Dubai: Motorists renewing their car registration must now cough up an additional Dh30 for a triangular warning sign as part of new safety procedures.
The bright reflectorised signs are sold at 10 vehicle registration centres - known as "Tasjeel" (Eppco) and "Shamil" (Emarat) - across Dubai, which must be kept in the car all the time to be used as a warning device when the vehicle stalls.
"If you don't have it in your car, then it will get a ‘fail' grade. The warning triangle is a requirement for all vehicle registrations since September 1, 2009," said Abdullah Al Hashemi, in charge of the Tasjeel centre registration in Muhaisnah Emarat station.
Most Japanese or American cars don't come with the reflectorised triangle from their dealerships.
Al Hashemi said a safety device such as the warning triangle can help prevent accidents by indicating to other motorists the presence of a stalled vehicle before it's too late.
"They do come standard only with Mercedes and BMW cars," said Al Hashemi.
Affordable
Liakat Ali, a Pakistani heavy equipment driver in Dubai, said he was surprised to know the China-made warning triangle made of plastic was now required to have his Toyota sedan registered. He said, "Dh30 is fine if it helps improve safety for me and other drivers - and if this gear lasts long enough."
A Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) official confirmed the implementation of the new requirement.
