What are the truck weight limits in the UAE?
The 2023 federal rules cap the total weight of heavy vehicles according to the number of axles, up to 65 tonnes for a six-axle vehicle. Their implementation was postponed in February 2024, so the current enforcement status must be checked with the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure.
The legal framework
Heavy-vehicle weights and dimensions on federal roads are covered by Federal Decree-Law No. 12 of 2023 and its implementing regulation, Cabinet Resolution No. 138 of 2023. The Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MOEI) published a table of maximum weights and dimensions in January 2024.
Maximum gross weight by axle configuration
| Number of axles | Maximum gross weight |
|---|---|
| 2 axles | 21 tonnes |
| 3 axles | 34 tonnes |
| 4 axles | 45 tonnes |
| 5 axles | 56 tonnes |
| 6 axles | 65 tonnes |
Figures as announced under Cabinet Resolution No. 138 of 2023 and the MOEI's January 2024 table. Check the official documents for per-axle limits, dimensions and exceptions.
Implementation status
The rules were due to take effect in early 2024. On 18 February 2024, WAM reported that the UAE Cabinet had directed the postponement of the resolution's implementation, asking the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure to conduct a further study. Before relying on these limits for compliance, check the MOEI and the UAE Legislation portal for the current position.
Whatever the enforcement status, the limits are a sound planning reference: they reflect what the federal authorities consider a safe maximum for each axle configuration.
Why weight limits matter beyond fines
- Braking and stability. An overloaded vehicle takes longer to stop and is less stable in bends, especially on mountain roads.
- Tyres and components. Overloading increases wear and the risk of failure.
- Road damage. Heavy axle loads accelerate damage to road surfaces and structures, which is why limits exist.
- Insurance and liability. An overloaded vehicle involved in an incident can create serious liability questions.
Gross weight versus axle loads
A vehicle can be within its total limit and still overload an individual axle if the load is badly placed. Dense loads such as steel need positioning so weight is spread correctly along the deck. See how to place rebar on a flatbed.
Planning loads within the limits
- Know the weight. Get the actual weight of the load from the supplier's documents, not an estimate.
- Know the vehicle. The vehicle's own weight plus the load must stay within the limit for its axle configuration.
- Place the load. Spread weight correctly across the axles.
- Split if needed. If a load would exceed the limit, plan an extra load rather than overloading.
- Check special cases. Indivisible loads may need specific permits and arrangements under the rules.
How Nafees Transport plans weight
We plan every load with the federal weight limits in mind and confirm the number of loads a job needs at quote stage. Tell us the weight of your load and we will confirm the vehicle and plan. See our fleet and which truck for which material.
Who is responsible for the weight?
Responsibility is shared in practice: the supplier knows what was loaded, the carrier chooses the vehicle and places the load, and the customer sets the quantity ordered. Agreeing accurate weights between all three before collection is the simplest way to stay within the limits.
Getting the weight right before loading
- Ask the supplier for the documented weight of the load, not an estimate.
- For steel, ask for the weight per bundle as well as the total, so bundles can be placed correctly.
- Where a weighbridge ticket is available, keep it with the delivery paperwork.
- If the total is close to the vehicle's limit, plan an extra load rather than risk overloading.
Accurate weights also make quoting easier: they decide the vehicle and the number of loads from the start.
Need materials moved?
Nafees Transport is a Dubai-based transport company that moves construction and industrial materials, steel and rebar across all seven emirates. Send your requirement through the quote form or WhatsApp on +971 54 161 0526, Monday to Saturday, 8 AM to 6 PM.
Sources
- UAE Legislation – Cabinet Resolution No. 138 of 2023 regulating the weights and dimensions of heavy vehicles
- Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure – Table of maximum weights and dimensions of heavy vehicles on federal roads (January 2024)
- WAM – UAE Cabinet postpones implementation of resolution regulating weights and dimensions of heavy vehicles (February 2024)
Road rules change. Always check the latest notice from the relevant authority before dispatch.