UAE traffic fine for driving without headlights: Here's everything you need to know

Driving in the UAE after sunset without proper headlights is both unlawful and dangerous. Motorists are required by law to use their vehicle’s lights between sunset and sunrise and during poor visibility conditions, such as fog and heavy rain. Failure to follow these rules not only risks lives, but also attracts steep penalties and black points on the driver’s licence.

TL;DR:

• Driving without headlights at night in the UAE can result in a Dh500 fine and four black points; faulty headlights attract Dh400 with six black points.
  
  
  
• Headlights are mandatory between sunset and sunrise and during low-visibility conditions; always dim high beams for oncoming traffic.
  
  
• High beams are only permitted on unlit highways or poor visibility situations; improper use is hazardous and penalized.

Detailed guide to UAE headlight regulations
Driving without your headlights after sunset, or during low visibility such as heavy rain and fog, constitutes a traffic violation under UAE law. Police actively enforce these rules to keep roads safer. The official penalty for driving without headlights is a Dh500 fine and four black points on your licence, rising to a Dh400 fine and six black points for defective or broken headlights.
Headlights aren’t just about keeping your own view clear. Their primary function is to ensure your vehicle is visible to other road users, thereby preventing accidents and collisions. Ignoring this requirement jeopardizes not just the driver, but everyone else on the road.
Using high beams: When and when not
High beams let motorists see farther and are crucial on unlit highways and extremely dark stretches. According to the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), they can be safely used only:

• On highways without street lighting
  
• In very poor visibility, such as darkness or unclear conditions
  

However, using high beams carelessly, like flashing them at oncoming vehicles or failing to dip them when approaching another car from behind, can blind other drivers and lead to accidents. Drivers are advised to switch to low beams as soon as another vehicle comes into sight, and always dip the lights when following another car.

Proper use of headlights is mandatory in the UAE both for safety and compliance. Always ensure your headlights are working and adhere to the law to avoid fines and black points, and only use high beams in appropriate situations to safeguard your own journey and everyone else's.

FAQ
Q. When does UAE law require drivers to use headlights?
Headlights must be switched on between sunset and sunrise, and during any low-visibility situations such as heavy rain, fog, or dust storms.

Q. What is the penalty for driving without headlights at night?
Driving without headlights at night leads to a Dh500 fine and four black points on your licence.

Q. What if my car’s headlights are faulty or not working?
You will incur a Dh400 fine and six black points if caught driving with non-functioning or defective headlights.

Q. Are aftermarket Xenon or LED headlights legal in the UAE?
Aftermarket Xenon headlights are banned. LED headlights are permitted only if they are E-mark certified, installed at GCC-certified workshops, and meet specific safety standards for brightness and colour temperature; modifications must be registered with the RTA.

Q. When can high beams legally be used?
High beams are only allowed on unlit highways or in poor visibility; they should always be dimmed when another vehicle is nearby or when following another car, to prevent dazzling other drivers.