Traffic Impact Study in Dubai: TIS and access study for RTA approval
A Traffic Impact Study in Dubai shows RTA how your project affects the surrounding roads, accesses and parking. Smaller projects, such as a villa driveway, usually need only an access study. We prepare both and take them through RTA approval.
The short answer
RTA asks for a Traffic Impact Study (TIS) when a project is likely to add significant traffic: larger developments, compounds, commercial uses, schools, nurseries, clinics, changes of use and plot subdivisions. The TIS assesses trip generation, the effect on nearby roads and junctions, access and parking, and proposes measures where needed. A single villa normally needs only the RTA access design study for its driveway. We prepare the study, submit it to RTA and answer the comments through to approval.
Official sources: Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) · Dubai Municipality · Dubai Development Authority
Traffic Impact Study Dubai: what it covers
- Trip generation: How much traffic the project adds
- Roads and junctions: Effect on the surrounding network
- Access: Position, width and connection to the road
- Parking: Demand and layout
- Measures: Changes proposed to make it work
- Drawings: Access layout in AutoCAD DLTM from a site survey
Documents you will need
- Affection plan
- Project type, size and use (units, built-up area)
- Site layout or concept plan, if available
- Authority: Dubai Municipality, DDA or Trakhees
- Developer NOC where the community has one
By project
TIS or access study: what RTA usually asks
RTA confirms the requirement for each project.
| Project | Approval route | Guides |
|---|---|---|
| Single villa driveway Access study | Access design study, then the construction NOC and sidewalk permit. | Access design study Do villas need a TIS? |
| Compound villas or plot subdivision Access study + TIS | Usually both, depending on the number of units. | Compound access |
| Change of use (nursery, clinic, commercial) TIS likely | Depends on the added traffic and parking. | Change of use |
| Buildings and larger developments TIS | Part of the RTA approval for the project. | RTA NOC |
| Warehouses and industrial Access + parking | Vehicle access and parking approval. | Vehicle access Parking approval |
How it works
How we get your study approved
1. Scope
We confirm with the project details whether RTA needs a TIS, an access study or both.
2. Site survey
Plot limits and existing access, with DLTM coordinates.
3. Study
Traffic data, analysis and the access layout.
4. Submission
We submit to RTA.
5. Comments
We answer RTA's comments and resubmit if needed.
6. Approval
RTA approval for your permit or access works.
7. Next permits
Construction NOC and sidewalk permit where access works follow.
Related RTA topics
Why RTA returns studies
- Access too close to a junction or another access
- Not enough parking for the use
- Traffic data or scope not agreed
- Drawings not in DLTM coordinates
- Missing developer NOC
Need a TIS or access study?
Get your RTA study handled
Send us three things on WhatsApp:
- Your affection plan
- Project type and size (or the change of use)
- Location and authority, if you know it
We confirm whether RTA needs a TIS, an access study or both, prepare it and take it through approval.
Questions
Traffic Impact Study Dubai: questions
What is a Traffic Impact Study in Dubai?
A Traffic Impact Study (TIS) assesses how the trips generated by a project affect the surrounding roads, junctions, accesses and parking, and proposes measures where needed. RTA reviews it as part of the project approval.
When does RTA ask for a Traffic Impact Study?
Typically for larger developments, changes of use and projects that add significant traffic: buildings, compounds, commercial, schools, nurseries, clinics and plot subdivisions. RTA confirms case by case.
What is an access study?
An access study (RTA access design study) looks at the position, width and connection of a plot access to the road. It is the concept stage for a new or modified access, for example a villa driveway or a compound gate.
What is the difference between an access study and a TIS?
The access study is about the plot entrance and how it connects to the road. The TIS looks at the wider traffic effect of the whole project on the road network. Some projects need only the access study, larger ones need both.
Does a villa need a Traffic Impact Study?
A single family villa normally does not. It usually needs the access design study for a new or changed driveway. Compound villas, subdivision or a change of use may need a TIS.
Do I need a TIS for a building permit?
If RTA asks for one during the building permit review, yes; the RTA approval then forms part of the permit. We check this at the start so it does not hold up the permit.
Do you prepare Traffic Impact Studies?
Yes. We prepare the access study and the Traffic Impact Study and manage the RTA submission and comments through to approval.
What does a TIS include?
The existing traffic situation, trip generation of the project, the effect on nearby roads and junctions, access and parking layout, and the measures proposed. The scope is agreed for each project.
What do you need from me to start?
The affection plan, the project type and size (units, area, use), the site layout if available and the authority (Dubai Municipality, DDA or Trakhees).
Does a change of use need a TIS?
Often yes, when the new use attracts more traffic or parking demand, for example turning a villa or building into a nursery, clinic or commercial use. RTA confirms the requirement.
Does a TIS cover parking?
Yes, the parking demand and layout are part of it. Where only parking is in question, RTA may handle it as a parking approval.
What happens after RTA approves the access study?
The developer access NOC where the community has one, then the RTA construction NOC and the sidewalk modification permit before works on the road reserve.
Can RTA reject a Traffic Impact Study?
RTA can return it with comments, for example on access position, junction capacity or parking. We answer the comments and resubmit.
Do I need DLTM drawings?
For access works, RTA and developers generally ask for AutoCAD drawings in DLTM coordinates from a site survey. We prepare them.
How much does a TIS cost?
It depends on the project size and scope. Send us the affection plan and project details and we will quote.
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