DUBAI, 15th May, 2017 (WAM) -- H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, has issued Executive Council Resolution No.18 of 2017 pertaining to the licensing and use of recreational motorcycles in Dubai.

The Resolution is aimed at maintaining the safety of motorcyclists in line with international best practices. It obligates motorcycle owners, rental agencies and event organisers to put in place terms, conditions and regulations that ensure safe and secure use.

The Resolution specifies the responsibilities and authorities of Dubai Roads and Transport Authority, RTA, in this regard, which include licensing and registering recreational motorcycles, issuing permits for motorcycle rental offices and motorcycle racetracks in collaboration with concerned authorities in Dubai, issuing permits for constructing motorcycle arenas or motorcycle-related events, increasing awareness about the safe use of recreational motorcycles, monitoring and inspecting the facilities under the purview of this Resolution and taking legal measures against any violators.

The Resolution strictly forbids the driving of recreational motorcycles in residential areas, roads or any other areas marked as restricted by the RTA or any other competent authority in Dubai.

According to the Resolution, riders of recreational motorcycles must be over 16 years of age, physically fit, possess the knowledge and skills to operate the motorcycle, wear the proper gear and adopt all required safety measures.

The Resolution also sets out the terms and conditions for licensing recreational motorcycles for family and business use, for establishing or operating motorcycle racetracks and arenas, and organising events or activities involving recreational motorcycles.

The Resolution also requires agencies renting recreational motorcycles and motorcycle racetracks to maintain a special log with the customers name, nationality and age in addition to the date and time of the rental period and any other information required by the RTA. The rental offices must also keep a copy of the customers license and any other documents required by RTA. The rental offices must also provide their customers with safety guidelines. The Resolution also obligates rental agencies to adopt proper safety measures for fuel storage and abide by its requirements for safety equipment and first aid kits.

The Resolution also prescribes the list of violations, penalties for these violations and grievance procedures related to recreational motorcycles.

Motorcycle rental agencies and racetracks have been given a period of six months to comply with the articles and provisions of this Resolution.

This new Resolution annuls Regulation No. 04 of 2008 regarding the use and licensing of recreational motorcycles. The new Resolution also annuls any other legislation that contradicts or challenges its articles. The bylaws issued pursuant to Regulation No. 04 of 2008 remain valid until a new set of bylaws replace them. This Resolution will be published in the Official Gazette, and is effective from the date of publication.

Copyright Emirates News Agency (WAM) 2017.