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The Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure revealed details of federal law amendments setting the permissible maximum weight of heavy vehicles at 65 tonnes, EnterpriseAM reported. The provisions apply to all heavy vehicles using UAE roads, including those licensed in foreign countries that are permitted entry, while excluding vehicles belonging to security, military, police and civil defence authorities. In coordination with relevant authorities, 24 smart electronic gates were installed to measure weights and dimensions automatically without requiring vehicles to stop.
According to the Cabinet Resolution No. 138 of 2023, heavy vehicles with two axles are limited to a maximum total weight of 21 tonnes, those with three axles to 34 tonnes, four axles to 45 tonnes, five axles to 56 tonnes and vehicles with six axles or more to 65 tonnes. The resolution also defines maximum dimensions for different vehicle types, including 12.5 metres in length for single compact heavy vehicles, up to 21 metres for tractor and semi-trailer combinations and 28 metres for heavier tractor-trailer setups. These standards were developed in collaboration with federal and local entities to create uniform rules across the country.
The amendments seek to improve traffic safety by limiting excessive loads that can lead to greater material and human losses, the ministry stated. Studies referenced by WAM indicate that accidents involving heavy trucks result in deaths 62 per cent of the time, and the regulations are expected to reduce road accident fatalities by 50 per cent. Additional projections show the rules will lower annual road maintenance costs by AED 200 million and decrease carbon emissions by 5 billion kilograms by 2032.
Minister of Energy and Infrastructure Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei said, “The new amendments support the government’s efforts to ensure our infrastructure is one of the safest and most technologically advanced in the world.” The law entered into force on October 1, 2023, although a grace period extended until February 1, 2024, before penalties were fully enforced, and Gulf News reported a subsequent postponement to finalise technical preparations. The framework assigns clear responsibilities to both owners and operators of heavy vehicles, whether they own or rent the equipment.
Administrative fines for violations begin at AED 400 for each tonne or part thereof when a heavy vehicle exceeds the maximum total weight by less than 10 per cent during a single trip, according to the resolution. Higher penalties apply for greater excesses or repeated infractions, with the system designed to promote fair competition in the transportation market while extending the lifespan of the country’s road network. The regulations remain in effect as of 2026, with Isuzu UAE guidance confirming that fleet operators must continue adhering to the axle-based weight tables and dimension limits to avoid penalties.[[1]](https://www.isuzu-uae.ae/uae-truck-weight-and-dimension-regulations-2026-everything-truck-operators-must-know/)
