UAE overtaking rules under Cabinet Decision 174 take effect on 1 January 2027

The UAE's new executive traffic regulations, issued under Cabinet Decision No. 174 of 2026, take effect on 1 January 2027. Articles 20 and 21 deal with overtaking: the checks a driver makes first, the return to the original lane and the places where passing is banned. Gulf News reported on 1 November 2026 that these are not entirely new rules, but the text now spells out the situations in more detail.

Under Article 20, a driver must generally pass on the left side of the vehicle in front. There is one exception. Passing on the right is allowed when the driver ahead has shifted to the left in order to enter another road. Two further conditions apply: that driver has given the necessary turn signal, and there is enough room to pass safely. Gulf News notes that this does not permit routine overtaking on the right.

Once the manoeuvre is complete, the driver must move back to the right and must not obstruct or disturb the vehicle that was passed. Staying in the overtaking lane is allowed only to pass another vehicle, and only if traffic coming from behind is not obstructed.

Before overtaking, drivers must confirm that:

• the road and the intended path are clearly visible;
• opposing traffic poses no obstacle or hazard;
• the lane they plan to enter is free of approaching vehicles;
• the vehicle in front has not given a warning signal or shown that it intends to overtake;
• the difference in speed has been taken into account;
• adequate distance is kept from the vehicle being passed.

Article 20 also requires the driver to alert the other vehicle and make sure its driver has responded.

Article 21 names six cases where overtaking is prohibited:

• poor or unclear visibility;
• oncoming vehicles that make a safe manoeuvre impossible;
• intersections, roundabouts and traffic squares;
• a group of vehicles halted by an obstruction or a stop signal;
• bends, uphill or downhill stretches and slippery surfaces, the approach to pedestrian crossings, and lanes with unbroken lines along them;
• any place where signs, signals or instructions forbid it.

Gulf News says these limits apply even when a driver thinks there is room to pass.

The rules cover anyone driving in the UAE, including visitors who rent a vehicle. Those planning a trip from January 2027 can look at car hire in Dubai.