Dubai Bans Delivery Riders from Fast Lanes Starting November 1

Dubai will prohibit delivery riders from using high-speed lanes starting November 1, under new regulations jointly announced by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Dubai Police.

The updated rules restrict delivery motorcycles from using the two leftmost lanes on roads with five or more lanes, and the leftmost lane on three- or four-lane roads. On two-lane roads or smaller, riders may continue to use either lane freely.

The move expands on a 2021 regulation that already barred riders from fast lanes in Dubai, similar to restrictions in Abu Dhabi and Ajman.

Major-General Saif Muhair Al Mazrouei, Assistant Commander-in-Chief for Operations Affairs at Dubai Police, said the decision follows a “concerning rise” in traffic accidents involving delivery motorcycles due to “reckless and non-compliant riding behaviour” on high-speed lanes.

“Police data recorded 854 traffic accidents last year and 962 in 2025 resulting from violations committed by delivery riders,” he said. “Dubai Police issued 70,166 violations last year against delivery motorcycle riders for failing to comply with traffic laws. The number has risen to 78,386 violations over the past nine months of this year, reflecting the persistence of unsafe riding behaviours among some riders.”

He emphasized that motorcycles are among the most vulnerable vehicles to fatal crashes due to the lack of protective structures and high risks at elevated speeds.

“Restricting delivery bike use on high-speed lanes will play a vital role in improving rider behaviour, reinforcing traffic discipline, and reducing fatalities and injuries in the years ahead,” Al Mazrouei added.

RTA’s Traffic and Roads Agency CEO, Hussain Al Banna, said the authority will work with Dubai Police, the Department of Economy and Tourism, and delivery sector partners to monitor compliance.

“Prohibitory signs will be installed on directional signboards to indicate lanes restricted to commercial motorcycles, alongside existing signage that prohibits heavy vehicles and trucks from using high-speed lanes,” he explained.

A public awareness campaign will also be launched through various media channels to inform delivery companies and riders of the new restrictions.

Al Banna noted that the decision comes amid the rapid growth of Dubai’s delivery sector, both in demand and in the number of operating bikes.

To encourage compliance, RTA and Dubai Police announced that companies adhering to the new lane rules will be recognised under the ‘Delivery Sector Excellence Award’, promoting safer practices and improved service quality across the emirate.