Dubai Enforces Strict New Truck Traffic Movement Restrictions Starting October 1

Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Dubai Police General Headquarters have announced that new truck movement restrictions will take effect on roads across Dubai from October 1, 2026. The authorities stated that the restrictions are designed to ease congestion on major routes, increase road network capacity, and reduce journey times while supporting logistics sector requirements. Emirates Road will be fully exempt from the decision.

Under the new framework, round-the-clock bans on heavy vehicle traffic will apply to Al Qudra Street, Al Meydan Street, all marine crossings, and the Airport Tunnel. A 16-hour daily ban from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM will be enforced on Sheikh Zayed Road, Beirut Street, and selected residential areas including Al Mizhar, Muhaisnah, and Oud Al Muteena. In addition, urban corridors such as Airport Street, Oman Street, and Damascus Street will restrict truck traffic during three daily peak windows: 6:30 AM to 8:30 AM, 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, and 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM.

For companies needing to move heavy vehicles during restricted hours for essential operations, the RTA stated that applications for a Mobility Permit for Heavy Vehicles in Banned Times and Roads can be submitted through the Right-of-Way Department on the RTA website. Authorities urged drivers and fleet operators to plan ahead, use designated alternative routes, and avoid unauthorized parking in residential zones and on highway shoulders.

According to RTA data, Dubai records approximately 400,000 truck journeys daily, and more than 150,000 trucks use the emirate's dedicated rest stops each month. The RTA reported that it has completed 14 of 16 planned rest stops across six sites, expanding total capacity to 1,007 parking spaces, with four additional permanent rest areas planned in partnership with the private sector.