RTA Reviews Strategic Plan of Licensing Agency

Licensing Agency at Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) embarked on the implementation of projects and plans envisaged under the three pillars of the recently approved Strategic Plan of the Agency; which is geared towards realizing the vision of Licensing Agency: Safe Driver, Safe Vehicle, and World-Class Customer Services; which in turn adds to the realization of RTA vision of providing Safe and Smooth Transport for All.

"Licensing Agency has set out its programs; which aim at building the systems and standards to ensure the safety of both the driver & vehicle, and upgrade customer services to world-class standards" said Ahmed Bahrozyan, CEO of RTA Licensing Agency.

"Accordingly the Agency launched a bunch of programs to achieve the said objectives such as designing, implementing and presenting a customer service project which aims to design, offer and deliver services through new channels i.e. we will not only be relying on rendering services through Customer Service Centers; a step which will save the time and effort of our customers. Examples of these include offering services through the internet, mail, telephone, kiosks, mobile services and other channels which are still under review at this stage. The project will be completed in the first quarter of 2010; however, new channels of some services will be activated before the end of this year.

"In order to improve customer service standards, e-appointments system was launched as a means to schedule driver testing appointments, which contributed to streamlining driver testing, minimizing the waiting time between the end of training sessions and road testing, and enabling the customer to fix a suitable testing time. Such service will be provided online through RTA portal, as well as Customer Service Centers.

"The Agency started activation of its e-services and as of the beginning of last month customers can avail some online licensing services such as renewal of vehicle registration, and renewal of driving license through RTA website. Work is progressing on activating most of the online services, be it related to vehicle & driver licensing, selling of number plates, or commercial licensing.

"The Agency is also seeking to upgrade driver training & licensing services, and simplify related procedures. This is set to be achieved through restructuring the whole process starting from training till the customer obtains the driving license. The new procedures will be announced during the coming few weeks.

"As to ensuring the safety & security of the driver and vehicle, the Agency launched several projects such as updating driver training & qualification policies to take on board key factors involved in the training to qualify capable drivers. Such policies were not applicable in the past such as issuance of temporary driving licenses to new drivers and introducing night training to enable drivers experience night driving and accordingly acquire skills which were not sought before. Moreover, a comprehensive awareness center will be established to educate old and new drivers in an effort to refine the driving attitudes of those drivers who show remarkable rates of incompliance with driving and traffic rules. Among other policies approved by the Agency and set to be implemented over the coming few weeks is the eye-sight testing of drivers; which is one of the key stipulations for processing driving license transactions.

As regards vehicles and their road safety, the Agency launched Technical Testing Systems & Standards Evaluation Project in the emirate in order to have in place a system that ensures road worthiness of vehicles before being licensed. A contract was made with a specialist German company where the current technical testing standards together with the prevailing international standards will be studied to come out with enhanced world-class standards to ensure vehicle road worthiness, and minimize accidents resulting from vehicles which fall short of those standards.

As to the role of the Agency in monitoring road safety of heavy vehicles, Bahrozyan said: "The Agency has worked out a plan to enhance its role in this field through training inspectors, as well as the provision of tools, devices and equipment necessary for carrying out their jobs in full coordination with Dubai Police. Equally, the Agency is studying the technology used in monitoring the safety of heavy vehicles in some advanced countries with the aim of planning to bring in this technology to Dubai as of next year such that the inspector will be able to do his job accurately and smoothly without having to stop vehicles on roads and delaying vehicles which are not in violation of the approved standards & specifications.

"There are several strategic partners of Licensing Agency who are offering services to customers on behalf of the RTA. The Agency therefore opted to upgrade the system that aims to assess the performance of these partners in their respective fields so as to provide accurate information to customers, and foster a competitive environment between partners; which will ultimately add to the sustained development of services and customer service levels.

