Two-year car registration now available from January 2027 for eligible vehicles

Motorists in the UAE will be able to apply for two-year registration for eligible light vehicles under new federal traffic regulations taking effect on January 1, 2027, replacing the standard annual renewal requirement.

The change is outlined in Article 98 of Cabinet Decision No. 174 of 2026, which approves the Executive Regulation of Federal Decree-Law No. 14 of 2024 on the Regulation of Traffic.

Under the new rules, vehicle registration will generally remain valid for one year and renewable for the same period. However, licensing authorities may approve a two-year registration for light vehicles at the owner's request, provided they meet specific requirements.

Three conditions must be met: the vehicle must have been newly manufactured when first registered, be no more than six years old from its date of manufacture, and be owned by an individual rather than a company or legal entity. All three conditions must be met for the licensing authority to consider an application for two-year registration. The provision gives authorities discretion to approve the longer validity period, meaning qualifying vehicles will not automatically receive two-year registration.

The new regulations also prohibit the registration of right-hand-drive vehicles for road use in the UAE, although such vehicles may be permitted for display purposes. Vehicles that fail to meet prescribed road safety requirements will not be eligible for registration.

Article 104 provides an exemption from prescribed registration fees for one vehicle owned by a person with a disability. The regulations also establish minimum ages for different vehicle categories: 18 for light vehicle driving licences, 20 for heavy vehicle licences, 17 for Category 1 motorcycle licences, and 21 for Category 2 motorcycles.