In Dubai and Abu Dhabi, heavy trucks and commercial vehicles face regulated movement bans during certain peak hours to reduce congestion, improve traffic safety, and protect road infrastructure. These bans are enforced by local authorities (RTA, Dubai Police, ITC Abu Dhabi) and apply to key highways, urban corridors, and main city roads.
Dubai: Truck Movement Bans & Timing Details
Truck Movement Timing on Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road
In April 2024, the Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) and Dubai Police adjusted truck movement timings on Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road (SMBZ), the major link between Dubai and Sharjah.
- Morning ban: 06:30 AM to 08:30 AM
- Afternoon ban: 01:00 PM to 03:00 PM
- Evening ban: 05:30 PM to 08:00 PM
These restrictions apply to the stretch from Ras Al Khor Road to Sharjah, in both directions. DP World Dubai Trade also confirms these timings.
Emirates Road Evening Ban (Towards Sharjah)
Starting January 1, 2025, RTA introduced a truck movement ban on Emirates Road (Al Awir → Sharjah direction) during evening peak hours: 05:30 PM to 08:00 PM.
This is part of a broader enforcement expansion to reduce congestion between Dubai and Sharjah.
Other Roads & Corridors Affected
- Airport Street, Oman Street, Damascus Street: subject to peak hour bans (06:30–08:30 AM, 01:00–03:00 PM, 05:30–08:00 PM) in Dubai.
- Awareness campaigns launched by RTA and Dubai Police educate drivers about these bans, particularly for Emirates Road and SMBZ segments.
- Permanent or long-hour bans: Certain roads such as Al Ittihad Street and Meydan Street are restricted continually or most of the day.
Rationale & Enforcement
RTA adjusted these timings after traffic and engineering studies showed high congestion during traditional peak hours. The bans help redistribute heavy vehicle flow during off-peak hours and reduce traffic variability.
Violations are monitored via traffic cameras and smart detection systems. Repeat violations may incur fines or vehicle penalties.
Abu Dhabi: Heavy Vehicle Movement Restrictions
Update to Restricted Hours
In January 2025, ITC Abu Dhabi (Abu Dhabi Mobility) announced updated restrictions for heavy vehicles:
- Monday to Thursday:
- Morning ban: 06:30 AM to 09:00 AM
- Evening ban: 03:00 PM to 07:00 PM
- Fridays:
- Morning ban: 06:30 AM to 09:00 AM
- Midday ban: 11:00 AM to 01:00 PM
These restrictions took effect from 27 January 2025.
Impacted Roads
The bans apply to heavy trucks, freight vehicles, tankers, and large transport across city roads in Abu Dhabi (e.g., major arteries and urban zones).
Authorities coordinate with Abu Dhabi Police to enforce compliance.
Additional Local Restrictions
- New restriction on Abu Dhabi Island: heavy vehicles are prohibited from entering via Al Maqta Bridge under certain conditions.
- Occasional temporary bans: for example, May 2025 saw temporary prohibition inside the island during midday.
Permits, Exemptions & Regulatory Mechanisms
Exempt Vehicles
Vehicles exempt from these bans include:
- Emergency and public safety vehicles
- Utility, municipal, or essential service trucks
- Vehicles with special movement permits issued by the RTA or ITC
These vehicles often carry official permits or authorization documents.
Activity & Vocational Permits (Abu Dhabi)
ITC’s freight regulation framework mandates activity permits and vocational permits to operate transporting goods in the Emirate. Transport operators must register vehicles and comply with permit conditions.
Permit Applications and Enforcement
- In Dubai, trucks must abide by the new RTA-regulated timing windows or risk being penalized.
- Dubai’s RTA and Police ran field awareness campaigns to educate drivers on new bans, especially for Emirates Road.
- In Abu Dhabi, restrictions are enforced under the DMT / ITC and coordinated with police to monitor heavy vehicle entry.
Implications for Movers, Logistics & Storage Services
- Schedule planning must avoid dispatch during banned windows.
- Route optimization: use corridors that remain open or permissible during off-peak hours.
- Permit compliance: logistics firms should secure special clearance for restricted hours when possible.
- Documentation: vehicles, drivers, and manifest must carry proof of authorization.
- Communication with clients: scheduling pickups/deliveries outside banned periods to avoid delays or refusal of access.
For storage-based moving services (like ESelf Storage UAE), these regulations influence how and when goods can be moved in/out of facilities across Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
