Speed Limits and Control
- 1/27If you are driving a heavy vehicle in Oman
Heavy vehicles in Oman must adhere to reduced limits 100 km/h on highways, and typically 80 km/h or less in cities and populated zones, as per posted signs.
When driving a heavy truck on the highway
Highways often display dual speed signs such as 120/100. Trucks must not exceed 100 km/h, even if cars are allowed 120 km/h.
If you are operating a heavy truck in a city or residential zone
In urban and residential areas, trucks must not exceed 80 km/h, and speeds may be further reduced near schools, markets, or crossings.
When driving a loaded truck during poor weather
In rain, fog, sand, or dust, trucks must drive below the posted limits and typically 80 km/h or less and to compensate for longer stopping distances and visibility issues.
If your truck has a high center of gravity or is heavily loaded
Trucks with tall or heavy cargo should reduce speed to 50 to 60 km/h or below, especially when negotiating bends or descending slopes, to avoid tipping or losing control.
When entering industrial zones or loading yards
In industrial areas and freight yards, heavy trucks must typically drive at 20 to 40 km/h, even lower if signs are posted or pedestrians are present.
If you are driving a truck in construction or work zones
Speed is reduced to 40 to 60 km/h in construction zones to protect workers and prevent accidents. Always watch for temporary signs or flaggers.
When descending a long or steep hill
On gradients, trucks must descend in low gear and slow to 60 km/h or lower, especially if fully loaded, to avoid brake overheating or loss of control.
If approaching a sharp bend or curve
Heavy trucks should take sharp bends at 50 to 60 km/h or less to avoid tipping, especially with a high center of gravity or shiftable cargo.
When driving a tanker, fuel truck, or vehicle with liquid loads
Vehicles carrying liquid cargo must not exceed 80 km/h on straight roads and must reduce to 50 to 60 km/h or lower on turns due to load sloshing risk.
When visibility is reduced due to fog or dust
In low-visibility conditions, heavy vehicles should not exceed 60 km/h, and may need to go even slower to allow for safe reaction time.
If you are approaching a roundabout in a heavy vehicle
Roundabouts must be approached at 30 to 40 km/h. Trucks have a wider turning radius and are prone to rollover at higher speeds.
When driving near schools or pedestrian crossings
School zones require truck drivers to lower their speed to 30 to 40 km/h during school hours or when children are present.
If entering or exiting a tunnel in a heavy truck
Trucks should not exceed 80 km/h in tunnels and must reduce speed when visibility is low or signs indicate lower limits.
When overtaking slower vehicles on highways
Even when overtaking, trucks must stay within the legal 100 km/h limit on highways and may not match car speeds of 120 km/h.
When descending a hill with air brakes engaged
Trucks using air brakes should descend long slopes at 60 km/h or less in low gear to avoid brake failure and maintain control.
If driving through a village or rural settlement
In populated rural zones, trucks must reduce speed to 40 to 60 km/h to account for pedestrian activity and narrow roads.
When carrying an oversized or wide load
Trucks with oversized loads must not exceed 80 km/h, and may need to slow to 50 to 60 km/h on curves or in narrow lanes to prevent tipping or collisions.
If your truck is equipped with a speed limiter
Many heavy vehicles in Oman are fitted with speed limiters set to 100 km/h, which prevent the vehicle from accelerating beyond this limit.
When weather or road conditions worsen suddenly
During sudden weather changes like rainstorms or sandstorms, truck drivers must slow to 60 to 80 km/h or less depending on traction and visibility.
When approaching a stop sign or traffic signal
Trucks must slow to 40 to 50 km/h before reaching intersections to allow for safe stopping due to longer brake distances.
If driving a truck with poor brake or tire condition
Faulty brakes or worn tires increase stopping distance. Drive at 50 to 60 km/h or lower, and avoid highways until the issue is fixed.
When navigating urban curves or flyovers
Trucks on elevated roads and sharp curves should not exceed 40 to 60 km/h, especially when fully loaded or during wet weather.
If crossing older bridges or narrow overpasses
Older infrastructure may not support high-speed truck travel. Reduce to 30 to 40 km/h, observe weight limits, and yield to oncoming traffic when needed.
If road signs show dual speed limits 120/100
Dual signs in Oman mean 120 km/h for cars, but 100 km/h for trucks. Exceeding this is a traffic violation with fines or points.
When traffic is heavy or stop-and-go
In congestion, heavy trucks must travel at 30 to 50 km/h and leave extra space to allow smooth braking without sudden stops.
If driving a commercial vehicle at night
At night, trucks should not exceed 80 km/h, even on highways, and must ensure headlights, markers, and tail lights are clearly visible to others.