Starting 1 November 2025, delivery riders in the UAE will need to adjust to new road realities. Dubai and Sharjah are introducing stricter lane rules and heavier penalties for delivery motorcycles. The move comes after a sharp rise in accidents involving riders on high-speed roads.
Authorities say these changes are part of a wider push to improve safety and streamline traffic as the country’s delivery sector continues to grow.
changes in Dubai
In Dubai, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Dubai Police are implementing a lane-ban policy for delivery bikes.
- On roads with five or more lanes, riders must avoid the two fastest lanes.
- On roads with three or four lanes, they cannot use the left-most lane.
- Roads with two lanes or fewer remain open to delivery riders.
Violations will lead to a Dh 500 fine for the first offence, Dh 700 for the second, and possible permit suspension for repeated breaches. Riders caught speeding excessively may face additional penalties.
Dubai authorities have placed new traffic signs across the city to show restricted zones. The RTA, Dubai Police, and delivery companies will jointly monitor compliance through field inspections and smart surveillance systems.
The changes fall under Dubai’s five-year traffic-safety plan, which focuses on better enforcement, road desig,n and rider awareness.
Sharjah’s lane management revamp
Sharjah is following a similar path with its own lane-management system. The emirate’s new traffic setup assigns specific lanes for motorcycles, buses and heavy vehicles.
- On four-lane roads, motorcycles can only use the third and fourth lanes from the right.
- On three-lane roads, they’re restricted to the middle or right lane.
- On two-lane roads, riders must stay in the right lane.
Heavy vehicles and buses must use the far-right lane at all times.
Non-compliance will attract fines of up to Dh 1,500 and 12 black points for heavy-vehicle drivers, while motorcyclists face Dh 500 fines for ignoring the rules.
To ensure enforcement, Sharjah Police have equipped major roads with smart radars, HD cameras and round-the-clock patrols.
new restrictions
The UAE’s rapid e-commerce growth has created a surge in delivery motorcycles, often seen weaving through heavy traffic to meet tight delivery windows. Officials say the new rules aim to reduce collisions caused by lane misuse and high-speed riding.
By restricting delivery bikes to slower or middle lanes, authorities hope to separate them from faster vehicles and minimise sudden lane changes — one of the main causes of road accidents.
This shift also supports the UAE’s wider smart-mobility goals, combining technology, education and enforcement to keep the country’s roads safer for all.
How riders and companies can adapt
For riders, the message is clear: staying in the correct lane is now a must. Delivery companies will need to update their navigation systems, retrain staff, and reinforce awareness about lane discipline.
Employers are also expected to monitor compliance through internal checks and digital tracking tools, ensuring riders follow approved routes.
Motorists and residents, on the other hand, can expect more organised road movement. Delivery bikes will stay on the right-side lanes, reducing sudden overtakes or high-speed merges.
During the initial weeks, slight delivery delays might occur as riders adjust. But in the long run, this is expected to make the roads safer and smoother.
At a glance
| Emirate | New Rule | Fine |
|---|---|---|
| Dubai | Delivery bikes banned from left-most fast lanes | Dh 500–700 and permit suspension |
| Sharjah | Designated lanes for motorcycles and heavy vehicles | Up to Dh 1,500 and 12 black points |
A safer road
The UAE’s new delivery-rider rules are designed to protect everyone on the road — from the riders themselves to everyday motorists. As the country embraces smarter transport systems, discipline and awareness are becoming just as important as speed.
Delivery culture isn’t slowing down, but its movement is being reshaped — towards safety, order and sustainability.
Read More:
- Key Roads in Dubai to Close Sunday for Dubai Ride 2025 – Social Kandura
- Emirates boarding pass becomes a VIP savings card across the UAE – Social Kandura
Follow Social Kandura for more updates on local news and things to do in Dubai and across the UAE.
