Speed cameras are everywhere in the UAE, and understanding how they work — and what to do if you receive a fine — can save you significant money and driving points. This is a complete guide to UAE speed cameras, fines, and black points in 2026.
Types of Speed Cameras in UAE
Fixed speed cameras: The most common type. Mounted on gantries or poles above the road. Triggered when your speed exceeds the limit. Widely distributed on UAE highways and arterial roads.
Average speed cameras: Increasingly common on UAE motorways. These measure your average speed between two points (sometimes 10–20 km apart). Slowing down at a known camera point doesn’t help — your average speed is what’s calculated.
Mobile speed cameras: Traffic police use handheld and vehicle-mounted radar units in varying locations. No advance warning.
Red-light cameras: Installed at major intersections across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah. Fine and black points apply for jumping red lights.
School zone cameras: Special low-speed (40 km/h) enforcement cameras near schools during school hours. High fine amounts.
UAE Speed Limits 2026
| Road Type | Speed Limit | Camera Tolerance |
|---|---|---|
| Residential / school zones | 40 km/h | Typically 0–5 km/h |
| Urban roads | 60–80 km/h | Typically 20 km/h above limit |
| Sheikh Zayed Road / major highways | 100–120 km/h | Typically 20 km/h above limit |
| E11 / Abu Dhabi Expressway | 120–140 km/h | Typically 20 km/h above limit |
Note: the 20 km/h tolerance is widely observed but not officially published by any authority. Cameras are set at the authority’s discretion and this can change. Never assume tolerance exists.
UAE Speed Fine Amounts 2026
| Excess Speed | Fine (AED) | Black Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1–20 km/h over | AED 300 | 0 |
| 21–30 km/h over | AED 600 | 3 |
| 31–40 km/h over | AED 700 | 4 |
| 41–60 km/h over | AED 1,000 | 6 |
| Over 60 km/h | AED 2,000–3,000 | 12 + impound |
Black Points System
Black points accumulate on your UAE driving licence. Reaching 24 points results in a 3-month driving ban. 36 points results in a 6-month ban. 48 points results in 1-year ban and mandatory retest. Points reset after 1 year from the date of each fine.
How to Check and Pay UAE Traffic Fines
- Dubai: RTA website or Dubai Drive app. You can pay fines and check black points.
- Abu Dhabi: TAMM portal (tamm.abudhabi) or ITC app.
- All Emirates: Ministry of Interior website (moi.gov.ae) shows fines across all emirates.
- Fine discounts: Dubai runs periodic 50% fine discount campaigns, typically announced by RTA.
Keep Your Car Road-Legal
Beyond speed, ensure your car passes its annual inspection and is maintained in roadworthy condition. A well-maintained car also stops shorter — important for safe stopping distances at UAE highway speeds. Find a service garage near you: Dubai, Abu Dhabi.
Related: See our Salik toll guide and UAE driving licence guide.