UAE drops speed caps on key roads as speeding deaths rise

Traffic authorities across the UAE are tightening speed regulations on major roads, aiming to reduce accidents after the Ministry of Interior recorded over 10 million speeding violations in 2024, reported Gulf News.

Speeding remains a leading cause of road accidents in the country, prompting sweeping changes from Abu Dhabi to Ras Al Khaimah.

Abu Dhabi ends minimum speed rule

Abu Dhabi scrapped the 120 km/h minimum speed limit on Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Road (E311) beginning April 14. The lower threshold was previously enforced on the highway’s leftmost lanes to encourage consistent traffic flow.

While the maximum speed remains 140 km/h, the change is intended to accommodate heavier vehicles. Fines for not meeting the former minimum reached AED 400.

Officials have also reduced maximum speeds on two busy routes. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed International Road (E11) now has a speed cap of 140 km/h, down from 160 km/h. The Abu Dhabi–Sweihan Road (E20) has dropped to 100 km/h from 120 km/h.

Red markings signal

To make changes more transparent, red road sections have been introduced on several highways, including:

• Abu Dhabi–Al Ain Road (E22): 100 km/h near Sas Al Nakhl and Baniyas Cemetery
• Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Street (E10): 100 km/h near Sheikh Zayed Bridge
• Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Road (E12): between 100–120 km/h through Jubail and Saadiyat Islands

Dubai’s network adjusted for traffic growth

According to Just Dubai, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) revised limits along expanding road networks in Dubai. Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street now has a 100 km/h limit from Dubai–Al Ain Road to Academic City Roundabout, and 90 km/h beyond that.

Al Amardi Street has been unified under a 90 km/h limit from Al Khawaneej Street to Emirates Road.

Sharjah targets congested corridors

Sharjah authorities lowered the speed limit to 80 km/h—down from 100 km/h—on Al Wahda and Al Ittihad Roads between the Abu Shagara Interchange and Al Taawun Bridge, citing heavy urban traffic.

Ras Al Khaimah adjusts coastal speeds

Ras Al Khaimah implemented changes on January 17, reducing the speed on Sheikh Mohammed bin Salem Street from 100 km/h to 80 km/h. The road links several tourist-heavy areas, including Mina Al Arab and Al Marjan Island.

Meanwhile, Al Watan Road saw its limit rise from 100 km/h to 120 km/h to accommodate growing traffic.

Fines for speeding

Despite increased enforcement, violations remain high. Current penalties include:

• Over 80 km/h: AED 3,000, 23 black points, 60-day vehicle impoundment
• Over 60 km/h: AED 2,000, 12 black points, 30-day impoundment
• Up to 60 km/h: AED 1,500, 6 black points, 15-day impoundment

Authorities urge motorists to stay alert to evolving road signage and new limit zones as part of broader efforts to enhance safety across the seven emirates.