Starting November 1, 2025, new and stricter traffic regulations will come into force across Dubai and Sharjah, aimed at improving road safety and curbing violations by delivery riders, heavy vehicles, and buses. The move comes amid a noticeable increase in accidents involving delivery motorcycles in recent years, driven by the rapid growth of e-commerce and food delivery services.
New Restrictions in Dubai
The Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), in coordination with Dubai Police, announced that delivery riders will be banned from using high-speed lanes on major roads. The new rule prevents delivery motorcycles from using:
- The two fastest lanes on roads with five or more lanes, and
- The fast lane on roads with three or four lanes.
They will, however, be permitted on smaller roads with two lanes or fewer.
To ensure compliance, the RTA has installed new road signage across the city, clearly indicating areas where commercial motorcycles are restricted. The enforcement campaign will rely on a combination of digital surveillance, field inspections, and cooperation with delivery companies and the Department of Economy and Tourism.
Fines and Penalties
Violations will carry escalating penalties:
- Dh500 for a first offense,
- Dh700 for a second, and
- Suspension of the delivery permit upon a third violation.
Additionally, riders exceeding the speed limit by over 100 km/h will face fines starting at Dh200, which can rise to Dh400 for repeat offenses.
These measures fall under Dubai’s five-year traffic safety strategy, which focuses on stronger enforcement, road engineering improvements, awareness initiatives, and advanced traffic management systems. The overall goal is to achieve world-leading road safety standards and minimize fatalities linked to delivery operations.
Sharjah Introduces Dedicated Lane System
In Sharjah, authorities are introducing a lane management system that will designate specific lanes for motorcycles, delivery bikes, heavy vehicles, and buses along key roads. Under the new rules:
- Heavy vehicles and buses must stay in the far-right lane.
- Motorcycles are restricted to the third and fourth lanes from the right on four-lane roads, and the middle or right lane on three-lane roads.
- On two-lane roads, motorcycles may use only the right lane.
Smart Enforcement Across the Emirates
The new rules will be strictly enforced through smart radars, high-definition cameras, and 24-hour monitoring by traffic patrols. Noncompliance will incur heavy penalties under federal traffic law, including fines of up to Dh1,500 and 12 black points for heavy vehicles that fail to stay in their designated lanes, and Dh500 for ignoring road signs or traffic instructions.
Authorities in both emirates emphasized that these measures are designed to protect delivery riders and other road users, promoting a safer, more organized traffic environment as the UAE continues to expand its delivery and logistics sectors.
