File photo used for representation only. Photo credit: Abdul Basit/ The Peninsula
Doha, Qatar: Motorists will start receiving message without fine for violations of not wearing a seat belt and using a mobile phone while driving for awareness purpose.
The violations will be recorded by new system from August 27. “The new decision will be implemented in two phases. First phase will start from August 27 until September 2 when motorists will receive violation message as awareness not as fine,” said Head of the Radar and Scales Department at the General Directorate of Traffic Major Hamad Ali Al Muhannadi.
The General Directorate of Traffic will start automated monitoring for traffic violations of not wearing a seat belt and using a mobile phone while driving from September 3, 2023.
Speaking to Qatar TV yesterday he said that the message during the awareness period will read ‘a violation for not wearing seatbelt or using mobile was recorded through unified radar system. This is an awareness message not a fine to pay’.
“The second phase will begin on September 3 when the issuance of violation ticket will start with fine to pay,” said Al Muhannadi. Speaking about the fine, he said that using mobile phone or any other (visual tools) electronic devices while driving which would divert the attention of motorist invites a fine of QR500, according to the article No. 54 of Traffic Law.
He explained that the two violations will be detected through the unified radar system and will be completely visible to the violator, even if he is wearing clothes of the same colour as the seat belt, and they will also be placed on Metrash2.
“Mobile phone distracts attention while driving. Most of the accidents are caused by the mobile phone. It is very danger for motorists as it distract their attention from driving,” said Al Muhannadi. He added that the fine for not wearing a seat belt is QR500, but it is one of the most serious violations because of its damage to the driver himself stressing that the seat belt is the first safety line for the driver of the vehicle because it protects him.
He called on all road users to comply with the traffic law and its executive regulations to preserve lives and property, and to contribute to the great efforts made by the various concerned authorities across the country, stressing that traffic safety is a joint responsibility between the official authorities and the society.
