A fine of Dh400 will be imposed on motorists driving below the minimum speed limit on Sheikh Mohamed Bin Rashid Road in Abu Dhabi from May 1

Drivers on Sheikh Mohamed Bin Rashid Road in Abu Dhabi who go slower than the posted speed limit will be subject to a Dh400 punishment starting next Monday, May 1.

The imposition of the fee follows the adoption of a new minimum speed limit system on the two leftmost lanes of the road by the Abu Dhabi Police as of the beginning of April. Since the minimum speed restriction of 120 km/h was implemented in both directions, violators have been sent warning letters.

The Abu Dhabi Police cautioned drivers today that they would be penalised starting next week if they don't exceed the minimal limit.

The revised speed restrictions on the route are intended to increase road safety and to promote the usage of the right lanes by slower-moving cars and large trucks. The rightmost lane, which is intended to handle large trucks, as well as the second lane from the right, are exempt from the minimum speed requirements.

The maximum speed restriction on all four lanes is still 140 km/h, with no grace period.

In a previous online survey conducted by the Abu Dhabi Police, 78% of the more than 3,400 participants favoured the increased minimum speeds.