Speed Cameras in the UAE (2026)
UAE speed camera types, how they work, where they are typically placed, and the fine amounts they trigger on Dubai and Abu Dhabi roads.
Camera types
Fixed radars
Permanently installed cameras on poles or gantries above the road. They monitor a single point and flash vehicles exceeding the posted limit at that location. Most common on highways (Sheikh Zayed Road, Emirates Road, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road) and in school zones.
Common locations: Highways, major intersections, school zones
Mobile radars
Portable camera units operated from parked police vehicles or temporary tripod setups. Their location changes daily, making them harder to predict. Commonly used on internal roads, residential areas and during peak speeding hours.
Common locations: Internal roads, residential areas, construction zones
Average-speed cameras
Two cameras placed kilometres apart that measure your average speed over a distance. Slowing down for the camera then speeding up again does not help — the system calculates whether your average exceeded the limit. Used on Abu Dhabi highways and some Dubai corridors.
Common locations: Abu Dhabi highways, some Dubai corridors
Red-light cameras
Cameras mounted at traffic signals that photograph vehicles crossing the stop line after the light turns red. Running a red light triggers AED 1,000, 12 black points and a 30-day licence suspension.
Common locations: Major intersections across all emirates
Speed buffer and tolerance
Dubai applies a +20 km/h buffer on most roads — a posted 80 km/h limit means the camera triggers at 101 km/h. Abu Dhabi uses a smaller buffer on many roads, sometimes +10 km/h or less. Buffers are not guaranteed and can change without notice. The only safe rule is to drive at or below the posted limit.
Buffers are not rights
The speed buffer is an enforcement tolerance, not a legal allowance. In construction zones, school zones and variable-speed sections, buffers may be reduced to zero.Speeding fine amounts (2026)
| Violation | Fine (AED) | Black Points | Suspension |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exceeding limit by 1-20 km/h | 300 | 4 | — |
| Exceeding limit by 21-30 km/h | 600 | 6 | — |
| Exceeding limit by 31-40 km/h | 700 | 6 | — |
| Exceeding limit by 41-50 km/h | 1,000 | 8 | 30 days |
| Exceeding limit by 51-60 km/h | 1,500 | 10 | 60 days |
| Exceeding limit by 60+ km/h | 2,000 | 23 | Confiscation |
Speed cameras — frequently asked questions
How do average-speed cameras work?
Two cameras record your plate at points A and B. The system divides the distance by the time taken. If your average speed exceeded the limit, you are fined — slowing down near the camera does not help.
What is the speed buffer in Dubai?
Dubai commonly applies a +20 km/h tolerance on most roads, but this is not guaranteed. Abu Dhabi uses smaller buffers on many roads. Always drive at or below the posted limit.
Can mobile speed cameras catch me from behind?
Yes. Mobile radar units can be set to monitor traffic in both directions and from behind. They capture your plate regardless of which direction you are travelling.
Where can I see speed camera locations?
Google Maps and Waze show known fixed camera locations. Navigation apps also provide real-time alerts. Mobile cameras change location daily and are not listed.