Qatar is working hard to cut down on road accidents and is enforcing strict traffic laws. Violations can lead to hefty fines and even imprisonment in extreme cases. Points can also be racked up against your license and, once a limit is reached, you may no longer be permitted to drive.

Police are now armed with radar speed guns and cameras which can be spotted on many roads, particularly at traffic lights, to catch those jumping the red signal. While police vehicles are frequently found at roundabouts and on highways, officers in plainclothes are also keeping a watch.

Traffic violation statistics

Enforcing traffic rules has shown a positive effect as violations dropped by a massive 31.7% in September 2017, compared to the same month the previous year. Traffic Department figures showed 99,135 traffic violations were recorded between March and September 2017 of which 8,652 were for jumping a red light, which incurs a penalty of QR 6,000 to the driver. Cameras caught 53,600 violations and traffic instructions were violated in 9,200 cases.

With the country’s growing population, 6,500 driving licenses were granted in September 2017 alone. There were 74,400 vehicle-related transactions, which include renewals, transfers of ownership, vehicle cancellations, and exports during this period.

(Well-armed traffic cops. Photo credit: Shane MacClure/Flickr)

There were 4,100 new vehicles registered during this same period, and road accident cases in court amounted to 417 in September 2017. Significantly, there was a steep decline in road deaths with 178 in 2016 compared to 227 in 2015. This is an overall reduction of 7.8% in this time period. The General Directorate of Traffic has targeted a reduction in deaths due to traffic accidents to 130 by 2022.

Traffic Points

The Qatar driving license is based on a point system where drivers collect points for each infraction. A license is suspended for three months once a driver reaches 14 points. Repeat offenders can face lower point thresholds, longer suspension periods, and finally, cancellation of their license.

Traffic Violations

Traffic fines in Qatar can range from QR 300 to QR 6,000. The major traffic violations and fines include:

QR 6,000

• Driving a vehicle in the opposite (wrong) direction. (6 Points)
• If the driver of a vehicle parks the vehicle on the expressway in an undesignated area, or reverses or turns to the left, or to U-Turn, or drives it on the traffic island. (3 points)
• If the motorist does not abide by the manual signals activated by the traffic police. (7 points)

QR 3,000

• Driving a non-registered vehicle. (2 points)
• Driving a vehicle without number plates. (3 points)
• If the drivers of transport vehicles (buses of all types) and trucks, goods vehicles, trailers or semi-trailers, do not keep to the right side of the road or overtake other vehicles. (1 point)
• Driving a vehicle that makes noisy sounds or dense fumes causing bad smoke, or leaks flammable materials or harms the public health or environment or damages the road or driving a vehicle without an appropriate silencer. (3 points)

QR 1,500

• Driving a vehicle on the road without renewal of its license. (points-NIL)
• Making unauthorized changes of color or shape of the number plates, or altering the details on it, or loaning it or exchanging it. (3 points)
• If a motorcyclist or bicyclist does not hold on the handlebar with both hands unless when required to indicate, signals manually, or if he holds onto another vehicle while driving, or if a two-wheeler drives on one wheel or tries to tow, carry, push, or drag objects that can obstruct traffic or endanger themselves or others on the road.( Points-NIL)

Click HERE for the complete list of traffic rule violations and penalties in Qatar.

How to check traffic violations and pay

Traffic fines can be paid either in person or online. To pay in person, you have to go to the Ministry of Interior collection office or the Traffic Department.

(General Traffic Department Qatar. Photo credit: Bertrand Philippe)

You can also pay your vehicle's traffic penalties or fines due online by using the e-payment service. Violations can be checked and fines paid through the Ministry of Interior website or Metrash2.

Instructions

• Enter your ID, plate number, or establishment ID.
• Each violation will be listed along with details including the date/time, location, description of violation, and the amount due
• Click on 'Settlement of Violations'
• Click on 'Traffic Services'
• Click on 'Traffic Violations'
• Log in with your smart card
• Complete the payment process

Have you ever violated traffic rules, knowingly or unknowingly? Did you have to pay a fine? Let us know your experiences in the comments below, and don't forget to like and share this article to allow others to stay informed.

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Khadiza Begum

Content Writer

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