Delivery riders in Dubai will be prohibited from using high-speed lanes starting November 1 under new regulations announced Sunday. The rules ban delivery bikes from using the two lanes on the left on wider roads with five lanes or more, and the leftmost lane on those with three or four. On two-lane roads or smaller, riders may use either side freely, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Dubai Police said in a joint announcement.

Often referred to as fast lanes, the leftmost sections were already off-limits to delivery riders under a 2021 rule in Dubai. Similar restrictions exist in Abu Dhabi and Ajman.

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

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“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.

“Motorcycles are among the most vulnerable modes of transport to fatal accidents, given the absence of protective structures and the heightened risk of losing control at high speeds,” he added.“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.”

Hussain Al Banna, CEO of the Traffic and Roads Agency, said RTA will coordinate with Dubai Police, Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism, and partners in the delivery sector to monitor and record compliance with the new rules.

“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 said.

He added that awareness of the new restrictions will be raised through a comprehensive public campaign using diverse media and advertising channels, in collaboration with delivery companies operating in the emirate.

Al Banna said the decision to regulate delivery bike movement on high-speed lanes was the result of extensive coordination with public and private sector partners to ensure rider safety.

He added:“The decision follows the substantial growth witnessed in the delivery sector in recent years, both in demand and in the number of bikes operating on Dubai's roads. The regulation was formulated based on specialised traffic studies and technical standards developed within RTA's governance framework for this vital sector, ensuring alignment with global best practices.”

RTA and Dubai Police said companies whose riders comply with the new lane restrictions will be recognised under the 'Delivery Sector Excellence Award'. The initiative aims to foster healthy competition among delivery operators, enhance traffic safety for all road users, and promote adherence to traffic laws and regulations while improving service quality and customer experience.

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