Dubai Introduces Digital License Plates for Vehicles

The Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) unveiled digital license plates for cars at the DIGAE technology exhibition. These new plates are electronic screens equipped with GPS, various sensors, and a microprocessor, designed to replace traditional metal license plates. According to Khaleej Times, this innovation is part of the Tag2Connect (T2C) system, which will be centrally managed by the RTA.

Benefits of Digital License Plates

RTA officials state that digital plates will help authorities combat car theft and license plate forgery, while also making life easier for drivers. “With digital license plates installed on your car, you won’t need to visit an RTA service center every year to renew your plate—your vehicle registration will be automatically renewed after inspection. Moreover, since the plates are digital, you can change or order them anytime through the RTA app without any hassle,” said Abdullah Al Marzouqi, head of Dubai’s vehicle registration department.

Smart Features and Integration

If a car is involved in an accident, the smart plates will automatically send a signal to the control center, allowing medical and police teams to respond more quickly. The T2C system will also provide drivers with real-time updates on traffic jams and accidents along their route. Additionally, drivers will be able to link an e-wallet to their digital plates for automatic parking payments. There are also plans to integrate the Salik toll system, currently used for collecting highway tolls in Dubai, into T2C.

Pilot Program and Future Plans

The smart license plates will be tested in Dubai from April to November 2018. During this period, the government aims to assess how the desert climate of the UAE affects the performance of the electronic screens. If the system proves reliable, digital license plates are expected to go on sale next year.