UAE Amends Heavy Vehicle Law Capping Maximum Truck Weight at 65 Tonnes

The UAE federal government has approved legislative amendments setting a maximum gross weight cap of 65 tonnes for heavy vehicles operating across the country's road network, EnterpriseAM reported, citing state news agency WAM. The nationwide measure aims to enhance traffic safety and protect road infrastructure.

While the amendments formally take effect on 1 October, fleet owners and logistics companies will receive a four-month grace period to adjust their operations before financial penalties are enforced starting 1 February 2024, according to Minister of Energy and Infrastructure Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei. The minister stated that 24 smart electronic gates will be set up nationwide to monitor truck loads and register violations.

The regulatory cap applies to all heavy commercial vehicles operating on UAE roadways, including foreign-licensed trucks permitted to enter the country. Vehicles operated by security, military, police, and civil defense agencies are explicitly exempt from the weight ceiling.

Al Mazrouei noted that heavy truck accidents historically result in fatalities 62% of the time, describing the rate as unacceptable. Citing official projections, WAM reported that the amended regulations are expected to cut road traffic fatalities by 50%, reduce annual road maintenance expenditures by AED 200 million, and lower carbon emissions by 5 billion kilograms by 2032.

According to Al Mazrouei, the updated rules form part of ongoing federal efforts to keep the country's transport infrastructure among the most technologically advanced and safest globally.