UAE companies brace for impact of nine-hour limits on driving

Driving regulations limiting professional drivers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to a maximum of nine hours per day have been welcomed by safety experts and transport analysts as a significant step towards improving road safety and work-life balance. The new rules, set to take effect from January 1, 2025, could potentially reduce driver fatigue and allow individuals to enjoy a more balanced life outside of their professional commitments.

While the regulations are expected to bring benefits for safety, they may also pose challenges for drivers and transport companies, as longer shifts that have historically been commonplace are likely to become a thing of the past. Thomas Edelmann, founder and managing director of Road Safety UAE, welcomed the new regulations, stating that they will benefit drivers and all other road users.

He emphasized the importance of tachographs – devices in vehicles that record distance, speed, and hours driven – in ensuring compliance with the new rules.

The new regulations follow significant improvements in road safety in the UAE, with road deaths falling by two-thirds between 2010 and 2019. Joseph Salem, a transportation expert at Arthur D Little in Dubai, explained that the new rule applies to all drivers, whether private or professional. He highlighted the potential safety benefits of the rule, stating that fatigue impairs reaction time much like substances do.

Salem also noted that the UAE had previously relied on general warnings about tired drivers, which has now been replaced by a clear, measurable threshold.

Fatigue is a major concern for heavy goods vehicle (HGV) drivers, with 208 accidents involving HGVs recorded in the UAE in 2022, increasing to 271 in 2023 and 332 in 2024 before slightly decreasing to 325 in 2024. Joseph Salem indicated that 12-hour shifts are currently the norm for many taxi drivers, delivery drivers, and professional drivers, while long-haul lorry drivers may work even longer shifts.

Prior to the new regulations, many drivers had pushed themselves beyond their limits, risking their safety and that of other road users.

Digital technology, such as GPS software, can be used to alert drivers when they are nearing their limit, according to Salem. However, he cautioned about potential loopholes that could allow drivers to move between apps, and emphasized the importance of avoiding such loopholes. Salem further stressed that employers, not just drivers, should be responsible for enforcing the new limit.

While the new regulations will undoubtedly impact revenue generation for drivers and transport companies, Salem suggested that companies should explore alternative payment schemes or provide additional benefits to mitigate the financial impact. He noted that private drivers may find it difficult to enforce the new rules, but the rule serves as an important awareness signal for all drivers.

Driver fatigue expert Dr. Iuliana Hartescu from Loughborough University emphasized that a limit on driver hours is an effective way to implement change. She highlighted that driving is a monotonous and repetitive task, which can lead to driver fatigue. Hartescu also noted that the new regulations will offer safety benefits and improve work-life balance for professional drivers, who often struggle to find time for personal activities and adequate sleep.