Dubai is on its way to becoming a smart city and we’ve got proof for the same! A few days ago, Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) officially started testing self-drive taxis in the city. The new innovative transportation facility is an initiative by Dubai’s RTA and Cruise, a self-driving technology company. Data collection and technicalities like testing for Dubai’s traffic signals, signage, drivers’ behaviour etc are already under process. The recent testing took place in Jumeirah 1 area area.
In line with this, HH Sheikh Mohammed has issued a new law to ensure smooth operation of driverless vehicles in the city. The law specifies how Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority will regulate the use of driverless vehicles in the emirate, including licensing and ownership transfers.
The new law further stresses that it is the responsibility of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) to oversee the operations, including developing the strategy, classifying autonomous vehicles, and establishing technical, operational, and safety benchmarks. In addition, the authority is also in charge of defining the areas, routes, and roads on which driverless cars will operate, as well as establishing the framework for managing other aspects of their operations.
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Licences & penalties for driverless vehicles
Licenses will be issued by the RTA, after the vehicles have passed the RTA’s technical test, which includes having the technological capability to read road signs.
Lawbreakers risk fines ranging from AED500 to AED20,000, which could double in the event of repeated offenses within the same year. Violations are subject to a maximum fine of AED50,000. The new law will be effective 90 days after its publication in the Official Gazette.
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The new law also specifies licensing requirements, and the responsibilities of the operator, agent, and passenger obligations. Additionally, it outlines the responsibilities of autonomous vehicle drivers in the event of accidents. Operators are liable for paying for all accident-related damages.
Only authorized agents will be permitted to sell and transfer of autonomous vehicles in Dubai. The transfer of vehicles from one operator to another is subject to RTA’s pre-approval.
Ten automated taxis supplied by the US company Cruise are anticipated to start transporting passengers later this year, the RTA announced last year. To make sure the taxis are ready for the UAE roads, the authority stated that the vehicles will undergo extensive testing before that launch. The introduction of driverless taxis is a step towards making 25% of all modes of transportation autonomous by 2030. The rollout of these vehicles will ease traffic congestion, lower the number of traffic accidents, and cut harmful emissions. Besides, the self-drive vehicles will also boost the emirate’s standing as a global hub for innovative technology of smart mobility.
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