Authorities in UAE are considering the idea of legalizing dashcams in cars focusing on the possible benefits it could provide drivers and authorities during investigation in accidents. Federal Traffic Council chairman stated that its legality will still require the approval of higher government officials.
As reported by Gulf News, a proposal was submitted to Federal Traffic Council suggesting the legalization of dashcams. The issue of attaching the device in cars is still the subject of talks as sharing it in social networking sites could violate UAE's privacy laws.
If approved, the dashcams could help the police during investigations of road incidents and also capture reckless drivers. It could also be used for educational purposes for people attending driving schools and provide added knowledge to drivers on how to handle risky situations.
Furthermore, it dashcams can also be used against people who purposely involve themselves in road accidents to get compensation. According to a report by 7 Days, Federal Traffic General Mohammad Saif Al Zafeen stated that such scenario is rampant especially in hit-and-run cases where some people intentionally throw themselves in front of cars.
"Some people intend to throw themselves in front of moving cars to get compensation. If we have the cameras then it can determine who caused the accident.", Zafeen stated. Furthermore, he also stated that the proposal would still require the approval of the Deputy Prime Minister and other officials.
"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", Zafeen added as reported by The National.
The installation of dashcams is still a controversial topic as taking photos and videos of people are taken very seriously. Violation privacy laws could result to jail time for several months and fines of up to Dh5,000.
