UAE Speed Limits: Max and Min Limits, Fines & More

Knowing the UAE speed limits is key to driving safely across the Emirates without traffic fines. In this comprehensive overview, you will find general speed guidelines for cars and heavy vehicles for various road types, from city to rural areas. This guide will also explain how the speed buffer system works in most Emirates and what fines and penalties apply to traffic violations.

Make sure to stay on top of UAE speed limits and don’t forget to fasten your seat belt!

Types of Roads and Vehicles

The speed regulations may vary across the Emirates. Unless stated differently by road signs or Variable Message Signs (VMS), speed limits in city and rural areas fall within the following ranges:

• Parking areas and service roads: 20, 25, or 40 km/h
• Urban single lane: 40 or 60 km/h
• Urban double lane: 60 or 80 km/h
• Rural roads: 80 or 100 km/h
• Highways: the maximum speed limit ranges from 120 to 80 km/h depending on the vehicle. A minimum speed limit of 60 km/h applies when there is a sign.

Although UAE drivers are satisfied with general road infrastructure, there is a high level of concern with reckless driving, according to the UAE Road Safety Monitor. Drivers are advised to be extra careful on highways.

Speed Limits for Light and Heavy Vehicles

Signs typically inform two maximum speed limits on highways: one for cars and motorcycles, above, and a lower one for buses and trucks, below.

The table below summarizes the most common speed limits per road and vehicle type. For specific streets, don't forget to check the road signs!

Specific Speed Limits in Major Emirates

Although these speed limits serve as a rule of thumb to drive safely in the UAE, traffic regulations are subject to regional differences. Below you will find general guidelines for Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and smaller Emirates. To ensure accuracy, the information was retrieved from the Ministry of Interior’s website and local traffic authorities.

Dubai Speed Limits

Unless a sign informs otherwise, drivers must respect the Dubai speed limits informed by street signs and the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). A buffer of 21 kmph is applied on the top speed limits in Dubai, as outlined in the table below:

Abu Dhabi Speed Limits

Abu Dhabi speed limits stand out from other Emirates for their absence of buffer. This means that the top speed you see on a road sign in Abu Dhabi is the fastest you are allowed to go without a fine. Pay extra attention not to cross the limit – not even by 1 kmph!

On the other hand, Abu Dhabi set a higher speed limit of 160 km/h in a few portions of certain highways, such as the Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed road.

Be mindful of recent changes on the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid road, one of the busiest in Abu Dhabi. For the fast lanes – the first and second ones from the left –, the government established a minimum speed limit of 120 km/h on both directions.

Sharjah and Other Emirates Speed Limits

Unlike major cities, Sharjah and smaller Emirates do not usually detail speed limits on their websites. Although drivers may resort to navigation apps or APK, sometimes with a mod for radar alerts, these resources do not necessarily rely on official information. The best approach on the road is to pay extra attention to signs and check credible news outlets for updates.

The most recent speed limit change was announced for the Al Ittihad and Al Wahda roads in May 2024. The speed limit was reduced from 100 km/h to 80 km/h along the portion commonly taken by Dubai-Sharjah commuters.

Understanding the Speed Buffer System

Except for Abu Dhabi, most locations have a speed buffer on top of the maximum limits. The grace margin usually goes up to 21 km/h – meaning you can drive a bit faster than the speed limit.

For example, in Dubai roads with a top speed limit of 80 km/h, you are allowed to go up to 101 km/h without penalties. If you drive at 102 km/h or faster, you will need to pay a fine.

However, buffers may vary on different regions, and rules are not always clearly stated by police departments, much like in the UK or in Oman. To be safe, drivers are advised to stick to the top limit stated on road signs.

Traffic Fines and Penalties

Speeding is one of many traffic violations in the UAE. Beyond fines, drivers can face harsher consequences such as license suspension, and vehicle confiscation.

Fines are typically set at 200 AED and 300 AED for lighter infractions such as driving with broken lights. The most severe violations, like drunk driving or provoking a fatal accident, can result in jail time and expensive fines starting at 10,000 AED.

Fines for Speeding Violations

Penalties get harsher the more drivers breach the speed limit. The UAE punishes dangerous behavior by giving drivers black points. If you get over 24 black points, your license is suspended, your car may be confiscated, and the case is sent to court.

Consequences of Driving Too Slowly

On highways, a minimum speed limit of 60 km/h may apply for all vehicles in case there is a sign.

Drivers going below the minimum limit will face a 400 AED fine. The penalty aims to avoid roadblocks or traffic disruptions especially on highways, where driving slowly can lead to accidents.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Maximum Speed Limit in the UAE?

The speed limits vary by road types, areas, and vehicles. While city speed limits usually range from 40 to 80 km/h, cars can go faster on highways, usually up to 100 km/h or 120 km/h. In general, the top speed limit for heavy vehicles is set at 80 km/h.

Can You Go 20 KM/H Over the Speed Limit?

In Dubai and most Emirates, drivers can go up to 20km/h faster than the maximum speed limits without fines. However, the buffer does not apply everywhere – hold back on the accelerator especially in Abu Dhabi!

What Happens If You Exceed the Speed Limit?

Speeding in the UAE will often result in fines, ranging from 300 AED up to 3,000 AED. Breaching the top speed limit by more than 60 km/h will get your car confiscated.