ABU DHABI // The Federal Traffic Council has recommended that the use of dashcams be fully clarified in law to allow motorists to record traffic incidents or unsafe driving on UAE roads.
Maj Gen Mohammed Al Zafeen, council chairman and assistant commander-in-chief of operations for Dubai Police, said the 18-member group recently submitted a proposal recommending their use become fully clarified in law.
He was quick to point out, however, that a law needed to be drafted with approval from UAE leaders for that to happen.
“The majority have said this proposal is a good one, but it hasn’t become a law yet. It has to go through the official channels and to be approved by Sheikh Saif bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior.”
Maj Gen Al Zafeen said the cameras have the potential to make roads safer.
“The good thing about them is they can help us in the future, when things go wrong, when there is a collision,” he said. “At least we will have some proof of what happened.
“In minor accidents, or even major ones, maybe an investigation could take a different route if the camera shows something different.”
The legality of dashcams has been a popular topic among motorists in recent years. There have been several high-profile case where residents have found themselves on the wrong side of the law after taking photos and video before showing it publicly.
Lawyers who have interpreted the law strictly said video recordings and still photos taken in certain areas of the country are illegal.
Taking photos in restricted areas can result in a jail term of one to three months and fines of up to Dh5,000, lawyers said.
Consent must also be given if anyone is filmed or photographed in public.
Another lawyer said evidence produced by a dashcam may be inadmissible in court under present conditions.
Dubai Police have previously encouraged residents to submit images of criminal behaviour and traffic infractions, but have also warned of legal implications about posting items on social media.
With the latest recommendation, dashcams could potentially be one step closer to full legal endorsement.
Britain’s Royal Automobile Club reported in October that dashcam use had doubled over a 12-month period, with 2.9 million motorists in the country now using the devices.
In addition, some insurers in Britain and the United States offered reduced premiums for motorists who have installed dashcams.
esamoglou@thenational.ae
