Driving in the UAE can be tricky, especially when it comes to understanding speed limits. You might have heard about grace speed in UAE, but do you really know how it works? Well, the grace speed limit greatly impacts your driving experience and can help you avoid hefty fines.
In this article, we will break down the grace speed limit for each of the seven emirates. It will help you drive as per the UAE traffic rules and be safe on the roads.
Grace speed limits in the UAE are a buffer system that allows you to drive slightly above the posted speed limit without getting fined. In most emirates, this buffer is set at 20 km/h above the posted limit.
For example, if a road sign shows a speed limit of 55 km/h, you can drive up to 75 km/h without triggering a radar.
The grace speed limit allows for slight variations in speedometer readings and gives you a bit of leeway in maintaining your speed. However, the grace speed limit does not mean that you should drive rashly on the road, as it can result in fines and also be dangerous for your life.
Grace speed limits vary across the seven emirates. While most emirates follow the 20 km/h buffer rule, Abu Dhabi is an exception.
For example, in 2018, Abu Dhabi scrapped the grace speed limit entirely. This means that in Abu Dhabi if you exceed the posted speed limit by even 1 km/h, you are subject to a fine. Other Emirates like Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Al Ain, and Ras Al Khaimah maintain the 20 km/h buffer. Here is a breakdown of the grace speed limits across the UAE.
Read also: How to Reduce Traffic Fines in the UAE
When you exceed the grace speed in UAE, you may be required to pay hefty fines. The amount you must pay depends on how much you have exceeded the limit.
You should also note that you can even get fined for driving too slowly in Dubai. Going less than 20 km/h under the speed limit can cost you AED 300.
Along with fines, you also get black points on your license. These points add up and can lead to severe consequences.
If you accumulate 24 black points within two years, your license will be suspended for three months. Even worse, if you reach 36 points, your license will be revoked. You must retake your driving test and attend a road safety course to get it back.
In some cases, your vehicle might be impounded. This usually happens for more severe speeding offenses. Maintaining a steady speed within the limits is essential to avoid penalties. If your car has cruise control, use it to help prevent accidental speeding.
Read also: How to Pay Traffic Fines on Rental Cars in UAE
The grace speed helps you gain a buffer on the roads. In most emirates, it is 20 km/h above the posted limit, except in Abu Dhabi, where it does not exist. You will likely be fined and receive black points if you cross this limit. Thus, you should pay attention to the speed limit posted by the UAE’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) to avoid receiving penalties.
To make seamless payments and earn cashback while shopping, download the Payit Wallet App.
