New UAE Traffic Regulations Clarify Overtaking and Fast-Lane Passing for 2027
The UAE has issued updated executive traffic regulations under Cabinet Decision No. 174 of 2026, which establish binding requirements for vehicle overtaking and lane discipline effective January 1, 2027.
Who Must Comply
These updated standards apply directly to all motorists driving on UAE roads, outlining explicit legal boundaries for passing other vehicles and holding the left lane.
Required Pre-Overtaking Safety Checks
Before initiating an overtaking manoeuvre, drivers are legally required under Article 20 to complete the following checks:
- Confirm clear visibility of the road ahead and the intended passing path.
- Verify there are no obstacles or hazards from opposing traffic.
- Ensure no approaching vehicle occupies the lane you intend to enter.
- Check that the vehicle ahead has not indicated an intention to overtake or signalled a warning.
- Account for the speed difference between your vehicle and the one being passed.
- Maintain an adequate and safe distance from the vehicle being overtaken.
General Overtaking Rules and Right-Side Exceptions
Under Article 20, passing must generally occur on the left side of the vehicle ahead. Motorists may only pass a vehicle on the right under one precise legal exception: when the vehicle ahead has moved to the left to turn onto another road, has activated its turn signal, and sufficient space exists to pass safely without causing hazard.
During the manoeuvre, drivers must alert the vehicle ahead, confirm the signal was received, maintain proper clearance, and return to the right lane without disturbing the passed vehicle. Motorists may remain in the left lane only if actively passing another vehicle and not obstructing drivers approaching from behind.
Where Overtaking Is Strictly Prohibited
Article 21 defines six specific situations where passing another vehicle is completely illegal, regardless of perceived space:
- Poor visibility: Areas or conditions where sightlines ahead or around the vehicle are unclear.
- Oncoming traffic: Streets where oncoming vehicles prevent safe completion of the pass.
- Junctions: Intersections, roundabouts, and traffic squares.
- Stopped queues: Lines of vehicles halted by traffic signals or road obstructions.
- Hazardous stretches: Curves, slopes, inclines, slippery surfaces, pedestrian crossings, or lanes marked with solid continuous lines.
- Designated zones: Any location posted with no-overtaking signs or traffic signals.
