Abu Dhabi 14.04.2025 – New traffic regulation aims to improve road safety and support smoother vehicle flow on the key E311 motorway. Abu Dhabi has officially removed the 120kph minimum speed limit on Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Road (E311), a major highway connecting the capital with Dubai. The decision, announced on Monday by Abu Dhabi Mobility, marks a significant update to speed regulations that had been in place since April 2023.
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Why the Minimum Speed Limit Was Removed
The transport authority stated that the change is part of ongoing efforts to enhance road safety and facilitate the movement of heavy vehicles along the busy route.
“Removing the minimum speed limit on Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Road contributes to improved road flow and a safer environment for all drivers,” Abu Dhabi Mobility confirmed via social media.
Previously, motorists traveling below 120kph in the first and second lanes from the left were subject to Dh400 fines. These restrictions were aimed at discouraging slow driving in high-speed lanes and minimizing risky behaviors such as tailgating and sudden lane changes.
The third lane and the outer lane, designated for trucks and slower-moving vehicles, were not affected by the minimum speed rule.
Current Speed Limit on E311
- Maximum Speed: 140kph (unchanged)
- Minimum Speed: No longer enforced
- Previous Fine for Slow Driving: Dh400 (now lifted)
Safety and Traffic Flow Concerns
Authorities originally introduced the minimum speed limit to prevent slower drivers from occupying fast lanes, a common cause of tailgating and abrupt lane switching, both contributing factors to road accidents.
Gen Ahmed Saif Al Muhairi, Director of the Central Operations Sector at Abu Dhabi Police, had previously emphasized the regulation’s goal:
“The purpose was to ensure road safety by requiring slow vehicles to move right and make way for faster traffic.”
Key Facts About Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Road (E311)
- Length: 62 km
- Opened: November 2016
- Construction Cost: Dh2.1 billion
- Lane Capacity: 8,000 vehicles per hour, four lanes each direction
- Route Highlights:
- Links Seih Shuaib (Dubai-Abu Dhabi border) to Sweihan Road interchange
- Connects to Yas Island, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi Airport, and Al Ain Road
- Passes Al Maha Forest, Khalifa Port Industrial Zone, Al Falah, and Shahama
The road was developed as a relief corridor to Sheikh Zayed Road, helping to reduce traffic congestion between Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Recent Speed Limit Changes on Other Roads
The announcement follows broader changes to speed limits across Abu Dhabi’s road network, effective Monday, April 14:
| Road Name | Old Limit | New Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Int’l Road | 160kph | 140kph |
| Abu Dhabi–Sweihan Road | 120kph | 100kph |
These updates are part of a wider campaign by transport and police authorities to reduce road fatalities and injuries by adjusting speed regulations based on traffic patterns and accident data.
UAE Road Safety Statistics
- 2024 Road Accidents (YTD): 4,748 (↑ 8% from 2023)
- Road Fatalities: 384 deaths
- Demographic Impact: Roughly one-third of victims were in their 20s
By eliminating the 120kph minimum speed limit on Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Road, Abu Dhabi is prioritizing a more flexible and safer driving environment. As part of a broader strategy that includes speed limit adjustments and enforcement efforts, the emirate continues to evolve its road safety framework in response to changing traffic dynamics.
