The UAE has set rules for the maximum weight and size of heavy vehicles on federal roads. Those who break these rules will face fines of up to Dh15,000, as revealed by the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure.
Minister Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei stated that the new law aims to improve road safety and lower traffic accidents. He emphasized its support for infrastructure and transportation sectors, prolonging road lifespan, and cutting down carbon emissions from land transport.
Under the new regulations, the maximum weight for heavy vehicles will differ based on the number of axles they have. Trucks with two axles are limited to 21 tons, while those with three axles can carry up to 34 tons. Vehicles with four axles have a weight limit of 45 tons, five axles can carry 56 tons, and six axles are permitted to transport up to 65 tons.
Further Notes
- Maximum dimensions for heavy vehicles are outlined:
- Single heavy vehicle: 12.5 m length, 2.6 m width, 4.6 m height
- Truck head with semi-trailer: 21 m length, 2.6 m width, 4.6 m height
- Including a trailer: 28 m length, 2.6 m width, 4.6 m height
- Fines for exceeding weight limits:
- <10% excess: Dh400 per ton
- 10%-20% excess: Dh500 per ton
- 20% excess: Dh600 per ton, capped at Dh15,000
- Fines for exceeding axle weight limits: Dh1,500 per axle or group of tandem axles
- Fines for breaking maximum dimensions: Dh3,000 per trip
- Fines for other violations:
- Intentional evasion of weight stations or monitoring sites: Dh5,000
- Non-compliance with transportation permit controls: Dh5,000 per trip
- Providing incorrect information on permit applications: Dh5,000
- Disobeying authorized personnel instructions: Dh2,500
- Each violation is fined once per trip
- Repeated violations within a month or unpaid fines exceeding Dh45,000 may lead to heavy vehicle impoundment or a 30-day road usage ban
- Impoundment penalty can be waived by paying a fine not exceeding Dh200 per impounding day, provided unpaid fines are settled.
Operators must install approved devices to monitor vehicle weight, load, and dimensions, connecting them to the competent authority’s systems as emphasized in the resolution.
The resolution applies to all heavy vehicles using UAE roads, including those licensed from other countries permitted into the UAE. However, vehicles owned by security, military, police, and civil defense authorities are exempt from these provisions.