A major new traffic law will come into effect across Dubai starting November.
The updated rules, issued by Dubai Police and the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), prohibit delivery riders from using fast lanes on the city’s busiest roads.
From Saturday, November 1, delivery motorcycles will be banned from the two leftmost lanes on roads that have five or more lanes.
Furthermore, on roads with three or four lanes, delivery riders will no longer be allowed to use the furthest left lane.
There are no lane restrictions for delivery bikes on roads with two lanes or fewer.
The new regulations follow a sharp increase in traffic accidents involving delivery bikes in high-speed lanes, largely due to reckless and non-compliant riding.
In 2024, such accidents numbered 854, rising to 962 incidents so far this year.
New Dubai Police Traffic Fines for Delivery Riders
Dubai Police and the RTA have detailed penalties for riders who breach the new regulations:
- AED 500 for the first offence
- AED 700 for the second offence
- Permits suspended after the third violation
- AED 200 for the first speeding offence over 100km/h on roads with a 100km/h limit
- AED 300 for the second speeding offence
- AED 400 for the third speeding offence
As Dubai’s population grows, the delivery sector continues to expand, with platforms such as Careem, Deliveroo, Talabat, noon, Amazon, and recently Keeta, becoming integral to daily life.
Hussain Al Banna, CEO of the Traffic and Roads Agency at RTA, explained the rationale behind the new rules.
He stated: “The decision comes in response to the substantial growth in the delivery sector in recent years, in both demand and the number of bikes operating on Dubai roads.
“The regulation was developed using specialised traffic studies and technical standards under RTA’s governance framework, ensuring alignment with global best practices.
“Over recent months, we have conducted meetings and consultations with government bodies, private sector partners, and consultancy firms to review procedures and establish criteria that prioritise the safety of delivery riders and all road users.”
New traffic signs will be installed on major roads to remind delivery riders to avoid fast lanes, complementing existing signs that restrict heavy vehicles and trucks from high-speed lanes.
Over the past year, traffic violations by delivery riders for failing to follow existing laws have risen significantly in Dubai.
