Abu Dhabi makes ID card mandatory for traffic services once again
Those seeking renewal of existing licences and vehicle registrations exempt from requirement for now
Abu Dhabi: The Abu Dhabi Traffic Department yesterday began insisting on Emirates ID cards from those seeking its services, officials told Gulf News. However, renewal procedures have been exempted from the ID card requirement.
As reported on August 3, the traffic department had taken a stand on the Emirates ID cards following a request from the Emirates Identity Authority (EIDA).
Earlier this year, the Ministry of Interior announced ID cards would be mandatory from May 2 to avail any traffic services across the country. But the decision was temporarily suspended after it triggered chaos at traffic counters and EIDA offices.
"From yesterday morning [Tuesday], we have begun asking for ID cards once again, to obtain most of the traffic services," said an Abu Dhabi Police traffic official, who requested anonymity.
"Those who open a fresh file to undergo driving tests and process application for driving licence [after passing the test] and car registration will need to present their ID cards. But services such as renewing existing driving licence and vehicle registration do not require the ID card," the official said.
Phased implementation
EIDA told Gulf News that it had requested the traffic department to implement the ‘mandatory norm' in a phased manner. "This is the first phase; the ID card will be mandatory for renewing the driving licence and vehicle registration in the next phase," Dr Ali Al Khoury, acting general manager of EIDA, said yesterday.
The decision is to be implemented in Dubai and Sharjah later, Al Khoury said. "We are certifying more typing centres in those two emirates to do the pre-registration process [as per the new strategy]," he added.
The ID cards have been mandatory for traffic services in the other four northern emirates since November 2009. ID cards will become mandatory for obtaining more services by early 2011, he added.
Registration: System made easier
Emirates Identity Authority yesterday announced that it has modified the pre-registration system to involve typing centres all over the country. The new system which has already been implemented in Abu Dhabi, transfers the pre-registration process to typing centres which use the new e-registration form.
