New Delhi: Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has approved a new rule requiring delivery motorcycles and e-bikes used by companies to carry a front number plate, in addition to the rear plate. Until now, these vehicles have only displayed a rear plate. The new requirement will come into force by the end of December. RTA said the change will not happen all at once but will be rolled out gradually when vehicles go through licence renewal of each motorcycle, in line with its renewal schedule or in cases of damage or loss. 

The decision is part of a set of joint measures agreed between RTA and Dubai Police General Headquarters to better regulate delivery operations and road use. Ahmed Mahboob, CEO of the Licensing Agency at RTA, says, “The decision to issue an additional front plate applies to motorcycles operating in the delivery sector. RTA has designated two plates (front and rear) for delivery motorcycles, featuring a gold background with black lettering and carrying the code 9 to distinguish this category.”

Vehicles under Dubai’s new plate rule

أعلنت #هيئة_الطرق_و_المواصلات في دبي اعتماد إصدار لوحة أمامية إضافية للدراجات النارية والكهربائية الخاصة بنشاط توصيل الطلبات للشركات، بعد أن كانت مقتصرة على لوحة خلفية فقط، اعتباراً من نهاية شهر ديسمبر الحالي حيث ستُضاف تدريجياً عند تجديد الترخيص وذلك ضمن الإطار التنظيمي، الذي… pic.twitter.com/aoKAVLY501

— RTA (@rta_dubai) December 15, 2025

According to RTA, the rule applies only to motorcycles and e-bikes used for commercial delivery work. This includes parcel, document and message delivery, food and order delivery services, and transport operations managed through digital platforms or mobile applications. It also covers rented motorcycles and e-bikes when they are used for delivery-related tasks. Private motorcycles used by individuals are not affected by this decision. Riders who use their bikes for personal transport will continue to follow the existing number plate rules.

Dubai’s new rules for delivery motorcycles

Alongside this update, RTA and Dubai Police have also set restrictions on where delivery motorcycles can be ridden on major roads. Delivery riders are not allowed to use the two left-most fast lanes on roads that have five or more lanes. On roads with three or four lanes, they cannot use the left-most fast lane. However, on roads with two lanes or fewer, delivery riders are allowed to use all lanes. Authorities say these steps aim to improve road safety, make delivery vehicles easier to identify, and manage traffic flow more effectively across the city.