The Dubai Roads and Transport Authority, in conjunction with the local police, has announced new restrictions for delivery motorcycles. From 1 November, drivers are prohibited from using the far-left lanes on the emirate’s expressways. The decision was made after studying accident statistics and consulting with logistics companies. The topic is being actively discussed in UAE property market news today, as courier delivery has become an integral part of the operation of residential complexes and commercial buildings throughout the city. More and more people prefer not to sacrifice their time and order food or other goods online.
Where are motorcyclists now prohibited from riding?
The restrictions depend on the number of lanes on the road. On wide roads with five or more lanes, couriers are no longer allowed to use the two leftmost lanes. On medium-sized roads with three or four lanes, the ban applies only to the leftmost lane. Narrow two-lane roads remain unchanged.
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Hussein Al Banna of the RTA linked the innovation to the emirate’s economic strategy: ‘Dubai plans to double the size of its economy in the coming years. This requires constant updating of legislation to simultaneously develop the delivery sector and improve traffic safety.’
The changes will affect everyone involved in professional real estate management in the emirate. Residential towers and business centres have built their logistics around courier services that deliver food, goods, and documents. Companies will now have to review their routes and delivery times, taking into account that couriers will not be able to move quickly in the fast lanes. New prohibition signs will be installed on the roads, similar to those that restrict the movement of trucks in the left lanes. At the same time, an information campaign will be launched through the media and advertising channels in cooperation with delivery companies.
The figures that changed everything
The Dubai police have compiled alarming statistics. In 2024, there were 854 accidents involving courier motorcycles. In the first nine months of 2025, this figure jumped to 962 cases. Major General Saif Muhair Al Mazroui cited reckless behaviour by drivers on high-speed sections as the main cause.
The number of fines issued is also growing year on year. Last year, couriers received 70,166 penalties for traffic violations. In the first three quarters of this year, the number reached 78,386. The figures speak for themselves: warnings are not working, and tough measures are needed.
The authorities have developed a scale of penalties:
- 500 dirhams for the first violation of lane rules
- 700 dirhams for repeated disregard of the ban
- Suspension of licence after the third offence
Speeding in excess of 100 km/h is punished separately: 200, 300, and 400 dirhams for the first, second, and third offences, respectively.
Al Mazroui explained the logic behind the crackdown: ‘Motorcycles are the most vulnerable vehicles on the road. They have no protective structures, and it is easy to lose control at high speeds. Restricting traffic on fast lanes will reduce the number of deaths and injuries in the coming years.’
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Are there any rewards for discipline?
There are incentives. The RTA and the police have established a special category in the ‘Best in Delivery’ award for companies whose drivers comply with lane requirements. The organisers hope to create competition between operators and raise the overall driving culture. The initiative is part of a five-year plan to implement a road safety strategy based on four areas: control and enforcement, road and transport engineering, informing road users, and systems and administration. The partnership between the police and the RTA has already shown results in reducing the number of road deaths, and the new rules should continue this trend.
