Abu Dhabi removed its 20 km/h buffer in 2018; radars trigger at 1 km/h over the limit.
In fog, limits on major roads drop to 80 km/h and the radars follow automatically.
Several highway limits fell in 2025 and 2026, including the E22, E30 and part of the E311.
Fines can be paid with 35% off within 60 days (except serious violations).
Abu Dhabi is the emirate where drivers from Dubai most often get caught out. Since 2018 its radars have no speed buffer: on a 100 km/h road the camera records you at 101 km/h. The National confirmed in September 2026 that this zero-tolerance policy still applies, and contrasted it with the 20 km/h buffer in Dubai and Sharjah.
Sources: The National (11 September 2026), Gulf News / Dubai Police (12 September 2026).
Limits that change with the weather
Abu Dhabi runs a smart system that lowers limits when visibility drops. In fog, limits on roads such as Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Road (E311) and the Abu Dhabi–Al Ain Road are cut to 80 km/h, shown on electronic signs, and the radars reset to the lower limit automatically. See fog speed limits in Abu Dhabi.
Limits lowered in 2025 and 2026
14 Sep 2026E311, Tawi Al Qaymah St – Al Khayr St (6 km), Abu Dhabi→
9 Feb 2026E22 Abu Dhabi–Al Ain Road, Al Nahda – Bani Yas→
9 Feb 2026Bani Yas Interchange – Bridges area, Abu Dhabi→
9 Feb 2026E30 Al Rawdah Road, Abu Dhabi→
2025E11, Industrial City – Medical City, Abu Dhabi→
2025E20 Sweihan Road, Abu Dhabi→
Sources: The National, Khaleej Times (2026), Gulf News (December 2025).
What a fine costs in Abu Dhabi
The federal speeding fines apply. Abu Dhabi adds strict impoundment rules — release after serious offences can cost up to Dh50,000 — and a discount for early payment: 35% within 60 days, 25% within a year, except for serious violations.
UAE speeding fines (federal, all emirates)
Over the limit
Fine
Black points
Impound
Up to 20 km/h
Dh300
—
—
21–30 km/h
Dh600
—
—
31–40 km/h
Dh700
—
—
41–50 km/h
Dh1,000
—
—
51–60 km/h
Dh1,500
6
15 days
More than 60 km/h
Dh2,000
12
30 days
More than 80 km/h
Dh3,000
23
60 days
Below a posted minimum
Dh400
—
—
Source: federal traffic fines as reported by Khaleej Times; confirmed by The National, September 2026.
Questions and answers
Is there a speed buffer in Abu Dhabi?
No. Since 2018 Abu Dhabi’s radars trigger at 1 km/h over the posted limit.
What is the speed limit in Abu Dhabi in fog?
On major roads it is cut to 80 km/h when visibility is poor, and the radars adjust automatically.
