UAE overtaking rules: 9 things drivers must check before changing lanes

Dubai: If the car ahead of you is moving slowly, before you decide to overtake, make sure you follow the basics of overtaking. Changing lanes without using an indicator, not considering the speed of both the vehicles and failing to check your surroundings before trying to overtake, can lead to serious accidents. The recently issued Cabinet Resolution No. 174 of 2026, which will come into effect from January 1, 2027, lays down specific requirements that motorists should keep in mind when trying to overtake on UAE roads, while other parts of the resolution also look at cases when motorists should not overtake, and what cars that are being overtaken need to do. Here is all you need to know. Overtaking rules – Nine things to keep in mind Article 20 of the Cabinet Resolution states that before overtaking the vehicle ahead, the driver must ensure that the following requirements are met: The driver has a complete and clear view of the lane they are about to use. There is no obstruction or danger from oncoming traffic. The driver has ensured that no vehicle is approaching in the lane into which they intend to move. The driver of the vehicle ahead has not given a warning signal indicating their intention to overtake. The driver takes into account the difference between the speed of their vehicle and the speed of the vehicle they intend to overtake. The driver alerts the drivers of the vehicles they intend to overtake and ensures that those drivers have responded to the warning. The driver maintains a sufficient distance between their vehicle and the vehicles they intend to overtake. After completing the overtaking manoeuvre, the driver must return to the right without obstructing the vehicle they have overtaken. The driver may remain in the lane used for overtaking if they intend to overtake another vehicle, provided that doing so does not obstruct or inconvenience drivers of vehicles approaching from behind. The driver must overtake the vehicle from the left, unless the vehicle ahead has moved to the left in preparation for turning left onto another road, after its driver has given the necessary signal, and there is sufficient space on the road to allow overtaking without any danger. Cases in which overtaking is prohibited Article 21 of the Resolution also specifies six cases in which a driver must not overtake another vehicle: Insufficient or unclear visibility: If the field of vision ahead of or around the driver is insufficient or unclear. Unsafe oncoming traffic conditions: If the movement of oncoming traffic does not allow the overtaking manoeuvre to be completed safely. Intersections and roundabouts: At intersections and roundabouts. Stopped vehicles: Where a group of vehicles has stopped due to traffic congestion or at a signal requiring them to stop. Certain road locations: At bends, elevated sections of roads, slopes and slippery roads; near pedestrian crossings; and on roads where traffic lanes are marked by continuous longitudinal lines. Other prohibited locations: In places where overtaking is prohibited as per traffic instructions, signs and road markings. A car is overtaking you – what should you do? Article 8 (6) on rules regarding road use also clarifies how motorists should respond if a car behind them indicates that they are about to overtake. According to the clause, when another vehicle is overtaking you, slow down and keep as far to the right of the carriageway as possible to allow the overtaking vehicle to complete the manoeuvre safely.