The United Arab Emirates has one of the most advanced road systems in the world. Each emirate follows slightly different rules for speed limits based on location, traffic density, and safety goals. Here’s everything you need to know about how fast you can drive in the UAE today.
AI Quick Summary
The UAE boasts an advanced road system with speed limits that vary by emirate and road type. Most emirates, including Dubai and Sharjah, implement a 20 km/h “speed buffer” before a radar fine is issued, while Abu Dhabi enforces a strict zero-tolerance policy where any exceeding of the limit results in a fine. Penalties for speeding range from AED 300 to AED 3,000, along with black points and potential vehicle impoundment, with ongoing updates to limits and enforcement rules across the Emirates.
This summary was generated by AI using this article’s content.
Read Next
What Is the Speed Buffer System in the UAE?
A key feature of UAE traffic enforcement is the speed buffer,a small allowance before a radar fine is triggered.
- Which Emirates Allow a Buffer?
Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, and Umm Al Quwain allow drivers to exceed posted limits by up to 20km/h. Example: on a 100km/h road, the radar triggers at 121km/h. - Does Abu Dhabi Have a Buffer?
No. Since 2018, Abu Dhabi has applied zero tolerance. Driving just 1km/h over the limit can result in a fine.
What Are the General Speed Limit Categories Across the UAE?
| Road Type | Typical Speed Limit |
| Residential areas | 25–40km/h |
| Urban single carriageways | 40–60km/h |
| Urban dual carriageways | 60–80km/h |
| Main city roads | 60–80km/h |
| Highways and freeways | 100–120km/h |
| Major highways (Abu Dhabi) | Up to 140km/h |
| Parking and service roads | 25km/h |
| Heavy vehicles | Max 80km/h |
| Buses and minibuses | Up to 100km/h |
What Are the Current Speed Limits in Dubai?
Dubai enforces limits between 60km/h and 120km/h, with the standard 20km/h grace.
Which Highways Have the Highest Limits?
| Road | Limit | Radar Trigger |
| Sheikh Zayed Road (E11) | 100–120km/h | 121–141km/h |
| Emirates Road (E611) | 110km/h | 131km/h |
| Mohammed Bin Zayed Road | 110km/h | 131km/h |
| Al Khail Road | 100km/h | 121km/h |
| Dubai–Al Ain Road | 100–120km/h | 121–141km/h |
What About Urban and Internal Roads?
Most internal routes, such as Al Wasl, Jumeira, and Airport Road, are between 60–80km/h. In November 2023, Al Ittihad Road was reduced from 100km/h to 80km/h.
How Strict Are Speed Limits in Abu Dhabi?
Abu Dhabi has the strictest system in the UAE; no buffer applies.
Which Abu Dhabi Highways Changed in 2025?
| Road | Previous | Current |
| Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed (E11) | 160km/h | 140km/h |
| Abu Dhabi–Al Ain (E22) | 160km/h | 140km/h |
| Abu Dhabi–Sweihan (E20) | 120km/h | 100km/h |
What Happened to the Minimum Speed Rule?
- In April 2025, Abu Dhabi removed the 120km/h minimum on E311.
- City streets like Corniche and Al Falah Street stay at 80km/h.
- During fog or dust, smart boards automatically lower limits to 80km/h.
How Have Speed Limits Changed in Sharjah?
Sharjah continues using a 20km/h buffer but made key updates for safety.
| Road | Speed Limit | Change |
| Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road | 120km/h | No change |
| Al Ittihad Road | 80km/h | Down from 100km/h |
| Al Wahda Road | 80km/h | Down from 100km/h |
What Are the New Lane Rules?
From November 2025, buses, lorries, and bikes must use their assigned lanes, with radars tracking violations.
What Speed Rules Apply in Ajman?
Ajman follows the same 20km/h buffer and limits between 60km/h and 120km/h.
What’s New in 2025?
Ajman launched the UAE’s first smart speed limiters for taxis and limousines. These GPS-based devices automatically cap speed according to the zone, improving passenger safety.
What Are the Updated Speed Limits in Ras Al Khaimah?
RAK introduced several changes in 2025 to improve road safety.
| Road Section | Old Limit | New Limit | Date |
| E11 – Section 1 (Al Riffa to Al Marjan Island) | 100km/h | 80km/h | Jan 2025 |
| E11 – Section 2 (Al Jazeera Al Hamra to Al Marjan) | 80km/h | 60km/h | Jul 2025 |
These reductions apply mainly to residential and tourist corridors.
What Are Fujairah’s Current Speed Rules?
- Fujairah uses a 20km/h buffer with limits from 60km/h to 120km/h.
- Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Road runs at 100–120km/h, while major city streets like
- Hamad Bin Abdullah Street are capped at 80km/h.
- Corniche and Al Faseel Roads remain 60km/h.
What Are the Speed Limits in Umm Al Quwain?
Umm Al Quwain maintains the same 20km/h grace. On Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Road, curved sections are 80km/h, and straight stretches are 100km/h.
What Are the Fines for Speeding in the UAE?
| Offence | Fine (AED) | Black Points | Impoundment |
| Up to 20km/h over | 300 | 0 | No |
| 21–30km/h over | 600 | 0 | No |
| 31–40km/h over | 700 | 0 | No |
| 41–50km/h over | 1,000 | 0 | No |
| 51–60km/h over | 1,500 | 6 | 15 days |
| 61–80km/h over | 2,000 | 12 | 30 days |
| Over 80km/h | 3,000 | 23 | 60 days |
Drivers earning 24 black points in a year face a minimum three-month suspension.
What Happens if You Drive Below the Minimum Speed?
Driving under 60km/h on a highway can lead to an AED 400 fine and 4 black points, unless conditions demand slower speeds.
What Should Every Driver Keep in Mind?
- Watch the signs: speed changes often, especially in construction or fog.
- Abu Dhabi has no buffer: radar triggers immediately.
- 20km/h tolerance elsewhere: but precision radars make guessing risky.
- Note new 2025 changes: particularly along E11, E20, and E311.
- Heavy vehicles: must follow lower limits and stay in the right lanes.
- Smart enforcement: AI radars issue fines via SMS within 48 hours.
- Residential areas: keep between 25 and 40km/h for safety.
The UAE’s speed management system combines advanced technology with firm enforcement. Understanding each emirate’s rules helps drivers stay safe, compliant, and confident on the nation’s roads.
Find the best used cars for sale in the UAE.
Stay tuned to UAE’s most popular auto blog for more information about the latest happenings in all of the Emirates.
FAQs
What is the speed buffer in the UAE?
Most emirates allow a 20 km/h speed buffer, meaning radar fines apply only when exceeding this limit. Abu Dhabi has no buffer, enforcing the exact posted speed limit.
What is the maximum speed limit in the UAE?
The highest posted speed in the UAE is 140 km/h, found on select Abu Dhabi highways such as Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Road (E11).
What is the minimum speed limit on UAE highways?
Drivers must maintain at least 60 km/h on highways unless weather or road conditions require slower speeds. Violators face an AED 400 fine and 4 black points.
What are the speeding fines in the UAE?
Fines range from AED 300 (up to 20 km/h over) to AED 3,000 (over 80 km/h above). Major violations add black points and may lead to vehicle impoundment.
Does the UAE change speed limits during fog or bad weather?
Yes. Abu Dhabi and Dubai use smart systems that automatically reduce limits to 80 km/h during fog, rain, or sandstorms, shown on electronic road signs.
The United Arab Emirates has one of the most advanced road systems in the world. Each emirate follows slightly different rules for speed limits based on location, traffic density, and safety goals. Here’s everything you need to know about how
