Self-driving cars in Abu Dhabi are getting their own dedicated licence plates for the first time, marking another step forward in the capital’s plans to expand smart mobility and regulate autonomous transport.
Abu Dhabi Mobility, part of the Department of Municipalities and Transport, has introduced the new plates under the direction of the Autonomous Intelligent Systems Council. They will be used for both experimental vehicles and autonomous cars operating commercial transport services.
The plates are designed to make self-driving vehicles instantly recognisable to other road users and authorities. Commercial autonomous vehicles will carry plates marked “Auto Drive”, while cars used for trials and pilot programmes will display the word “Test”.
Both versions will feature a unified blue design, making it easier to distinguish autonomous vehicles as they begin appearing more frequently on roads across the capital.
The new plates are expected to improve road safety by making autonomous vehicles easier to identify, particularly as the number of self-driving cars operating across Abu Dhabi continues to grow.
They will also form part of the capital’s wider licensing and operational framework for autonomous transport. This will help ensure that operators meet approved technical and safety standards before vehicles are introduced on public roads.
Authorities will use the programme to collect and analyse operational data from autonomous vehicles. These insights will help shape future policies and legislation, strengthen regulations and support the wider rollout of self-driving technology across Abu Dhabi.
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