicles with no rear seats. A child safety seat may be fitted in the front, but only if it faces the rear and the airbag is switched off.
A New Limit on Driving Hours
Child safety isn’t the only change. The new federal rules also cap driving time. Article 7 limits drivers to nine hours of driving within any 24 hour period. It also bars anyone from driving while so tired that they can’t drive safely.
This will also apply from January 1, 2027, and it matters most for people who drive long distances between emirates or drive for work.
What We Still Don’t Know
The announcement doesn’t mention fines for breaking the child seat rule. It also doesn’t explain what children between five and ten should use in the back seat. It’s best to check the official regulations or the relevant authority for these details before the rule starts.
Simple Steps for Parents
Start now, so you aren’t rushing in January:
- Measure your child. If they’re under 10, check whether they’ve reached 145 cm
- Check your car seat. Make sure it suits your child’s height and weight and meets UAE standards
- Plan the seating. If your child needs the back, decide who sits where on longer trips
- Tell other drivers. Grandparents, drivers and relatives who give your kids lifts need to know too
It also helps to talk to your children. Explain that the back seat is the safer spot for them, and the new rule will feel less like a punishment.
Planning Family Outings
With school breaks and festive events ahead, families will be in the car more often. If you’re heading to a show with the kids, public transport can be easier. For example, a new 110 metre bridge now links Dubai Mall Metro Station to Coca-Cola Arena, so you can skip some of the traffic and parking stress.
From January 1, 2027, the front seat comes with a clear test: over 10, or at least 145 cm. Children aged four and under need a suitable rear seat, with only two narrow exceptions. Use the next few weeks to measure, check, and plan, and read the official rules for any details that matter to your family.