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.
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
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.
| 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 | — | — |
