All About Qatar Traffic Fines
Driving in a new country brings its own set of challenges, especially when it comes to understanding local traffic regulations and fines. For expats in Qatar, being aware of traffic fines is essential to avoid surprises on the road.
This guide explores common traffic violations, the associated penalties and the steps to pay fines, ensuring you’re well-prepared. This information is crucial to helping you drive responsibly and avoid fines.
Understanding Traffic Violations in Qatar
Qatar uses the Black Point System to manage traffic violations. When drivers get their licence, they start with 14 points. Each traffic violation deducts points from their license.
If all points are used up, the driver loses their license. Drivers can check their points on the Metrash2 mobile app or the Ministry of Interior (MOI) website.
After accumulating a certain amount of points, these demerit points automatically reset upon going an entire year without committing a violation. The points are also reset upon license cancellation.
List of Traffic Fines in Qatar
This section provides a comprehensive list of traffic fines in Qatar, detailing the penalties for various violations to help drivers stay informed and compliant with the local laws.
Speed-Related Traffic Violations
Speeding is a common cause of accidents and is strictly regulated in Qatar. This section outlines the fines and penalties for speed-related offences to promote safe driving.
| Traffic Violations | Fine (QR) | Demerit Points |
| Speeding on the Road (Minimum Fine QR 500 with QR 100 added penalty every 10km/h). | 500 | Upto 4 |
| Driving 10km/h over speed limit | 500 | – |
| Driving 20km/h over speed limit | 600 | – |
| Driving 30km/h over speed | 700 | 1 |
| Driving 40km/h over speed | 800 | 2 |
| Driving 50km/h over speed | 900 | 3 |
| Driving 60km/h over speed | 1000 | 4 |
| Sudden braking without an emergency. | 300 | – |
| Not Adjusting Vehicle Speed Based on road condition, weather, vehicle load and condition. | 300 | – |
| Driving the vehicle too slowly in a way that interrupts the flow of traffic. | 300-500 | – |
| Not Signaling Clearly and giving enough time for others to react. | 300 | – |
| Driving too slow in the left lane of the road without letting other vehicles pass. | 500 | – |
Driving-Related Traffic Violations
Driving responsibly is crucial for road safety. Here, we cover various driving-related violations and their respective fines to ensure drivers understand the rules of the road.
| Traffic Violations | Fine (QR) | Demerit Points |
| Failing to stay on the right side of the road. | 500 | 1 |
| Not following lane discipline on the main road. | 500 | 1 |
| A driver exiting, entering, turning or reversing a vehicle without following the prescribed precautions by law while reaching a side road or a point near the road. | 500 | 1 |
| To drive a vehicle on a restricted road without written permission from a licensing authority or to allow someone else to do so. | 500 | – |
| If the driver does not maintain distance from the front vehicle, fails to pay attention to the signals or tries to overtake it from the right. | 500 | – |
| Overtaking vehicles on ambiguous elevations, arched bridges, curves, roundabouts, sharp turns or where overtaking is prohibited by traffic signals. | 500 | – |
| If a driver speeds up while another vehicle is overtaking. | 500 | – |
| Overtaking when the vision is unclear. | 500 | – |
| Not following road signs indicating directions by the licensing authority. | 500 | – |
| Overtaking vehicles that are carrying students in residential areas. | 500 | – |
| If a driver reverses a vehicle on the main road without an emergency. | 1500 | 3 |
| If transport vehicles, trucks, goods vehicles, trailers and semi-trailers do not stick to the right side of the road or try to overtake other vehicles. | 3000 | 1 |
| Driving a vehicle in the wrong direction (opposite to oncoming traffic). | 6000 | 6 |
| Parking a vehicle on the expressway in an undesignated area to turn to the left or reverse or drive on the traffic island. | 6000 | 3 |
Intersection-related Traffic Fines in Qatar
Intersections can be high-risk areas for accidents. Check out the fines for common intersection-related violations, helping drivers navigate these areas safely.
| Traffic Violations | Fine (QR) | Demerit Points |
| Disobey manual traffic signals. | 6000 | 7 |
| Disobey automatic traffic signals. | 6000 | 7 |
| Obstructing the flow of traffic at an intersection despite having the right of way. | 500 | 3 |
| Failing to give priority to other vehicles at multi-crossroad intersections. | 300 | – |
| Ignoring signals and signs or not giving priority to vehicles on the left of the intersection without signs or signals. | 300 | – |
| Not giving right way to vehicles on a paved road at an intersection where another road is unpaved. | 300 | – |
| Not giving right of way to vehicles approaching the main road while the driver is entering the main road from a side road. | 300 | – |
Parking-Related Traffic Violations
Proper parking is essential for maintaining order and safety on the streets. Learn about the fines for different parking violations in Qatar to avoid unnecessary penalties.
