2026 Driving Rulebook: New Speed Limits, Truck Bans, and Parking Fees Across UAE Explained

DUBAI – As we enter 2026, the rules of the road in the UAE are shifting gear. Whether you are commuting in Abu Dhabi, taking a taxi in Dubai, or driving through Sharjah, the regulations governing your journey have changed.

From removing caps on toll gates to introducing smart speed limiters, authorities are tightening safety and flow. But for residents, this means being extra vigilant to avoid fines and managing a higher transport budget.

Here is the essential breakdown of the 10 major changes dictating your drive this year.

PART 1: The Costs (What Hits Your Wallet)

1. Abu Dhabi Tolls (Darb): No More Daily Caps

The Change: The daily and monthly caps on toll charges have been removed.

New Timings: Evening peak hours are now 3pm to 7pm (Mon-Sat). Morning hours remain unchanged.

Impact: If you pass the gates multiple times, you pay every time. No "max limit" to save you anymore.

2. Dubai Taxi Fares: Minimum Hike

The Change: The minimum taxi fare has risen from Dh12 to Dh13.

Peak Surcharges: Expect to pay more during rush hours.

Weekday Peak: Dh7.5 surcharge (8am-10am & 4pm-8pm).

Weekend Peak: Dh7.5 surcharge applies on Saturday/Sunday evenings too.

3. Mosque Parking: Paid 24/7

The Change: Parking zones around mosques (Zone M & MP) are now paid 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The Exception: Parking is free only for one hour during prayer times.

Cost: Ranging from Dh2 to Dh6 depending on the zone and time.

PART 2: The Rules (Don't Get Fined)

4. The 'Solid Line' Trap (Dubai)

The Rule: New overhead cameras are monitoring "No Passing Lines" (solid white lines) on roads like Ittihad Road, Airport Tunnel, and E311.

The Fine: Crossing these lines to overtake or exit results in a Dh400 fine.

Advice: If the line is solid, stay in your lane. Period.

5. Smart Speed Limits (Abu Dhabi & Ajman)

Abu Dhabi: A variable speed limit system is active on Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Road. Digital signs change the speed limit based on weather or traffic-ignore them, and you get flashed.

Ajman: Taxis and limos are now equipped with "Smart Speed Limiters" that automatically adjust the car's max speed to the road's limit.

6. Delivery Bike Bans (Dubai)

The Rule: Delivery riders are banned from the fast (left) lanes.

5-lane roads: Banned from the 2 left lanes.

3/4-lane roads: Banned from the far-left lane.

Why it matters: As a car driver, the fast lanes should now be safer and free of weaving bikes.

PART 3: Lane Discipline (Sharjah & Trucks)

7. Sharjah's Dedicated Lanes

The Rule: The far-right lane is reserved for heavy vehicles and buses.

Motorbikes: Must stay in the right or middle lanes (depending on road width). The fast lane is off-limits.

8. Abu Dhabi Truck Ban

The Rule: Trucks are banned from Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Road (E11) and Al Raha Beach Road (E10). They are rerouted to E75.

Benefit: Less congestion and safer highways for light vehicle drivers.

PART 4: Tech & Enforcement

9. Parkin & Police Link

The Update: Dubai Police can now instantly detect wanted vehicles or those with outstanding fines as soon as they enter a Parkin facility. There is no hiding in public parking anymore.

10. Infrastructure Boom

Coming Soon: A massive fourth federal highway (120km long, 12 lanes) is in the works to ease inter-emirate traffic, alongside 5 new multi-story car parks in Dubai's busiest districts (Deira, Bur Dubai).

The Bottom Line: 2026 is the year of "Lane Discipline" and "Digital Enforcement." Keep your eyes on the road signs, and your Salik/Darb accounts topped up.