Daijiworld Media Network - Dubai

Dubai, Oct 31: The days of delivery riders racing through the streets are coming to an end. In a major road safety initiative, Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Sharjah Police have announced strict new regulations for food and parcel delivery riders, to be enforced from November 1, 2025. The move aims to curb reckless driving and reduce the growing number of road accidents involving delivery motorcycles.

Under the new rules, delivery riders in Dubai will be barred from using the fastest lanes on major roads. On roads with five or more lanes, they will not be allowed to use the two leftmost lanes, while on three- or four-lane roads, the leftmost lane will be off-limits. In Sharjah, motorcycles, including delivery bikes, will be confined to middle or right lanes depending on road width, while heavy vehicles and buses must stay in the far-right lanes.

Authorities have made it clear that the new system will be strictly enforced through advanced monitoring using AI-based surveillance, high-definition cameras, and smart radars operating 24 hours a day. Riders violating the rules will face hefty fines, permit suspensions, and even bans from delivery platforms.

In Dubai, fines will start at AED 500 for the first offence and rise to AED 700 for the second. On the third violation, the rider’s delivery permit may be suspended. Speeding above 100 km/h will attract fines ranging from AED 200 to AED 400. In Sharjah, lane violations could lead to fines of up to AED 1,500 and 12 black points on the offender’s record.

Officials from both emirates stressed that the focus is not on punishing riders but on protecting them and ensuring safer roads for all. With the rapid growth of the food delivery and e-commerce sectors, the number of motorcycles on the roads has surged, resulting in a sharp rise in accidents. The new measures aim to promote discipline, reduce risks, and ensure better coordination between delivery companies and their riders.

While the changes may slightly impact delivery times, authorities believe the long-term benefits will outweigh the short-term adjustments. The reforms are part of the broader traffic safety strategy being implemented across the UAE to make roads safer for everyone.

With the new rules taking effect from November 1, both riders and companies have been urged to familiarise themselves with the guidelines and prioritise safety over speed. Dubai and Sharjah’s latest move sends a strong message — that reckless riding has no place on the roads, and safety will always come first.