No, applying makeup while driving in the UAE is illegal under Federal Traffic Law No. 21 of 1995, as amended, and risks fines up to AED 400 or black points. The Ministry of Interior (MOI) and local traffic authorities enforce distracted driving prohibitions strictly, with 2026 compliance systems integrating AI-powered surveillance to detect violations.
Key Regulations for Applying Makeup While Driving in United Arab Emirates
- Federal Traffic Law No. 21 of 1995, Article 58: Prohibits any act that distracts a driver, including personal grooming, with penalties of AED 400 and/or 4 black points.
- Abu Dhabi Police Circular (2024): Explicitly lists makeup application as a primary cause of lane deviations and rear-end collisions, citing traffic accident data from 2023.
- Dubai Police Traffic Code (2025 Update): Mandates hands-free operation of vehicles; secondary offenses like makeup use are flagged via smart cameras under the “Safe Driver” initiative.
Local emirates enforce supplementary measures:
- Sharjah Police: Deploy undercover patrols to monitor vehicles at traffic lights, issuing on-the-spot fines for visible makeup application.
- Ras Al Khaimah Traffic Department: Requires drivers to present a “distraction-free” declaration during vehicle inspections, with makeup cited as a non-compliance risk.
Violations are recorded in the Federal Traffic System, impacting insurance premiums and license renewals. Exceptions apply only for medical emergencies, documented via a physician’s note submitted to traffic courts within 72 hours.