A new legislation has been established by Dubai to govern driverless cars there. The ordinance, signed by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai, is intended to establish a legal framework that encourages the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the transportation sector.

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) will be in charge of creating technical, operational, and safety standards as well as developing methods to control the use of self-driving cars. The law is also anticipated to draw investments to the industry.

After the new law is put into effect, RTA will need licences for all activity involving autonomous vehicles. The rule specifies the prerequisites for obtaining a licence, which include passing the RTA’s technical exam and being able to read traffic signals.

Penalties for infractions range from AED 500 to AED 20,000, with a maximum fine of AED 50,000 for several infractions during a 12-month period.

In addition to governing autonomous cars, the new law outlines licencing requirements and obligations for operators, agents, and passengers.

Additionally, it spells out the obligations of operators in the event of accidents and mandates that they pay for all damage costs. In the emirate, sales and transfers of driverless vehicles must be handled by licenced agents, and any transfers of vehicles between operators require prior RTA approval.

According to the new law, all Dubai government agencies are required to work with RTA to assist its duties in overseeing the autonomous car sector.