In a major crackdown on road safety violations, Dubai Police has issued more than 8,000 fines to delivery riders since implementing new lane restrictions last month. The stringent measures, which came into effect on November 1, specifically target delivery personnel using fast lanes on high-speed roads.
New Lane Restrictions Explained
The Dubai Police announced last month a comprehensive ban on delivery riders using certain fast lanes, creating specific rules based on road configurations. The regulation clearly states that on roads with five or more lanes, riders cannot use the two leftmost lanes. For roads containing three or four lanes, the leftmost lane is strictly off-limits to delivery personnel. However, roads with two lanes or fewer maintain no restrictions, allowing riders to use any available lane.
This policy represents a significant component of broader efforts to protect delivery riders from the inherent dangers of high-speed traffic, particularly in Dubai's congested urban areas where accidents involving delivery personnel have been a growing concern.
Enforcement and Penalty Structure
Since the ban took effect, authorities have been rigorously enforcing the new rules, resulting in 8,152 delivery riders receiving fines for violations. Brigadier Jumaa Salem Bin Suwaidan, Director of the General Department of Traffic at Dubai Police, detailed the penalty structure designed to discourage repeat offenses.
The penalty system escalates with subsequent violations: first-time offenders face an AED 500 fine, while subsequent violations carry an increased penalty of AED 700. The third violation results in the most severe consequence - suspension of the driver's license.
Additionally, riders exceeding 100 km/h on roads with this speed limit confront separate fines ranging from AED 200 to AED 400, depending on the frequency of the offense.
Safety Concerns and Strategic Approach
Brigadier Bin Suwaidan emphasized the particular vulnerability of delivery riders in high-speed traffic environments. He noted that the absence of protective measures makes them exceptionally susceptible to serious accidents during collisions.
The traffic official stressed that these new restrictions form an integral part of a comprehensive five-year traffic safety strategy coordinated between Dubai Police and the Roads and Transport Authority. This multi-faceted approach aims to reduce fatalities and injuries through four key components: enhanced traffic monitoring and enforcement, strategic road engineering improvements, widespread awareness campaigns, and sophisticated systems management.
Brigadier Bin Suwaidan acknowledged that delivery riders play a crucial role in the city's transportation network, but emphasized that their presence in fast lanes significantly increases accident risks for everyone involved.
Comprehensive Safety Guidelines
Dubai Police have issued detailed safety recommendations for delivery riders to protect both themselves and other road users. The guidelines urge riders to avoid fast lanes regardless of work pressures and strictly adhere to speed limits, especially on internal roads.
Other critical safety measures include wearing helmets and protective gear at all times, avoiding risky maneuvers, maintaining full attention on the road, and refraining from mobile phone usage while riding. Regular motorcycle inspections focusing on brakes and tires are also strongly recommended.
Riders are encouraged to practice defensive driving techniques, anticipate errors from other drivers particularly at intersections and congested areas, use designated bike lanes whenever available, and maintain safe distances from other vehicles.
Brigadier Bin Suwaidan confirmed that police are conducting ongoing field monitoring campaigns and implementing awareness programs targeting both delivery riders and their employing companies. These initiatives aim to cultivate a lasting culture of responsibility and safety across Dubai's extensive road network.
