UAE announces smart gates and truck bans for safer roads
A new federal regulation in the United Arab Emirates caps the weight of big vehicles operating on national roadways at 65 tonnes. The law, which was announced on September 4, will go into effect on October 1.
New Law Impact on Heavy Vehicles
The recent announcement of a new law governing heavy vehicles in the UAE has raised several pertinent questions about its implications, reach, adjustment periods, penalties, and objectives.
Scope of the Law
The new rule classifies vehicles weighing more than 2.5 tonnes when empty as heavy-duty. This encompasses a broad spectrum of vehicles, including commercial transporters for goods and passengers, prime movers, semi-trailers, trailer combinations, and articulated trucks.
Affected Vehicles and Exemptions
Estimations from the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MoEI) suggest that approximately 200,000 heavy vehicles will fall under the purview of this federal law. This includes border-crossing trucks. However, heavy vehicles owned by security, military, police, and civil defense authorities have been granted exemptions from these regulations.
Extent of Violations
Reports from the ministry indicate that a significant proportion of current truckloads in the country surpass the stipulated 65-tonne limit. This illustrates the pressing need for the enforcement of this new law to maintain safety and compliance on the roads.
Implementation Timeline
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, led the UAE Cabinet in approving the modification that sets the maximum allowable weight for heavy vehicles at 65 tonnes. On October 1 of this year, the law is expected to become operative.
Owners and businesses of heavy vehicles, however, are given a four-month grace period to make sure they are in compliance with the new rules. In order to enhance legal knowledge among transportation businesses, efforts will be made from October 2023 to February 2024.
Penalties and Objectives
While the specific administrative penalties for non-compliance have not been disclosed, it is clear that enforcement will commence on February 1, 2024, following the grace period.
The primary objective of this new road regulation, as highlighted by Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, is to bolster the infrastructure, transport, and logistics sectors in the UAE. The law is designed to support the national economy and contribute to the UAE's aspirations of becoming a global leader in safe and technologically advanced infrastructure.
Moreover, The new law regarding heavy vehicles in the UAE seeks to address crucial concerns related to road safety, compliance, and the overall development of key sectors within the country, marking a significant step towards a safer and more advanced infrastructure landscape.
