Friday, March 29, 2024 | Ramadan 18, 1445 H
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EDITOR IN CHIEF- ABDULLAH BIN SALIM AL SHUEILI

Follow rules and drive safely

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Attention, motorists. Follow rules and drive safely as the new traffic rules are set to kick in from March 1, which could see you earning black points or paying hefty penalties for violations.


Motorists have also been urged to strictly follow the latest updates from the traffic department.


Motorists who earn more than 12 black points in a year will have their driving licences suspended for six months. If they accumulate more than 12 points the next year, licences will be “seized” for a year.


If the number of black points exceeds 12 in the third consecutive year, the licence will be cancelled and the driver has to take the driving test afresh on a payment of RO 100 for a new licence.


“People are seeking some clarity. Awareness campaigns are needed to avoid inconvenience in the initial days,” said Lyla, a mother of two children.


According to her, there is still confusion over the use of car seat for children and seatbelts for passengers.


The Royal Oman Police (ROP) has been conducting intensive campaigns to raise awareness among drivers about the new penalties for violations.


For instance, parking a vehicle at a slot meant for ambulances will cost a black point and a fine of RO 35.


Parking a vehicle at a slot meant for the disabled will cost two black points and a fine of RO 50.


Overtaking from the shoulder of a road will cost two black points and a fine of RO 50.


Driving at a speed below the prescribed limit will cost one black point and a fine of RO 35.


Covering the face making identifying the driver difficult will cost three black points and RO 50.


The installation of additional devices and equipment in a vehicle to increase the torque will cost three black points and RO 50.


Driving vehicles in other than the classes specified in the licence will cost three black points and RO 50.


Vehicles with ‘Export’ number plate should be registered within seven days or you will be fined RO 1 to RO 35.


Placing the number plate at an undesignated location (on the vehicle) will cost one black point and RO 35.


Some of the penalties seem harsh at the moment, but they are expected to bring down the number of accidents.


The number of accidents has come down by 39 per cent in January 2018 to 194 from 318 in January 2017.


The number of deaths from accidents too came down by 17.3 per cent in January 2018 to 43 from 52 in January 2017.


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