New Set of Traffic Rules in Qatar
The new set of traffic rules, which prescribes stiff penalties and introduces negative points for offences, comes into force today.
Decree No.19 of 2007, issued by HH the Deputy Emir and Heir Apparent Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, forms the basis of the new set of regulations. Consisting of 106 articles, the new traffic law covers a wide range of issues pertaining to road safety, vehicles, drivers, vehicle maintenance, speed limits and seat belts. It also deals with the use of mobile phones, pedestrians, pedestrian crossings, motorbike riders and cyclists. It also lists traffic offences and their punishments and the negative points a driver earns for committing an offence.
The new law represents a major move to curb the growing number of accidents and reckless driving on Qatar’s roads. Accidents have been claiming an increasing number of lives, besides causing a huge loss to property.
Driving Licence
Sub Clause 3 of Article 29 states that exception to the mandatory requirement of acquiring a Qatari driving licence may be made in the case of visitors and tourists who possess valid driving licences, including international driving licences. They should submit such licences to the traffic department within two weeks from the date of their arrival in Qatar in order to be endorsed for the period of their stay in Qatar.
Article 31 of the law has fixed 18 years and 21 years for light and heavy vehicles, respectively, as the minimum age of eligibility to obtain the Qatari driving licence. And sub clause 3 of this Article states that the traffic authorities may waive the mandatory requirement of passing driving tests in respect of those who possess authentic and valid driving licences issued from abroad.
Article 94 stipulates that anyone who drives a vehicle without a valid driving licence shall be liable for imprisonment for a period ranging from one week to three years and payment of a minimum penalty of QR20,000 and a maximum of QR50,000.
Seat belts
Article 54 stipulates that both the driver of the vehicle and the person sitting next to him/her should wear seat belts.
Mobile Phones
Article 55 states that it is not permissible to use mobile phones or any other gadget while driving the vehicle. However, a hands-free phone may be used.
It is also not permitted for the vehicle driver to divert his attention by watching television that may be fitted in the vehicle.
Children
It also states that children under the age of 10 should not be allowed to occupy the front seat of the vehicle.
Drunken Driving
Article 57 deals with the conditions in which a person should not drive a vehicle and punishments. For instance, a person is not allowed to drive a vehicle under the influence of alcohol, drugs or any other intoxicant.
Similarly, fleeing or an attempt to flee from the accident site involving him/her as the driver of the vehicle is an offence.
The article also deals with punishments for such aspects as driving a vehicle without a licence or if the vehicle permit has been impounded by the authorities. There will also be punishment if a vehicle is used for purposes other than the permissible reasons; and if the driving licence or the vehicle permit has been withdrawn by the authorities.
Pedestrians
Article 60 states that pedestrians should not for any reason whatsoever walk on the road but stick to the pavement and always walk on the opposite side of the traffic, facing the traffic. In the absence of pavements they should stick to the extreme left side of the road.
Accidents
Article 66 spells out what one should and should not do in the event of an accident. The police should be informed as quickly as possible and first aid provided to the injured to whatever extent possible. The vehicles involved in the accident should not be moved from the accident spot without police permission.
If no one is injured, it is permissible for the vehicles involved to be moved to the roadside so as not to obstruct the normal traffic. The driver of the vehicle that has caused the accident should disclose his full identity to the police officials when required. It is also obligatory on the owner of the vehicle to disclose the identity of the person who was driving the vehicle at the time of the accident.
Signals
Article 72 explains the significance of the three colours that appear on the automatic signals at traffic junctions and intersections. The red colour is obviously a signal to halt the vehicle while the amber colour is an indication for the motorist to be in readiness to move or stop. The green is the all clear signal.
However motorists are advised to exercise caution before moving in spite of the appearance of the green signal. They may have to assess the situation and slow down in order to avoid congestion in the junction or the yellow box.
In the event of a mechanical failure of the signals, motorists should abide by the manual signals given by the traffic police.
As a general rule, motorists should bear in mind that the right of way at all traffic junctions, intersections and even on roads without any traffic signals is for the vehicles that are on one’s left side.
Speed Limits
It is obligatory on all motorists to abide by the prescribed speed limits. Article 53 states that exceeding speed limits is permissible only for police vehicles, ambulances and fire tenders.
Motorists are advised not to be too slow and also not to apply sudden brakes.
Anyone who exceeds the prescribed speed limits and resorts to rash driving shall be liable to be imprisoned for a minimum period of one month and a maximum period of three years and/or a minimum penalty of QR10,000 and a maximum of QR50,000 as stipulated in Article 94 of the law.
The law provides for awarding negative points for traffic offences and cancellation of a licence of a habitual offender. The negative points range from one to seven depending on the severity of the offence.
For instance, jumping the red light earns the driver seven points while honking unnecessarily can get the driver one negative point.
When the number of negative points total 14 for the first time, the licence may be suspended for three months. If the same person gathers 12 points again, his licence will be suspended for six months, nine months on the accumulation of the next 10 points and one year for the next eight points.
Ultimately, a driving licence may be cancelled if the same offender earns six points for the fifth time. In this case, a new driving licence shall be issued only after he passes a new driving test.
However, the law says that the earlier points in one’s account will be removed if that person does not commit any violation for one year from the time his licence is reinstated.
The Traffic Department officials have taken many steps to explain the salient features of the new law and make it familiar to the public. They included Ramadan discussions and distribution of flyers in four languages – Arabic, English, Malayalam and Urdu. The department has also brought out posters highlighting the punishments for various offences.
from Gulf Times
