JobXDubai

Qatar’s Ministry of Interior has introduced new traffic rules, banning individuals from exiting the country without first settling their outstanding traffic fines. The new regulation takes effect on September 1, 2024.

No Exit Without Clearing Fines

Director of Public Relations Department at the Ministry of Interior, Brigadier Abdullah Khalifa Al Muftah, announced that traffic law violators will not be allowed to leave the country through any state borders (land, air, and sea) without paying their fines and dues.

Discount on Traffic Fines

A 50% discount on traffic violations will be applied from June 1, 2024, until August 31, 2024. The discount includes violations recorded within no more than three years.

Vehicle Exit Permit Required

Effective from May 22, 2024, a permit must be obtained from the General Directorate of Traffic for motor vehicles to exit the country. The vehicle must not have any outstanding traffic violations, and the final destination (point of arrival) for the motor vehicle must be specified.

Exemptions and Penalties

Vehicles bound for GCC countries (point of arrival) provided they have no traffic violations, and the driver is either the owner or has the owner’s consent, are exempted from the requirement for a vehicle exit permit.

In case of violating the aforementioned rules and procedures, legal actions will be taken, including administrative impoundment of the vehicle for up to 90 days.

Return of Vehicles with Qatari Plates

The rules stipulate that vehicles outside Qatar must return before applying these rules and procedures, within 90 days from the date of this announcement, unless the owner obtains a permit from the licensing authority for the vehicle to remain abroad for a specified period or periods.

Other Regulations

Buses with more than 25 passengers, taxis, and limousines are prohibited from using the left lane on road networks with three or more lanes in each direction. Delivery motorcycle riders must use the right lane on all roads, with lane changes allowed at least 300 meters before intersections.

In case of non-compliance with the above, legal action will be taken against the violator, who will be subject to referral to the Public Prosecution for its procedures according to Article 95 of Qatar’s Traffic Law.