RTA Launches Online Vehicle Registration & Driving License Renewal Services

Licensing Agency at Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) announced the launch of two e-services for renewal of driving licenses and vehicle registration. The announcement was made in a press conference held by Licensing Agency in its premises at Dubai Airport Free Zone.It was confirmed by Ahmed Hashim Bahrozyan, CEO of RTA Licensing Agency, that the Agency launched these e-services to facilitate the processing of transactions without having to report physically to the offices of the Agency; thus saving much time and effort, delivering smooth processes, and easing the pressure on Customer Service Centers."Introduction of driving licenses and vehicle registration renewal services online is meant to open up new and diverse channels for dealing with clients and help them avail of the range of services rendered by the agency such that the transaction can be electronically processed from any site at home, office or a commercial center. This service is particularly relevant to owners of vehicles with lifetime less than three years, as they are not inspected, but only registered; thereby raising productivity and improving the level of service," Bahrozyan explained.He added: "While all sectors of the community will benefit from the introduction of these online services, attention will be directed towards the big businesses to urge them go online so as to alleviate the congestion at the centers and save the time wasted in waiting for extended hours since the online renewal needs only few minutes to process."These two services could be used to acquire and seek information relevant to the renewal of vehicle registration, driving license details, driving license renewal, offences and fines payment, and distinguished number plates."There are five steps to be taken to process the renewal of driving license online, namely: Taking an eyesight test with any of RTA-approved eye-sight testing partner, providing a passport copy together with a personal photograph to the eyesight testing center, inserting the existing personal file through RTA portal (www.rta.ae) or creating a new one, paying renewal fees and fines (if any) online by using a credit card or e-dirham, and receiving the renewed driving license at the place designated by the client within four working days from receiving the RTA confirmation message."Procedures to be followed in renewing the registration card includes opening a new personal file through the RTA website, testing the vehicle at one of the approved vehicle testing centers if the lifetime of the vehicle exceeds four years, submitting vehicle insurance, paying fines & fees online, and receiving the renewed registration card at the place designated by the client within four working days.Bahrozyan finally commented: "Launching e-services is an integral part of a master development plan covering all services provided by the RTA.  The ultimate goal is providing easy access to the service delivered by Licensing Agency to all customers with the highest technological approved standards which illustrates the success of the RTA. It also fits well with the ongoing drive to keep pace with the e-vision adopted by the Government of Dubai to set the structures of e-business environment across the government departments as well as private sector entities".In addition to Ahmed Bahrozyan, the press conference was attended by the Director of Vehicle Licensing Dep’t Mohammed Abdul Kareem Nemaat, Director of Driver Licensing Dep’t Ali Al Jasim, and the Director of IT Dep’t at RTA Corporate Support Services Sector Abdullah Al Bastaki.

More Than AED23m Fetched From 62nd Number Plates Auction

Vehicle number plate (G 60) topped the sales and fetched 1,390,000 dirham in the 62nd Distinguished Number Plates Auction recently held by Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) at Jumeirah Beach Hotel; which raised total proceeds of 23,775,000 dirham.

“The aggregate amount raised in the 62nd Auction is testament to the success of Distinguished Number Plates Auction in Dubai” said the CEO of RTA Licensing Agency Ahmed Hashim Bahrozyan. “The Auction made a good progress towards meeting the demand of a wide segment of the public wishing to own distinguished numbers. This is reflected in the attendance of about 300 bidders who participated effectively in the bidding process and hailed the improved procedure of organizing & displaying distinguished numbers. During the Auction 105 numbers were offered comprising 2, 3, 4, and 5-digit numbers of categories F, G, H & I” he added.

“Out of the total 105 numbers offered, 4 were 2-digit plates, 43 were 3-digit plates, 32 were 4-digit plates, and 26 were 5-digit plates. In the sales ring, 2-digit number plates topped the list of proceeds with the number (G 60) clocking the highest sales price of 1.39 million dirham, next came (G 27) which fetched 1.3 million dirham, followed by (H 90) selling for 1.25 million dirham, and (G 45) which was sold for 1.18 million dirham.

“3-digit numbers, which included 43 numbers, was topped by (H 100) which was sold for one million dirham, and the 4-digit numbers, which included 32 numbers, was topped by (G 4444) selling for 610,000 dirham, whereas 5-digit numbers, which included 26 numbers, was topped by (G 88888) selling for 670,000 dirham.

“The Distinguished Number Plate Auctions, which are held almost on monthly basis, are making continued successes in attracting a wide spectrum of community segments hailing from various emirates who are making serious bids to own distinguished numbers in offer. RTA is therefore seeking to continue with upgrading the Auction in terms of procedures and diversity of issuing new numbers to meet aspirations of these individuals to own distinguished licensing numbers” added Bahrozyan.

The CEO of Licensing Agency elaborated on the factors underlying the success of the 62nd Auction and said: “We can single out two-fold success factors; operational and logistical. These include mobilizing all resources to promote the Auction and licensing numbers, systematic marketing planning adopting various tools to reach the targeted audience, official media support, and forming a work team to oversee the Auction program & requirements. Other factors include the official announcement of the Auction 15 days in advance, and prior arrangements made for the venue and the Auction company, culminating in a smooth flow of associated operations.

