RTA Bans The Registration Of Steering Altered Vehicles

RTA Bans The Registration Of Steering Altered Vehicles. In a significant move to enhance road safety, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has imposed a ban on the registration of vehicles with altered steering configurations. This decision targets vehicles that have undergone aftermarket modifications, shifting the steering wheel from the right-hand side to the left for local use.

Safety Concerns Behind The Ban

An official from the authority emphasized that aftermarket modifications, particularly those involving the steering wheel, pose serious safety risks. These alterations often lack the stringent safety standards required, increasing the likelihood of accidents and unexpected injuries. “After-market altered vehicles are modified without proper safety, and these modifications can result in accidents, leading to serious and unexpected injuries,” stated the official.

Compliance With Regional Traffic Rules

The UAE, along with other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, adheres to the right-hand traffic rule, which mandates that vehicles must have the steering wheel on the left-hand side. Mohammed Abdul Karim, the director of Vehicle Licensing at the authority, highlighted the dangers of such alterations. He noted that modified vehicles are particularly prone to catastrophic failures during crashes due to the possible use of sub-standard parts during the steering shift process.

Lack Of Detailed Accident Data

Despite the evident risks, there is no comprehensive record of accidents specifically caused by steering alterations. Karim pointed out that police reports generally do not provide detailed reasons for accidents, making it challenging to attribute incidents directly to these modifications. “Police reports do not exactly go into detail to specify why the accident may have occurred,” he said.

Scope Of The Ban

The ban covers all vehicles with shifted right-hand steering wheels, regardless of whether the modification was done in the country of origin or the UAE. The authority has made it clear that such vehicles will not be re-registered in Dubai. Additionally, when exporting these vehicles to any GCC country, a note will be added to the export certificate indicating the steering wheel switch. However, exporting to non-GCC countries remains unaffected.

Enforcement And Precedent

Vehicles transferred from other emirates with altered steering will also face registration bans in Dubai. It is noteworthy that Abu Dhabi implemented a similar law three years ago, setting a precedent for the current ban.

Conclusion

The RTA’s ban on registering steering-altered vehicles underscores the authority’s commitment to road safety. By preventing potentially dangerous modified vehicles from being registered, the RTA aims to reduce the risk of accidents and enhance the safety of all road users. The public is advised to comply with these regulations to ensure their vehicles meet the necessary safety standards.