New UAE law regulates land transport

The UAE’s new Land Transport Act will come into effect from September 1.
The new act clearly explains the rules of carrying passengers and goods between the UAE and other countries as it specifies the responsibilities and commitment of the parties to ensure the safety of passengers and goods.
According to this law, no land transport business maybe practiced without getting a license from the National Transport Authority (NTA).
The license applicant must be a UAE citizen and the transport vehicle should be equipped with safety gear and should satisfy all technical conditions stipulated by the authority.
The violators will have to face jail term or fine.
Sources said NTA had already discussed and informed the new law with officials in Saudi Arabia and other GCC countries, along with other Arab states.
The new law includes the issuance and granting of licenses related to practicing international and inter-emirates road transport services.
“In addition, it will also deal the issuance of operating cards for the entry of trucks transporting goods at border crossings as well as vehicles carrying passengers such as tourists and pilgrims,” said Nadhem bin Taher of the National Transport Authority (NTA).
The executive director of Service Centers Sector at National Transport Authority was addressing a workshop in Dubai.
“The economic development departments, the local transport departments, the chambers of commerce and industry in the UAE, car clubs, and federal agencies such as the Ministry of Interior and the Federal Customs Authority will be implementing the new law,” he added.
The law also introduces procedures for renewing and obtaining a temporary, permanent, or international driving license, and also the procedures for the guarantor and car clubs which issue customs traffic books and cards for small cars.
The Land Transport Law fixes a charge of AED500 per activity for the transport of 18 good such as livestock, foodstuff and chemicals.
The purpose of this fixed charge is to maintain regular and safe local and international transport.
Also on Tuesday, Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry held a workshop on “Land Transport Law and its by-laws” at its head office. It was organized in partnership NTA.
The workshop, led by Nadhem bin Taher and Atiq JumaNasib, senior director, commercial services sector, Dubai Chamber, discussed several issues.