A Comprehensive Guide to UAE Speed Limit

UAE speed limits are a crucial component in promoting road safety and coordinating traffic flow. With a complex network of roads, congested urban streets, capacious highways, and calmer rural routes, speed regulations are carefully set to cater to diverse driving conditions and vehicle categories. Comprehending these limits is essential for both residents and passersby, as violations can lead to costly fines, criminal offences, and legal consequences.

In this guide by MOOV By Al-Futtaim, we’ll clarify key principles, including the contrast between light and heavy vehicles, the concept of speed buffers, and emirate-specific regulations; no matter if you’re cruising Dubai’s highways, commuting through Abu Dhabi’s expressways, or crossing Sharjah’s city corridors, staying informed with their speed limits will cultivate safe and compliant driving.

Understanding Speed Limits in the UAE

Speed limits in the UAE are set based on the type of street, the kind of vehicle, and road safety requirements. In small residential areas and city streets, slower speed limits help reduce accidents and protect pedestrians.

In contrast, highways and wide roads allow for faster speeds to keep traffic moving smoothly. Large vehicles, such as trucks and buses, have stricter speed rules to ensure road safety. During severe weather, like sandstorms or heavy rain, temporary speed reductions are applied, and drivers are informed through roadside signs.

General Speed Limits for Light Vehicles in the UAE

Light vehicles, including cars and motorcycles, have different speed limits based on the type of road:

• Parking areas and service roads: 25km/h
• Urban single carriageways: 40–60km/h
• Urban dual carriageways: 60–80 km/h
• Rural roads: 80–160 km/h
• Residential areas: 25–40 km/h
• Freeways: 60–120 km/h

These limits are indicated on road signs, with some areas featuring red-painted road sections to remind drivers of the designated speed.

Speed Limits for Heavy Vehicles

Buses, delivery trucks, and big-duty vehicles follow strict speed boundaries to boost road safety:

• Big trucks and delivery lorries: 80km/h on highways
• Buses and daily transport mini buses: 100km/h on highways
• Dual-carriage freeways: 60–80 km/h for bulky vehicles

Due to driving demands and road conditions, speed limits for lorries, trucks, and buses are regularly reviewed, with displayed updates on digital boards.

The Concept of Speed Buffers in the UAE

Fast-moving vehicles in most UAE emirates benefit from a speed flexibility of 20 km/h, which means drivers can slightly exceed the designated limit without worrying about fines.

For example, if a roadway has a fixed speed of 100 km/h, drivers are free to drive up to 120 km/h without facing penalties. However, this does not apply to the Abu Dhabi speed limit, where even a minor violation, exceeding the speed limit by just 1 km/h over the limit, results in definite fines.

Speed Limit vs. Maximum Speed Limit

Drivers must precisely distinguish between the "speed limit" and the "permissible maximum speed limit," as both terms play a distinct role in UAE traffic policies.

Designated Speed Limits: Displayed on distinct circular white signs with a red border, the designated speed limit defines the determined maximum speed limit for a particular path or road. Drivers must diligently follow this limit to ensure protected and proper driving, helping to prevent accidents and maintain peaceful traffic flow.

Permissible Maximum Speed Limit: In most parts of the UAE, there is a permitted 20 km/h deviation beyond the displayed speed without penalty. However, in Abu Dhabi, this provision does not apply, and the displayed speed remains the definitive maximum, exceeding it by even 1 km/h leads to penalties.

Going eastbound through an 80 km/h speed limit road in Dubai, motorists are allowed to travel at speeds up to 100 km/h without penalties; elsewhere, in Abu Dhabi, even a tiny transgression of 1 km/h beyond the 80 km/h limit triggers enforcement and fines. This gap is essential for drivers to grasp, ensuring they travel legally and evade unnecessary expenses.

