Abu Dhabi Drops 120kmph Minimum Speed Rule on E311

Abu Dhabi is rolling back its controversial minimum speed limit of 120kmph on Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Road (E311), giving drivers—especially those in heavy vehicles—room to breathe on the fast-paced highway.

The update, announced by Abu Dhabi Mobility on Monday, means motorists will no longer be required to maintain the former minimum speed on the first and second lanes from the left. While the maximum speed of 140kmph remains, the lower limit has officially been lifted.

This move is aimed at improving overall traffic safety, ensuring smoother flow—especially for heavy trucks—and cutting down on confusion (and fines) that left many residents scratching their heads.

🚫 No More Slow-Speed Fines

Back in April 2023, Abu Dhabi became the first in the region to introduce a 120kmph minimum speed on select E311 lanes. Drivers who dipped below this limit were hit with Dh400 fines, regardless of traffic conditions.

But the implementation raised eyebrows. Multiple residents reported getting fined even when it was impossible to maintain that speed due to congestion, weather, or slow-moving convoys.

“I was aware of the minimum speed rule, but there was a military convoy ahead that had slowed down the traffic,” said G Sahany, an Abu Dhabi resident. “I received a fine for no fault of mine... I’m glad they are lifting this rule.”

Another motorist, A.P., was caught off guard by the fine:

“The road was extremely busy... enforcing the rule when it’s physically impossible to go faster was unfair. I am relieved they have rolled back the law.”

And for M Mac, the situation was just plain confusing:

“I didn’t realise why I was fined until I was told about the minimum speed rule and read it online.”

📉 Why the Change Now?

Abu Dhabi Mobility says the update aligns with a broader strategy to make highways more inclusive, safe, and efficient. With large trucks and varied vehicle types sharing the roads, a rigid speed floor was no longer practical.

Just last week, authorities also reduced speed limits on key highways, including E11 (Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed International Road) and E20 (Abu Dhabi–Sweihan Road), showing a trend toward prioritising caution over speed.

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TL;DR for Drivers:

• 🚫 120kmph minimum speed limit on E311 is now scrapped.

• ✔️ Maximum speed of 140kmph still applies.

• 🛣️ Applies to the first and second lanes from the left.

• 😌 Less pressure, fewer fines, more room to drive safe.