Drivers across the UAE are advocating for the implementation of minimum speed regulations on highways as part of the forthcoming executive regulations of the federal traffic law, expected to be released in six months.

They are citing instances where vehicles traveling below 100 kilometers per hour on highways designed for speeds up to 140 kilometers per hour are causing disruptions to traffic flow and increasing the likelihood of serious accidents.

In 2022, national traffic authorities registered a total of 409,305 violations for driving at speeds below the road’s minimum limit, compared to 300,147 violations recorded in 2023. These infractions have been linked to various accidents, as reported by statistics from the Ministry of Interior.

Previously, violations related to driving below the minimum speed threshold carried a fine of 400 dirhams.

The Ministry of Interior indicated that a new traffic law was enacted on March 29, featuring significant amendments aimed at enhancing road safety, with the executive regulations set to clarify the law's application.

Several drivers have reported experiencing frequent disruptions caused by slow-moving vehicles occupying the second and third lanes of major roads, which, according to them, leads to confusion for faster-moving traffic and can precipitate serious collisions.

One driver expressed frustration over unexpectedly encountering slow vehicles, which poses a threat to safety, particularly in high-speed environments.

Concerns have been raised about the need for continuous awareness campaigns regarding the dangers of slow driving on highways.

Proponents argue that these campaigns should emphasize not only the risks of accidents but also the implications for traffic flow and enforcement of more serious penalties against slow drivers, especially on the first two lanes of the roadway, where accidents can have dire consequences.

The Abu Dhabi Police have urged drivers to adhere to the rightmost lane when driving at lower speeds, allowing faster vehicles to pass safely.

They noted that driving slowly in the left lane can disrupt other road users and hinder traffic movement.

In its digital awareness campaigns, Abu Dhabi Police highlighted several crucial guidelines for road safety, including yielding to faster vehicles from behind, proper lane usage, and the importance of not obstructing traffic.

They have advised against tailgating other vehicles in the overtaking lane, as this can lead to hazardous situations that increase the risk of accidents due to a lack of adequate stopping distance.

In April 2023, the Abu Dhabi Police introduced a system for enforcing minimum speed limits on Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Road in both directions.

This system enforces a maximum speed of 140 kilometers per hour and a minimum speed of 120 kilometers per hour on the first two leftmost lanes, with measures in place to penalize drivers exceeding the 120-kilometer threshold.

However, the third lane, set at a maximum of 140 kilometers per hour, and the last lane designated for heavy vehicles are exempt from minimum speed violations.

The introduction of minimum speed regulations is intended to improve driver safety, compel slower vehicles to remain in the right lanes, and facilitate smoother traffic flow for vehicles that are overtaking.