Dubai Police announced last month a ban on delivery riders using fast lanes, which came into force on 1st November. Since then, more than 8,000 fines have been issued, highlighting the risks riders face on high speed roads. Authorities emphasize that following the rules is essential to avoid serious accidents and keep everyone on the roads safe.
New lane restrictions for delivery riders
Dubai Police recently introduced a ban on delivery riders using certain fast lanes. The regulation applies to:
- Roads with five or more lanes: riders cannot use the two leftmost lanes
- Roads with three or four lanes: riders cannot use the leftmost lane
- Roads with two lanes or fewer: no restrictions; riders may use any lane
This policy is part of a broader effort to protect delivery riders from the dangers of high-speed traffic, particularly in congested urban areas.
Enforcement and penalties
Since the ban came into effect, authorities have fined 8,152 delivery riders for violations. Brigadier Jumaa Salem Bin Suwaidan, Director of the General Department of Traffic at Dubai Police, explained that the penalties are structured to discourage repeat offenses:
- First violation: AED 500 fine
- Subsequent violations: AED 700 fine
- Third violation: suspension of the driver’s license
Additionally, riders exceeding 100 km/h on roads with this speed limit face fines ranging from AED 200 to AED 400, depending on how often the offense occurs.Brig. Bin Suwaidan emphasized the vulnerability of delivery riders in high-speed traffic. He noted that the lack of protective measures makes them particularly susceptible to serious accidents. He stressed that the new restrictions are part of a five-year traffic safety strategy coordinated between Dubai Police and the Roads and Transport Authority, which aims to reduce fatalities and injuries through:
- Traffic monitoring and enforcement
- Road engineering improvements
- Awareness campaigns
- Systems management
He highlighted that delivery riders are crucial to the city’s transportation network, but their presence in fast lanes significantly increases the risk of accidents.
Guidelines for delivery riders
Dubai Police urge delivery riders to strictly follow safety rules to protect themselves and other road users. Key recommendations include:
- Avoid riding on fast lanes regardless of work pressures
- Follow speed limits, especially on internal roads
- Avoid risky maneuvers
- Wear helmets and protective gear at all times
- Inspect motorcycles regularly, focusing on brakes and tires
- Avoid using mobile phones while riding
- Maintain full attention on the road
- Use designated bike lanes and maintain safe distances
- Practice defensive driving and anticipate errors from other drivers, especially at intersections and in congested areas
Brig. Bin Suwaidan confirmed that police are conducting ongoing field monitoring campaigns and rolling out awareness programs targeting both delivery riders and delivery companies. These initiatives aim to cultivate a culture of responsibility and safety across Dubai’s roads.
