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Dubai to trial digital number plates

They'll even flash 'stolen' if the car is... stolen


The emirate of Dubai will begin testing "Tag 2 Connect" digital number plates from next month.

Sultan Abdullah al-Marzouqi, head of vehicle licensing at Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), has told the BBC the digital plates can inform emergency services if the vehicle they're attached to has been involved in an accident.

At the Future Cities 2018 show, al-Marzouqi informed the Khaleej Times the smart plates can also flash the word "stolen" if the vehicle is reported as missing. Additionally, the digital plates can warn drivers about accidents, traffic jams or changed conditions on the road ahead.


Above: Sultan Abdullah al-Marzouqi at Future Cities 2018, via the Khaleej Times.

Fines, parking fees and registration costs can be automatically billed via the smart plate and its associated electronic wallet.

According to Gulf News, the numbers and design of the plates can be changed online via the RTA's website or smartphone app. Symbols can be automatically added to the plate when the car is being driven by a new or learner driver.

The trial will run from May to November this year where the new plates will be tested by the worst the harsh desert climate has to offer. During the summer months the emirate regularly has top temperatures, in the shade, of around 41 degrees Celsius.

There's no indication yet how much these digital licence plates will cost, nor when they may go into general use.

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