Dubai: Motorists in the UAE who fail to respond to vehicle recalls issued over manufacturing defects could face restrictions on transactions involving their cars under federal traffic regulations taking effect on January 1, 2027 .

The provision is outlined in Article 122 of Cabinet Decision No. 174 of 2026 , which sets out procedures for identifying recalled vehicles and their owners and addressing manufacturing defects.

Under the regulation, licensing authorities must take the necessary measures to ensure that vehicle owners respond to recalls issued by commercial agents. These measures may include preventing procedures or transactions involving the vehicle identification number, or VIN, of a car affected by a recall.

Such restrictions are not automatic.…