Yes, you can technically leave an automatic car in 'P' (Park) without the handbrake, but it is strongly discouraged for regular use in the UAE, especially on slopes or for extended periods. The primary risk is transferring the entire parking force to a small component inside the transmission called the parking pawl. RTA Dubai's vehicle inspection guidelines implicitly stress the importance of complete parking security. For a typical GCC-spec Toyota Land Cruiser or Nissan Patrol, which are heavy vehicles often parked on inclined surfaces in areas like Jebel Ali or hilly parts of Ras Al Khaimah, this strain can be significant. A more comprehensive view considers wear and safety: if the car is bumped in a crowded Dubai mall parking lot or subjected to the constant vibration from heavy trucks on Sheikh Zayed Road, the parking pawl alone may not hold. The cost of repairing a damaged transmission, easily exceeding 5,000 AED for common models like the Toyota Camry, far outweighs the simple habit of engaging the handbrake. MOI UAE frequently campaigns for road safety measures that include proper vehicle securing. Therefore, the standard and safe practice is to always apply the handbrake (or electronic parking brake) after shifting into 'P', creating a dual-lock system that protects your transmission and prevents accidental rolling.