| Traffic Violations | Fine | Demerit Points |
| Park or wait for a vehicle at an undesignated area | 300 | 3 |
| Parking or waiting near pedestrian crossings or sidewalks. | 300 | 3 |
| To park or wait on bridges, flyovers or underpasses in undesignated areas. | 300 | 3 |
| To park or wait on the main section of a road near curves or elevations. | 300 | 3 |
| To park or wait within 15 meters of crossroads, ground entrances, roundabouts, pedestrian crossings or public transport stations. | 300 | 3 |
| To park or wait in front of private residences, garages, petrol stations, hospitals, first-aid centres, fire stations, police stations, military zones and educational institutions. | 300 | 3 |
| To park or wait on the main section of the road next to continuous ground signs where crossing is prohibited. | 300 | 3 |
| To park or wait in such a way that prevents other vehicles from moving. | 300 | 3 |
| To park or wait on the side of the road next to a parked car. | 300 | 3 |
| To park or wait in an area where it’s prohibited. | 300 | 3 |
| To park in spaces designated for people with special needs. | 300 | 3 |
| To park in a paid parking area without paying. | 300 | 3 |
| To park or wait in a paid parking area past the specified time limit. | 300 | 3 |
| To park or wait so that it blocks taxi parking or causes congestion in front of the taxi parking. | 300 | 3 |
| To leave the vehicle on the road such that it can cause an accident, cause a traffic jam or be used by someone else. | 500 | 3 |
Emergency/Official-Related Traffic Violations
Respecting emergency and official vehicles is critical. This section details the fines for violations involving emergency vehicles and official duties to ensure compliance and safety.
| Traffic Violations | Fine (QR) | Demerit Points |
| To use an emergency siren without any emergency for the police, state security, civil defence or ambulance drivers. | 200 | 1 |
| To follow an emergency vehicle closely by staying within 50 meters of the vehicle. | 500 | – |
| To overtake emergency vehicles with sirens. (eg: police, state security, civil defence and ambulances). | 500 | – |
| Not allowing emergency vehicles to pass through during an emergency. | 500 | – |
| Not immediately moving out of the way at intersections or junctions for emergency vehicles. | 500 | – |
| Not moving a vehicle to the nearest safe area after a non-injury accident where the vehicle is still drivable. | 500 | – |
| Not providing your/owner’s name or address to the traffic police in case of an accident. | 500 | – |
| To obstruct or attempt to join an official convoy or motorcade (on vehicle and on foot). | 500 | – |
Motorcycle/Bicycle-Related Traffic Violations
Motorcyclists and cyclists must follow specific rules. To promote safe and lawful riding, we list the fines for violations related to motorcycles and bicycles here.
| Traffic Violations | Fine (QR) | Demerit Points |
| Not riding a bicycle on the right side of the road, not following other bicyclists or not using designated bike lanes when available. | 300 | – |
| Not using front, back and side lights and a reflector on the back of the bike when riding a bicycle or motorcycle during poor weather or between sunset and sunrise. | 300 | – |
| Not using lanes specified for motor vehicles. | 300 | 1 |
| Carrying passengers on motorcycles or bicycles that can’t carry passengers. | 300 | – |
| Not wearing a helmet as a motorist and a passenger on the back. | 300 | – |
| Riding a bicycle or motorcycle with one hand while driving on one wheel, holding onto another vehicle, towing or carrying objects that obstruct traffic. | 1500 | – |
Vehicle Body MOI Traffic Violations
Modifying your vehicle’s body can lead to fines if not done according to regulations. This section covers the fines associated with vehicle body modifications and violations.
| Traffic Violations | Fine (QR) | Demerit Points |
| Using a vehicle or modifying it for advertisement without written approval from the licensing authority in Qatar. | 500 | – |
| Tampering with vehicle registration or allowing someone to do so. | 300 | 3 |
| To drive a vehicle with broken or unsafe parts. | 500 | 4 |
| Place signs or advertisements that obstruct the view of traffic signs. | 1000 | 1 |
| Tinting a vehicle’s windows without approval from the licensing authority in Qatar. | 1000 | – |
| Using or allowing others to use a vehicle for unlicensed purposes. | 3000 | 3 |
| Driving a vehicle without a silencer spreads noise and pollution in the environment. | 3000 | 3 |
| To drive a heavy-duty construction on an unauthorised road. | 3000 | 3 |
Vehicle Lights-Related MOI Traffic Violations
Light vehicles must adhere to specific regulations. Here are the related legal requirements:
| Traffic Violations | Fine (QR) | Demerit Points |
| Using a high-beam or fog light in the front or rear in weather conditions that do not require this kind of light. | 500 | 1 |
| To drive with high-beam lights that are not adjusted towards the right side of the road. | 200 | 1 |
| Driving vehicles pulled by men or animals during nighttime or poor weather without using a white light on the front and a red light on the back. | 300 | 1 |
| Driving a vehicle without the appropriate lights between sunset and sunrise or parking the vehicle with high beam/fog lights turned on. | 500 | 1 |
| Driving at night or during weathers that reduce visibility without using the proper lights. | 1000 | – |
Vehicle Horn MOI Traffic Violations
Using a vehicle horn improperly can be disruptive and dangerous. This section outlines the fines for misuse of vehicle horns to encourage courteous and safe driving.
