On May 22, 2024, the Ministry of Interior announced new rules and procedures regarding permits for Qatari vehicles to exit the country, as well as procedures for paying traffic fines before departure.
This was stated during a press conference where Brigadier Abdullah Khalifa Al-Muftah, Director of Public Relations at the Ministry of Interior, Colonel Ali Hassan Al-Kaabi, Assistant Director of the Licensing Department at the General Directorate of Traffic, and Major Engineer Mohammed Misfer Al-Hajri, Assistant Director of the Traffic Safety Department, spoke.
These regulations include no traffic violations on the vehicle, specifying the final destination, and the applicant for the permit must be the owner of the vehicle or have the owner’s approval.
Regarding traffic violations, Brigadier Al-Muftah confirmed that starting from September 1st, individuals who violate traffic laws will not be allowed to travel outside the country through any ports (land, air, or sea) unless they pay the fines via the Metrash2 app, the ministry’s website, traffic departments, or unified service centers.
It was also announced that a 50% discount on the value of traffic violations recorded within the last three years will be offered from June 1st until the end of August this year.
It is noted that the current date was carefully chosen to coincide with the summer holiday, which sees many citizens and residents traveling. Additionally, the decision to waive half the value of the fines serves as an incentive for drivers to settle their traffic violations before the travel ban for offending vehicle owners takes effect.
The authorized vehicle must be returned before the permit expires, with the possibility of renewing the permit for another period or periods.
Al-Muftah confirmed that in case of violating the announced rules and procedures, legal actions will be taken, including administratively impounding the vehicle for up to 90 days. He emphasized that the renewal of the mechanical vehicle registration for vehicles outside the country will not be allowed until the condition of the technical inspection within the country is met.
If the license is not renewed within the legal timeframe, the vehicle owner must return the license plates to the General Traffic Department. Otherwise, the violator will be referred to the Public Prosecution for legal action, which includes imprisonment and fines.
Al-Miftah also announced a ban on buses with more than 25 passengers, as well as taxis and limousines, from using the left lane on roads with three or more lanes in each direction, in accordance with traffic law.
He emphasized the necessity for delivery motorcycle drivers to use the right lane of the road, with the option to change lanes at least 300 meters before intersections.
Brigadier Al-Muftah concluded by emphasizing that those who violate these rules will be subject to legal action, including referral to the Public Prosecution according to the provisions of Article 95 of the aforementioned Traffic Law. It is punishable by imprisonment for a period of no less than one week and no more than one year, a fine of no less than 3,000 riyals and no more than 10,000 riyals, or by either of these penalties.
