ITC Announces the Executive Regulations for the Hourly Rental of Vehicles

The Integrated Transport Centre of the Department of Municipalities and Transport in Abu Dhabi announced the executive regulations for the hourly rental of vehicles in the emirate. The executive regulations will comprise of the conditions and disciplines that regulate the hourly rental service. It also covers the obligations of the operating entities and users of this service, as well as the violations and fines imposed in the event of non-compliance according to the provisions contained within these regulations and the executive decisions issued thereunder.

The legislation defined the vehicle rental service as renting a vehicle within the emirate for a specified fee and for a period not exceeding six hours per day. The service will be provided by authorized service providers using the smart applications.

The Integrated Transport Centre will undertake tasks related to issuing the necessary permits and approvals for entities wishing to practice this activity, organizing work in this sector as well as monitoring and supervising the implementation of the executive regulations provisions and guaranteeing conformity.

The hourly rental service of vehicles is an exceptional addition to the transport and rental system in the emirate of Abu Dhabi, since it contributes to diversifying mobility options and providing alternative means of transport with high efficiency and reasonable prices that meet the needs and requirements of different segments of users, being an ideal solution for many.

Conditions for practicing the hourly rental service of vehicles
According to the resolution issued by the Department of Municipalities and Transport in regards to the executive regulations for the hourly rental of vehicles, it is prohibited for any entity or person to engage in this activity without obtaining prior approval from the Department of Economic Development and permission from the Integrated Transport Centre while observing the requirements and procedures for issuing the permit.
It is also prohibited to practice this activity except by vehicles licensed to do so from the Integrated Transport Centre and within the authorized areas, all the while maintaining periodic maintenance records of the vehicle. The service must be provided under a concession contract, which stipulates the rights and obligations of both parties – the entity seeking to engage in this activity and the ITC. Moreover, the practice permit must be renewed within (30) days from the date of its expiry.

Hourly Rental Service of Vehicles User Obligations
According to the resolution issued on the implementation of the executive regulations for the hourly rental of vehicles, the vehicle user is obliged to carry a recognized driving license, register in the smart application of the authorized operating entity, adhere to the legislation and laws regulating traffic in the emirate, and operate the vehicle in accordance with the contract concluded between them and the operating entity. Additionally, concerned authorities must be informed of any items found in the vehicle, noting that the vehicle must only be driven by the registered user.

The decision specifies the fines that will be imposed on anyone who violates the provisions of the executive regulations and clarifies the mechanism and measures required to apply for grievances and objections to fines. For more information on the executive regulations, its clauses, provisions, conditions and the schedule of violations, please visit the website of the Integrated Transport Centre www.itc.gov.ae.

It is worth highlighting that the hourly rental service of vehicles is a smart service that enables customers, through a smart application installed on mobile phones, to identify the closest available rental car, and then drive and pay according to their usage. This service is in line with the efforts undertaken to substantiate an integrated and sustainable transport network in the emirate of Abu Dhabi, which aims at providing premium services that are easy and accessible to users.

This service acts as an encouragement to society, motivating users towards using smart transport methods and contributing to the reduction of private vehicles possession, which in turn, reduces traffic congestion and maintains a clean environment. It is also an opportunity for visitors, tourists, and businessmen, to move from one place to another in the emirate with ease.