Driving in the UAE requires caution, especially with recent speed limit changes across major emirates. In 2024, the UAE recorded over 10 million traffic violations, with speeding topping the list as a major cause of accidents, according to the Ministry of Interior. Speeding contributes to severe crashes like rollovers, collisions, and vehicles veering off roads, endangering lives. To help you stay safe and avoid hefty fines, we’ve compiled the latest 2025 UAE speed limit updates, optimized for clarity and compliance.
Follow these updated rules, stick to posted signs, avoid distractions, and steer clear of abrupt lane changes to ensure safer roads for everyone.
UAE Speeding Penalties: Know the Consequences
Speeding fines in the UAE are strict to deter reckless driving. Here’s a breakdown of penalties for exceeding speed limits:
-Over 80 km/h: Dh3,000 fine, 23 black points, 60-day vehicle impoundment
-Over 60 km/h: Dh2,000 fine, 12 black points, 30-day vehicle impoundment
-Up to 60 km/h: Dh1,500 fine, 6 black points, 15-day vehicle impoundment
Staying within speed limits not only saves you money but also protects lives. Below are the key speed limit changes across the UAE in 2025.
ALSO READ: Decode the Roof Colors of Dubai Taxis
Recent UAE Speed Limit Updates – All You Need to Know!
Abu Dhabi Speed Limit Reductions on Major Highways
Starting April 14, 2025, Abu Dhabi Mobility has revised speed limits on two critical roads:
-Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed International Road (E11): Reduced from 160 km/h to 140 km/h.
-Abu Dhabi–Sweihan Road (E20): Lowered from 120 km/h to 100 km/h.
These updates aim to enhance road safety. Check updated signage to avoid fines on these busy routes.
Minimum Speed Rules for Abu Dhabi’s Fast Lanes
Abu Dhabi enforces a minimum speed limit on Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Road’s two leftmost lanes. Drivers must maintain:
-Minimum: 120 km/h
-Maximum: 140 km/h
Driving too slowly in these lanes can result in a Dh400 fine. This rule reduces risks from slow vehicles on high-speed highways. Always observe minimum speed signs to stay compliant.
READ MORE: Dubai Police Cars – Supercars That Steal Your Eyes
Abu Dhabi’s Red Markings for Clearer Speed Limits
In 2024, Abu Dhabi City Municipality introduced red pavement markings to highlight revised speed limits. Key roads affected include:
-Abu Dhabi–Al Ain Road (E22) near Sas Al Nakhl: Dropped from 120 km/h to 100 km/h.
-Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Street (E311) near Sweihan Bridge: Reduced from 140 km/h to 120 km/h.
-E311 near Baniyas Cemetery: Lowered from 120 km/h to 100 km/h.
-Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Street (E10) near Sheikh Zayed Bridge: Decreased from 120 km/h to 100 km/h.
–Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Road (E12) between Jubail Island and Saadiyat: Adjusted from 140 km/h to 120 km/h; on Saadiyat Island, from 120 km/h to 100 km/h.
These visual cues make it easier to spot speed limit changes, so keep an eye out to avoid penalties.
Dubai’s Updated Speed Limits for Smoother Traffic
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Dubai Police adjusted speed limits in 2024 to optimize traffic flow:
Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street Speeding Limit in Dubai
-Increased to 100 km/h from Dubai Al Ain Road to Academic City Roundabout.
-Adjusted to 90 km/h from Academic City Roundabout to Al Khawaneej Street.
Amardi Street Speeding Limit in Dubai
-Standardized to 90 km/h between Al Khawaneej Street and Emirates Road.
-New signage and road markings reflect these changes, ensuring drivers stay informed.
Sharjah Lowers Speed on Key Roads
Sharjah implemented a speed limit reduction in 2024 on a vital corridor:
-Al Wahda Road and Al Ittihad Road: Decreased from 100 km/h to 80 km/h between Abu Shaghara interchange and Al Taawun Bridge.
The Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority and Sharjah Police coordinated this change to improve safety in this busy area.
Ras Al Khaimah Revises Coastal and Inland Limits
Ras Al Khaimah introduced two speed limit updates in 2025:
-Sheikh Mohammed bin Salem Street: Effective January 17, 2025, reduced from 100 km/h to 80 km/h from Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Roundabout (Al Rafaa) to Al Marjan Island Roundabout. This route serves residential, commercial, and tourist areas like Al Rifaa, Al Jazira Al Hamra, and Mina Al Arab.
-Al Watan Road: Increased from 100 km/h to 120 km/h in 2024 to enhance traffic flow.
These changes balance safety and efficiency on Ras Al Khaimah’s roads.
How to Avoid Speeding Fines on Dubai’s Road?
- Follow Speed Limits: Stick to updated limits (e.g., Abu Dhabi E11 at 140 km/h, Sharjah Al Wahda at 80 km/h); check signs and apps like Waze.
- Use Technology: Enable speed alerts, GPS apps, or dash cams to monitor speed, but prioritize road signs.
- Drive Defensively: Avoid distractions, plan routes, and maintain steady pace to prevent speeding.
- Know Penalties: Fines range from Dh400–Dh3,000, with black points and impoundment; track via police apps.
- Leverage Discounts: Pay early for up to 50% off in some emirates; explore installment plans or dispute errors.
- Take Courses: Enroll in defensive driving programs to reduce black points.
- Maintain Vehicle: Ensure accurate speedometers and healthy brakes for better control.
- Stay Updated: Follow Abu Dhabi Mobility, Dubai RTA, or police updates for new rules.
Drive Smart, Stay Safe in the UAE
Adhering to UAE speed limit updates is crucial for avoiding fines and ensuring road safety. With speeding linked to millions of violations and deadly accidents, staying informed about these changes can save lives and money. Always check for updated signs, follow red pavement markings, and respect both maximum and minimum speed limits.
For more details on UAE traffic rules, visit official authority websites – Keep UAE roads safe for everyone. Stay tuned with The Dubai Street for more breaking news in Dubai!