Doha: The Ministry of Interior of Qatar has said that those who violated the traffic law cannot leave the country without paying the fine. The General Directorate of Traffic has announced that the rules and measures will come into effect from May 22. From September 1, 2024, traffic violators will not be able to leave the country by any means without paying the fine.
1. Motor vehicles must obtain a permit from the General Directorate of Traffic to enter the country. For this prescribed form and prescribed conditions should be followed.
(1) The vehicle must not have outstanding traffic fines.
(2) Specify the place of arrival of the motor vehicle.
(3) The applicant for the permit must be the owner of the vehicle. Otherwise the owner’s consent document must be produced to take the vehicle out of the country.
Certain vehicles are exempted from vehicle exit permit.
(1) Vehicles destined for GCC countries. They should not have any traffic violations. The driver must be the owner of the vehicle or the owner’s consent.
(2) Goods carrying vehicles
2. Rules to be followed for returning vehicles with Qatar number plates
Apart from the exemptions mentioned above (No. 1), owners of vehicles outside the country must comply with the following:
(1). Vehicles outside the country prior to the entry into force of these rules and procedures must return the vehicles within (90) days from the date of this notice. Otherwise the owner must obtain a permit from the licensing authority to keep the vehicle abroad for a specified period.
(2) Before the permit expires, the vehicle allowed to leave the country must be returned. The permit is also renewable for a longer period.
3. Violation of the above rules and procedures shall result in legal action including impoundment of the vehicle for a period not exceeding (90) days.
4 . From the date of promulgation of this Act, vehicle registration shall not be renewed for vehicles outside the country unless the condition of completion of technical inspection within the country is met. If the registration is not renewed within the statutory period (30 days from the expiry date), the owner of the vehicle must return the license number plates to the General Directorate of Traffic.
Failure to return the plates shall result in referral to public prosecution for proceedings under Article (95) of the Traffic Act referred to above. (Imprisonment of not less than one week and not more than one year and a fine of not less than (3,000) Qatari Riyals and not more than (10,000) Qatari Riyals, or either of these is punishable by this Act.
5 . Allowed 50% relaxation in traffic violation amount for all motor vehicles (June 1, 2024 to August 31, 2024). This waiver includes violations recorded within three years.
6 . From September 1, 2024, traffic law violators will not be allowed to leave the country without paying fines and dues through the country’s ports (land/air/sea).
7. From May 22, 2024, according to Traffic Law Article (49), buses, taxis and limousines with more than 25 passengers are prohibited from using the left lane on roads with three or more lanes in each direction. Delivery Motorcycle riders must use the right lane on all roads. Lane change is allowed at least (300 meters) before intersections.
Violators who do not follow the prescribed lane will be handed over to public prosecution. Actions will be taken under Article (95) of the Traffic Act.
