In order to ensure road users' safety and protect road infrastructure, the UAE federal government sets the maximum weight for heavy vehicles on national roads at 65 tonnes.

A new federal law, announced on September 4, will take effect on October 1. However, heavy vehicle owners and companies will have a four-month grace period to adapt to the new law before administrative penalties come into enforcement beginning February 1, 2024.

During a press briefing on Wednesday, Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, underscored that the law is aimed at improving the infrastructure, transport and logistics sectors in the UAE. It will also boost the national economy and support the government's efforts to ensure the country's infrastructure is one of the world's safest and most technologically advanced.

Al Mazrouei added that over 150,000 heavy vehicles will be covered by the law, including border-crossing trucks. Heavily armored vehicles owned by security, military, police, and civil defence authorities are exempt from the law.