Over speeding or going too slow – either case can be dangerous on the road and thus have fixed limits for both. These speed limits are monitored on the roads via traffic radars in the UAE. The UAE speed limits vary based on the road type, emirate and sometimes even the weather and are updated accordingly on the message boards on the roads. Here is a complete guide on the various speed limits in the UAE.
General UAE Speed Limits
Given below is a detailed account of all the different speed limit in the UAE:
Light Vehicle Maximum speed limits in the UAE
Road/Area | Speed Limit |
|---|---|
| Parking areas and service roads | Speed Limit 25 km/h |
| An urban single carriageway (A city road with a single lane available for each direction) | Speed Limit 40 km/h |
| An urban dual carriageway (a city road with separated lanes for each direction) | Speed Limit 60 km/h or 80km/h |
| Rural roads | Speed Limit 100 km/h |
| Residential area | Speed Limit 25 km/h to 40km/h (depending on area) |
Heavy Vehicle Speed Limits in the UAE
Heavy vehicle speed limits vary based on the type of vehicle. The speed limit for trucks as well as heavy goods vehicles on highways is 80 km/h. However, buses and minibuses can move at a speed of 100 km/h. These may be subjected to change in which case the new speed limits are displayed on sign boards along roads.
Maximum speed buffer
There is a buffer of 20km/h in all emirates except Abu Dhabi. A speed buffer means a driver is not charged a fine unless they go 20 km/h above the set limit. For example, if the max speed as per the law is 120, motorists are not charged a fine until they cross 140km/h. However, this is not the case in the capital where no such buffer is at work.
Speed Limit vs Maximum Speed Limit
To avoid getting charged merely due to a misunderstanding, motorists must distinguish between ‘speed limit’ and ‘maximum speed limit.’
The speed limit is the number posted on a round white sign with a red border stating “speed limit”. While In Abu Dhabi, it the speed limit is also the maximum speed limit, this is not the case with other emirates.
For other emirates, the legal maximum permitted speeds are ‘speed limits’ mentioned on the round signs plus 21 km/h. For example, if the speed limit is 80 km/h in any emirate other than Abu Dhabi, you will not be flashed unless you drive at the speed of more than 101 km/h. The 101 km/h in this case becomes the maximum speed limit. These added values are thus posted on the roads of all emirates except Abu Dhabi on large square or rectangular signs to indicate the maximum speed limit.
Do not add another 20 kph to this maximum speed limit as that will trigger the radar flash.
Speed Limits in Dubai
In Dubai, the maximum speed limit is from 110 to 120 km/h with a buffer of 20km/h as in other emirates except Abu Dhabi. Major maximum speed limits for light vehicle in Dubai are:
Roads/Areas | Speed Limit |
|---|---|
| Highways and motorway | Speed Limit usually 100-120 km/h Jebel Ali-Lehbab has sections with speed limit 60 km/h while Financial Center Rd Upper Deck has a speed limit between 60 and 80 km/h) |
| Main roads in Dubai city | Speed Limit Usually 70-80 km/h but some are 90 kph while Al Sufouh Rd and Hessa Street are 60 km/h |
| Suburban roads within community | Speed Limit 40 km/h |
| MBZ Road and Emirates Road | Speed Limit 110 km/h |
Speed limits in Abu Dhabi
The maximum speed limits in Abu Dhabi have a higher value than Dubai. In some cases the limit is 140 km/h but as fast as 160 km/h is also allowed on the famous Abu Dhabi-Al Ain and the Sheikh Khalifa highway.
Finally, in Abu Dhabi, there is no 20 km/h buffer. Anyone speeding even 1 km over the speed limit is subjected to a fine.
Overspeeding Fines
The fine for overspeeding in the UAE is AED 300 in general. However, this is for up to 20 km/h speeding above the maximum speed limit. It increases depending on how fast the motorist goes over the speed limit. This means drivers going 30 km/h above the limit are fined AED 600. Meanwhile, speed over 40 km/h and the fine is AED 700 and for going 50 km/h more, you will pay AED 1000.
Violations above the 50 km/h may result in quite heavier fines along with black points and vehicle impounding.
Moreover, motorists who fail to give way to other vehicles while driving in the fast lane (left) in the UAE are subjected to a fine of AED 400.
Driving too Slow
Inappropriate speed and speed differences among cars in traffic may result in accidents. Therefore, there is a minimum speed limit as well and driving too slow is an offence too. On motorways such as freeways, highways, autobahns and others, the posted minimum speed limit is 60 km/h.
The fine for driving too slow on the UAE roads is AED 400.
FAQs
Is there a speed limit buffer in Dubai?
Yes, there is a Dubai speed limit buffer of 20 km/h. However, it is applicable in other emirates of the UAE too except Abu Dhabi. This allows the motorists to go 20 km/h above the speed limit posted on the traffic signs in the UAE without triggering the radars for incurring a fine.
What is the fastest road in the UAE with the highest maximum speed limits?
The two major highways in the UAE, the Abu Dhabi-Al Ain highway and the Sheikh Khalifa highway, have the highest speed limits of 160 km/h.
Speed on road can be exhilarating and if practiced under limits allow you to enjoy your drive. Here is a listing of some of the fastest car brands in the UAE:
What are some of the higher speeding fines in the UAE?
For exceeding the maximum limit above 60 km/h, the fine is AED 1500, above 80 km/h AED 2000 and for more than 3000, the fine is AED 3000. These fines are also accompanied by black points and the confiscation of vehicles in some cases.
This is all about the various UAE speed limits. Always stick to the traffic laws to ensure safety on the road. For more information on UAE road and traffic rules, stay tuned to the top auto blog in the UAE.
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