New Regulations for Delivery Bikes in Dubai: Enhancing Road Safety

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Dubai Police General Headquarters have announced pivotal new regulations for delivery bikes, set to take effect from November 1, 2025. These changes are designed to improve safety for all road users while addressing the growing presence of delivery motorcycles on Dubai’s busy streets.

Key Changes to Delivery Bike Regulations

Under the new guidelines, delivery riders will not be permitted to use the two leftmost lanes on roads with five or more lanes. Additionally, on roads with three or four lanes, delivery bikes will be restricted from the leftmost lane. However, there will be no restrictions on lane usage for roads with two lanes or fewer. This targeted approach aims to ensure safe navigation for delivery riders amid increasing traffic.

Focus on Rider Safety

Hussain Al Banna, CEO of the Traffic and Roads Agency at the RTA, emphasized that the decision comes from a commitment to rider safety and extensive collaboration with both public and private sector partners. “The growth of the delivery sector has greatly influenced economic development in Dubai. This regulation aligns with Dubai’s Economic Agenda (D33), which aims to double the emirate’s economy over the coming years,” noted Al Banna.

He elaborated that the regulations stem from comprehensive traffic studies and technical standards formulated within RTA’s governance framework. The goal is to adopt global best practices to ensure the safety of delivery riders and other road users.

Monitoring Compliance and Public Awareness

To facilitate adherence to these new rules, RTA will work in partnership with Dubai Police, as well as the Department of Economy and Tourism. This collaboration will help track and enforce compliance with the lane restrictions. Clear prohibitory signs will be introduced along roads to inform riders of the new regulations, which will be positioned alongside existing signage that prevents heavy vehicles from using high-speed lanes.

Public awareness is also a key component of this initiative. RTA plans to launch a multi-channel awareness campaign, in collaboration with delivery service companies operating in the area. This effort aims to inform both riders and the general public about the new lane restrictions effectively.

Collaborative Efforts to Enhance Road Safety

Major General Saif Muhair Al Mazrouei, Assistant Commander-in-Chief for Operations Affairs at Dubai Police, noted the importance of the strategic partnership between RTA and Dubai Police. He stated that these new regulations are part of a broader initiative to enhance road safety as outlined in the five-year executive plan of the Traffic Safety Strategy. The strategy focuses on critical areas including monitoring, enforcement, traffic awareness, and vehicle engineering.

The aim is to promote compliance with traffic laws and manage road traffic effectively, thereby preventing accidents that could lead to serious injuries or fatalities.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Riders who violate these new rules will face penalties. A fine of AED 500 will be imposed for the first offence, increasing to AED 700 for the second offence. A third violation could result in a suspension of their riding permit. Moreover, those exceeding speeds of 100 km/h on relevant roads will incur escalating fines for repeat offences.

Addressing Increasing Accident Rates

Recent statistics highlight a troubling rise in accidents involving delivery motorcycles in Dubai. Police data indicated that there were 854 traffic accidents last year, escalating to 962 in 2025, primarily due to violations by delivery riders. Last year alone, over 70,000 violations were recorded against delivery motorcycle riders, underscoring the alarming persistence of unsafe riding behaviour.

Given the inherent vulnerabilities of motorcycles, the regulations serve as a proactive measure to enhance rider conduct and overall traffic discipline. The initiative aims not only to reduce accidents but also to improve the perception and reality of motorcycle safety on Dubai’s roadways.

Rewarding Compliance in the Delivery Sector

To encourage adherence to the new regulations, the RTA has announced that companies whose riders strictly follow the lane restrictions will be recognized through the “Delivery Sector Excellence Award.” This initiative seeks to promote healthy competition among delivery operators and improve traffic safety for all users while continuing to elevate service quality and customer experience.

In summary, these upcoming regulations reflect a well-considered strategy aimed at bolstering highway safety in Dubai. By fostering cooperation among various stakeholders, the initiative aims to navigate the challenges presented by the increasing volume of delivery motorcycles, ultimately contributing to a safer urban environment.