The most common reason a dash cam stays on after turning off the engine in the UAE is due to being hardwired to a constant power fuse instead of an ignition-switched one. Many local installers, especially in popular aftermarket shops in Deira or Al Quoz, connect it this way intentionally to enable parking surveillance, but owners often aren't properly informed. According to guidelines from the RTA Dubai regarding aftermarket electrical installations and MOI UAE's advisory on vehicle security accessories, improper wiring can lead to battery drain, which is a frequent issue during the summer when the car's battery is already under stress from prolonged air conditioning use. For a typical GCC-spec SUV like a Toyota Land Cruiser, a dash cam drawing power on a constant circuit can drain a healthy battery within 3 to 5 days in 45°C heat. The financial impact is clear: a flat battery requiring a jump-start service in Dubai costs around 100-150 AED, and repeated drains can reduce a 700 AED battery's lifespan by over a year. To fix it, you need to check the fuse tap connection yourself with a multimeter or visit a reputable installer to have it moved to a switched fuse (like the one for the power windows or radio), which typically costs 80-150 AED for the correction service.
