New ‘Auto Drive’ and ‘Test’ plates signal Abu Dhabi’s push for autonomous mobility.
Abu Dhabi has introduced the emirate’s first dedicated licence plates for autonomous vehicles, marking a significant step in advancing smart mobility and regulating the deployment of self-driving technology.
The new licensing system was launched by the Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility), an affiliate of the Department of Municipalities and Transport, under the supervision of the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council.
The new licence plates identify autonomous vehicles used in commercial services as well as testing and pilot programmes, making them easily recognisable to authorities and other road users across Abu Dhabi.
Vehicles providing commercial autonomous transport services will carry licence plates marked “Auto Drive”, while those used for testing and pilot programmes will display “Test”. Both plate types feature a distinctive blue design to clearly distinguish autonomous vehicles from conventional ones.
The move comes as Abu Dhabi accelerates the deployment of autonomous vehicles through commercial services and pilot projects led by specialised companies.
Officials said the initiative will also support the collection and analysis of operational data, helping to shape future policies and regulations while strengthening the emirate’s regulatory framework for autonomous mobility.
The new licence plates are part of Abu Dhabi’s broader strategy to expand autonomous transport under clear safety and operational standards.
