Abu Dhabi clarifies speed limit rule on Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Road

Abu Dhabi Police has clarified that a “minimum speed limit of 120km/h” on Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Road that was implemented in April last year applies to traffic in both directions and violators face a Dhs400 fine.

“The low-speed system on Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Road is in two directions on the fast lanes – first and second lanes from the left only,” the Directorate of Traffic and Security Patrols of Abu Dhabi Police clarified in a social media post.

Motorists driving at a slower pace are authorised to use the third lane without any restrictions. The force further highlighted that the last lane is allowed for use by heavy vehicles and does not include any minimum speed violation.

Meanwhile, the maximum speed is 140km/h for the entire road (except for heavy vehicles in the far-right lane, in which the speed limit is 80km/h).

Abu Dhabi police said, in a Facebook post, that the aim of activating the minimum speed is to enhance the safety of drivers. It mandates slow-moving vehicles to drive on the right lanes and yield to vehicles with priority approaching from behind or from the left. This measure is designed to promote a safer and more efficient traffic flow on the road.

The police also reminded drivers to exercise caution and to refrain from changing lanes unless they ensured that the road was clear.

Abu Dhabi traffic system initiatives

Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi installed a road alert system designed to warn drivers of bad weather and traffic accidents on all main highways across the emirate in May 2023.

The system uses coloured lights to alert drivers of upcoming traffic incidents and adverse weather conditions.

Lights flashing in red and blue will alert drivers of an upcoming traffic accident, and yellow light flashes will warn drivers about adverse weather conditions including fog, dust, rain or any incident on the road.

The flash alerts use solar energy, as well as internal batteries, and are easily visible from a distance of 200m during day and night.

Read: Abu Dhabi introduces traffic warning lights to alert drivers