6 Road Rules Changing for UAE Heavy Vehicles from January 1, 2027
New traffic rules coming into force on January 1, 2027, introduce strict operational requirements for heavy vehicles, buses, and commercial drivers across the UAE. Established under Cabinet Decision No. 174 of 2026, which details the executive regulations of Federal Decree-Law No. 14 of 2024 on Traffic Regulation, the framework targets urban lane discipline, cargo management, and driver physical standards.
Here are six key regulations heavy vehicle operators and fleet drivers need to know.
1. Overtaking Is Banned Inside City Limits
Heavy buses and heavy vehicles are strictly prohibited from overtaking one another inside urban areas under Article 34.
Outside city limits, drivers can only overtake when doing so does not obstruct the flow of traffic. Where designated heavy vehicle lanes exist, leaving those lanes is completely prohibited.
2. Drivers Must Keep to the Far Right Lane
Article 31 requires heavy vehicle drivers to remain on the right-hand side of the carriageway at all times during normal operation.
Drivers are only permitted to leave the right-hand lane when strictly necessary or when executing a legal overtake on open roads outside city limits.
3. Sand and Loose Cargo Must Be Fully Covered
Cargo must stay entirely within the physical boundaries of the vehicle, with zero allowance for items extending past its dimensions.
For vehicles hauling loose materials like sand, drivers must secure and cover the load to prevent dust, gravel, or debris from blowing into traffic or falling onto the road surface. Vehicles must also strictly adhere to load limits and height restrictions set by licensing authorities.
4. Passenger Rides Are Restricted to On-Duty Workers
Carrying general passengers in heavy vehicles is prohibited under Article 31.
The law makes exceptions only for direct employees of the vehicle’s owner and workers assigned to load and unload cargo, and only if the vehicle has designated seats available for them.
5. Local Authorities Can Set Restricted Routes and Operating Hours
Under Article 29, licensing and traffic enforcement authorities in each emirate can restrict heavy vehicles and buses from specific roads, lanes, and operating hours.
Working alongside local government entities, regional authorities hold the power to dictate exactly where and when heavy transport can enter city networks.
6. Commercial Drivers Face Mandatory Eyesight Requirements
Article 62 sets strict vision standards for applicants seeking or renewing licences for heavy vehicles, taxis, buses, and heavy machinery.
Applicants for heavy vehicle and taxi driving licences must meet one of two benchmarks (with or without corrective lenses):
- A minimum visual acuity of 6/6 in one eye and between 6/9 and 6/18 in the other eye.
- A minimum visual acuity of 6/9 in each eye.
- Applicants must hold a minimum visual acuity of 6/6 in both eyes, with or without corrective lenses.