RTA Signs Eye-Test Pact

The Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) recently signed an Agreement with Al Jaber Optical Centre and Al Yateem Optician for conducting eye tests in respect of individuals applying for new driving licenses or renewals.The Agreement was signed by the Director of Driving Licensing Dep’t at RTA Licensing Agency Ali Al Jassim on behalf of RTA, with the CEO of Al Jaber Optical Centre Ahmed Al Jaber, and the CEO of Yateem Optician Nasir Abdullah Ali.“The Agreement, which was signed with two specialized optical companies; vis-à-vis Al Jaber & Al Yateem, covers a period of three years. Six months from now it will be mandatory for applicants of new driving licenses or renewals to conduct the required eye test through these two companies exclusively” said Ali Al Jassim.He added: “The aim of this Agreement is to deliver top-class services at the highest international standards applicable in this regard, and facilitate the process of license renewal. The Agreement also aims to ensure the proper conduct of eye test, which has to be carried out on sound international basis as it has considerable importance that can ultimately impact the safety of the driver, road user and the public in general, thereby contributing to the vision of the RTA in providing Safe & Smooth Transport for All.“The Agreement made with Al Jaber Centre and Yateem Optician marks the start of a new series of e-services rendered by the RTA to customers. Once the customer clears the eye test, he or she can proceed ahead with the driving license transaction and pay the prescribed fees of 110 dirham online.“Licensing Agency has made this Agreement with a view to broadening the base of excellent services, simplifying procedures and saving the customer from the inconvenience of physical presence to process the required transaction, as the customer will now have the luxury to process such transaction at home. This in turn will attract the attention of a wider bracket of customers who prefer to process their transactions online, and help breakaway from the routine practices” he added.In another related development Al Jassim revealed: “The Agency has recently signed two Agreements; the first one, which was signed with driving institutes in the emirate of Dubai, was related to practicing the activities of training and licensing drivers. It aims at boosting the cooperation between the two parties in all fields related to setting the service levels and enhancing matters related to road security & safety. The second Agreement, which was signed with Dubai Civil Defence, was related to licensing the activities and vehicles of transporting dangerous materials. The Agreement seeks to boost joint cooperation and coordination between the two parties and cement their strategic relationship in a way to enhance the security and safety of transport means licensed by both parties in lifting hazardous materials.
 

RTA Endorses Implementation Regulations Of Quad Bikes Use & Licensing In Dubai

Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) endorsed the Implementation Regulations governing the use and licensing of quad bikes in Dubai. The news was released in a press conference held yesterday at the premises of Licensing Agency at Dubai Airport Free Zone Area.

The Director of Drivers Licensing Dep’t at RTA Licensing Agency Ali Al Jasim said that RTA took this important step in the context of the ongoing efforts to enhance security and safety. “Endorsing this Law No. 4/2008 is another landmark in supporting the drive towards fulfilling the vision of the RTA to provide Safe and Smooth Transport for All” he said.

The Law stipulates that the quad bike must not be driven or rented unless it has been registered or licensed at RTA Licensing Agency in accordance with a set of stipulations & requirements endorsed by Licensing Agency in its capacity as the competent authority in this regard. According to the Regulation, quad bikes are classified in categories according to the engine capacity, speed and endurance. Accordingly the age of the quad biker is set in three age brackets; the first one is Less than 8 Years: the engine capacity must be 0-50 cc and the speed 25 km/h. The second one is From 8 to 16 Years: the engine capacity must be 50-90 cc and the speed 25-80 km/h. The third one is More than 16 Years: the engine capacity must be higher than 90 km and the speed above 80 km/h.

The Law included 15 articles at the top of which comes the stipulations governing technical testing & licensing of quad bikes. At the time of licensing or renewing registration the quad bike is subjected to certain stipulations, which include: availability of all major components, compliance with traffic security & safety conditions, solid chassis with clear numbers, compatibility of the engine design, and availability of lighting fittings. Licensing requirements include submitting a copy of identity certificate, ownership documents, a comprehensive insurance certificate valid for a period specified by the Agency, and certification of individuals having attended safety courses and acquaintance with operation & driving principles, issued from sales dealers or specialized institutes.

The applicant for licensing must be in the business of renting quad bikes, and fulfill some stipulations & requirements such as submitting the application in the form prescribed by the Agency, and signing an undertaking to comply with the provisions of the Law & the Implementation Regulations. The quad bike must be registered and licensed by the Agency. Renting offices have to prepare a log to register the particulars of quad bike renters, comply with the operation timings specified by the RTA, refrain from renting quad bikes to those of less than 16 years of age without seeking approval from the guardian, and disallow riding of more than one person on the quad bike.

Sales dealers and specialized institutes must seek a permit from the Agency in delivering safety courses to quad bikers. The instructor or lecturer must not hold courses or deliver lectures in the field of safety without obtaining an approval from the Agency to practice training. Equally, the approval of the Agency must be sought by those parties intending to organize quad bike races.

Besides Ali Al Jasim, the press conference was attended from Licensing Agency by the Director of Vehicle Licensing Dep’t Mohammed Abdul Kareem Nimaat, the Director of Monitoring & Enforcement Dep’t Nabeel Yousuf Al Ali, Director of Commercial Transport Activities Sultan Al Marzooki, and Director of Drivers Training & Qualification Dep’t Mahmoud Al Marzooki.