Smart driving is months away

Driving licenses to be upgraded

The government is planning a digital substitute to drivers’ licenses, vehicle registration documents, and vehicle license plates.

The Council of Ministers has approved the terms of reference to hold a tender for implementing companies. The tender will be held by the end of the year. “This is part of the 2012-ratified Traffic Law no. 243,” said Huda Salloum, Chairperson of the Traffic and Vehicle Management Authority.

“This plan will bring better control over security,” she said. The driver’s license will become a magnetic card with an embedded smart chip.

The smart card technology gives security forces a complete account of the driver’s former violations, past accidents, and other background details. It makes traffic checks simple, administrative processes quicker, and ensures that documents are standardized.

All vehicles will have their license plates and vehicle registration documents replaced.