Abu Dhabi Police’s 80kph lower speed limit for bad weather: What you should know

Abu Dhabi Police periodically implement an 80 kilometres per hour (kph) speed limit during adverse weather conditions such as heavy rain, sandstorms, and fog since April 2019.

The activation of temporary speed limits is communicated through electronic signboards on roads and social media announcements to notify drivers before embarking on their journeys.

This initiative was introduced following the approval of Abu Dhabi’s Department of Transport’s traffic safety committee, aimed at reducing speeds during poor weather conditions.

For your safety and the safety of road users, please slow down your vehicle while driving in adverse weather conditions. Remember to keep a safe distance between you and the vehicle in front of you pic.twitter.com/ijKFMbhCGj

— “ITC” مركز النقل المتكامل (@ITCAbuDhabi) January 31, 2024

Penalties for violations

Motorists exceeding the 80kph speed limit during bad weather, such as rain or fog which limits visibility, are subject to fines.

Abu Dhabi Police emphasise adherence to the speed limit displayed on electronic road signs, overriding fixed speed limit signs. Drivers must maintain the revised speed limit until electronic signboards indicate its lifting.

Social media posts are often used to confirm the removal of temporary speed limits.

With unstable weather conditions expected to persist across Abu Dhabi and other parts of UAE starting Sunday February 11 until Tuesday, February 13, the Abu Dhabi Police has issued an advisory warning motorists of hazardous driving conditions.

#أخبارنا | #شرطة_أبوظبي تناشد السائقين بالالتزام بالقيادة الآمنة وتدابير السلامة وعدم الانشغال بغير الطريق في الأحوال الجوية

التفاصيل :https://t.co/8DaYZVS3uX pic.twitter.com/Ni6kpKDZu2

— شرطة أبوظبي (@ADPoliceHQ) February 10, 2024

Fine structure

Fines for exceeding the temporary limit vary based on the degree of speeding.

Violations up to 10kph over the limit incur a fine of Dhs300 ($81.6), doubling for speeds exceeding the limit by up to 20kph.

Penalties escalate with the severity of the breach, culminating in a Dhs3,000 fine and a 60-day vehicle seizure for exceeding the limit by more than 80kph.

The implementation of the temporary speed limit aims to promote safe driving practices during challenging weather conditions, with the ultimate goal of reducing accidents and fatalities on the roads.

Speed limits across Abu Dhabi roads

The list has been sourced from Speed Management Guidelines by Government of Abu Dhabi.