Speed Limits Across Different Emirates

Dubai Speed Limits

Dubai follows the 20 km/h speed buffer rule, and speed limits vary based on road type:

• Sheikh Zayed Road: 100–120 km/h
• Airport Tunnel-Beirut Road: 80km/h
• Mohammed Bin Zayed Road: 110 km/h
• Al Khail Road: 100 km/h
• Expo: 100 km/h
• Jumeirah Road: 70 km/h

Abu Dhabi Speed Limits

Abu Dhabi has higher speed limits but no speed buffer:

• Sheikh Khalifa Highway: 160 km/h
• Abu Dhabi–Al Ain Road: 140 km/h
• Sweihan Road: 120 km/h (recently reduced from 140 km/h)
• Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Street: 80km/h (temporary reduction)
• Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Road: 120km/h minimum, 140 km/h maximum

Violating these limits in Abu Dhabi results in fines starting from AED 400.

Speed Cameras and Penalties for Over Speeding

Speed Cameras on UAE Roads

Leveraging innovative technology, the UAE installs top-tier radar devices to track speed limits. Integrated cameras line highways, intersections, and urban roads, instantly capturing images of lawbreaking motorists, and these systems then initiate legal actions, issuing fines to those exceeding speed limits.

Fines for Over Speeding

Over speeding penalties vary based on the excess speed:

• Exceeding by 20 km/h: AED 300
• Exceeding by 30 km/h: AED 600
• Exceeding by 40 km/h: AED 700
• Exceeding by 50 km/h: AED 1,000

Minimum Speed Limits and Fines for Driving Too Slowly

The UAE also enforces minimum speed limits on highways to prevent slow-moving vehicles from obstructing traffic:

• Highways and freeways: Minimum speed 60 km/h
• Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Road (Abu Dhabi): Minimum speed 120 km/h

Drivers moving below the minimum speed limit can be fined AED 400.

Working efficiently within UAE speed limits is essential for ensuring safe and lawful driving, as each emirate enforces distinct regulations, with varying speed limits based on road types, locations, and vehicle classifications. For instance, the Dubai speed limit allows for a 20 km/h tolerance beyond the posted limit, while the Abu Dhabi speed limit is strictly enforced with no buffer.

Driving wisely through the UAE is effortless, with MOOV By Al-Futtaim offering a dependable and seamless car booking experience; equipped with proper knowledge of traffic rules and speed limits, drivers can embrace a worry-free journey while dodging unnecessary fines.

New Speed Limits in the UAE

The UAE continually updates its road safety regulations to ensure smoother traffic flow and reduce accidents across its emirates. Abu Dhabi has recently updated speed limits on several key roads to improve traffic safety and flow.

One major change is the removal of the 120 kph minimum speed limit on Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Road (E311), which connects Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

This rule applies to the two left-most lanes and was introduced in 2023 to prevent slow driving in fast lanes. Drivers who didn’t follow it were fined Dh400. Authorities have now removed the minimum limit to make it easier for heavy vehicles to move and to reduce dangerous habits like tailgating. The maximum speed limit of 140kph stays the same.

This update is part of a wider push to make roads safer. In line with this, speed limits on Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed International Road have been reduced from 60kph to 140kph, and on Abu Dhabi-Sweihan Road from 120kph to 100kph. These changes aim to cut down on accidents and protect all road users.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the speed limit in the  UAE 160 km/h?

No,the maximum speed limit in the UAE is 160 km/h, but only on select highways like Sheikh Khalifa Highway in Abu Dhabi.

Is the speed limit 120 km/h in Abu Dhabi?

It depends on the road. While some roads in Abu Dhabi have a 120 km/h speed limit, others go up to 140 km/h or 160 km/h.

What is the highest allowed speed limit in the UAE?

The highest speed limit is 160 km/h, applicable only on specific highways in Abu Dhabi.

What is the speed limit buffer in the UAE?

Generally, the UAE allows a 20 km/h maximum speed buffer, meaning you can exceed the posted speed limit by up to 21 km/h without facing penalties. However, Abu Dhabi does not follow this buffer system.

What are the speed limits for light and heavy vehicles?

• Light Vehicle Speed Limits:
  • Urban Roads: 40-80 km/h
  • Rural Roads: 80-160 km/h
  • Freeways: 60-120 km/h

• Heavy Vehicle Speed Limits:
  • Trucks/Heavy Goods:
    • Highways: 80 km/h
    • Freeways: 60-80 km/h
  • Buses/Minibuses:
    • Highways: 100km/h

‍What is the maximum speed limit sign?

The maximum speed limit sign is a white circle with a red border and a black number inside, indicating the permitted speed in kilometers per hour (km/h).