| Traffic Violations | Fine (QR) | Demerit Points |
| Misusing the vehicle horn. | 300 | 1 |
| Use of air horns or musical horns on vehicles. | 300 | 1 |
| To drive a vehicle on the road without a working horn. | 300 | 1 |
| To use horns, lights or devices specific to emergency vehicles (police, civil defence, ambulances) without written approval from the licensing authority is expressly prohibited. | 1000 | 1 |
Vehicle Registration Traffic Violations
Keeping your vehicle registration up to date is mandatory. Below, you can learn about the fines for registration-related violations to ensure your vehicle is always compliant.
| Traffic Violations | Fine (QR) | Demerit Points |
| Not displaying the vehicle license sticker specifying the valid date of the license clearly on the vehicle when requested. | 300 | 1 |
| Failure to report lost or damaged vehicle registration cards or not returning found registration cards after applying for a new one. | 500 | – |
| The owner does not inform the licensing authority in writing about vehicle ownership within 3 days of the change of ownership. | 500 | – |
| Driving a vehicle that has had its license suspended. | 1500 | 3 |
| Driving without a renewed vehicle license. (Istimara) | 1500 | – |
| If the owner does not report changes to name, nationality, ID, residence or address to the traffic authority. | 500 | – |
| Driving an unregistered vehicle. | 3000 | 2 |
Driving License Traffic Violations
Holding a valid driving license is essential for legal driving. These are the fines for various driving license violations to help drivers maintain proper licensing:
| Traffic Violations | Fine (QR) | Demerit Points |
| Having multiple licenses of the same kind, using a license for illegal purposes or letting someone else use a license, with only notable exceptions being when allowed by the law. | 500 | – |
| Not reporting a lost license to the traffic department or not returning the found license to the licensing authority in Qatar. | 300 | – |
| Driving without a license or failing to present a license when requested by the police. | 500 | 1 |
| Driving with a license that is due for renewal. | 1500 | – |
| To drive with a license that has been suspended. | 3000 | 3 |
Number Plate-Related Traffic Violations
Number plates must meet specific standards. Learn about the number plate violation fines to avoid penalties and ensure your vehicle is correctly registered.
| Traffic Violations | Fine (QR) | Demerit Points |
| Using commercial number plates in an unauthorised manner. | 500 | – |
| The use of “For Test” plates which are deemed as unauthorised. | 500 | – |
| Attach a commercial or test vehicle plates or lend another person to drive said vehicle. | 500 | – |
| Not returning commercial, temporary or test number plates to the licensing authority when cancelled or failed to renew. | 500 | – |
| Not reporting the damage or the loss of a number plate to the licensing authority. | 500 | 2 |
| In cases where the vehicle is not in use, the license is not renewed, the registration is cancelled or the vehicle is being exported out of the country, the number plate must be returned to the licensing authority. | 500 | – |
| To alter the details of a number plate such as its colour, shape or loaning/exchanging it. | 1500 | 3 |
| Driving a vehicle that does not have a license plate. | 3000 | 3 |
Commercial License MOI Traffic Violations
Operating a commercial vehicle comes with a unique set of rules and regulations. Learn about the fines associated with commercial license violations below:
| Traffic Violations | Fine (QR) | Demerit Points |
| The driving instructor or learner fails to follow regulations concerning driving classes or does not carry a learner’s permit. | 300 | – |
| To run a driving school or offer driving classes with no permission from the licensing authority. | 3000 | – |
| Performing car rentals, sales, decoration and repair without a trade license from the licensing authority. | 3000 | – |
Loaded Vehicles Traffic Violations
Transporting goods safely is crucial and overloading vehicles poses significant risks. In this section, we detail the fines for overloaded vehicle violations, highlighting the importance of compliance to ensure the safe and lawful transport of cargo.
| Traffic Violations | Fines (QR) | Demerit Points |
| Vehicles with a load weight of 3 tons or more do not display the gross weight or number of passengers. | 1000 | 1 |
| Red signs should be placed on the sides of loads to alert others. | 1000 | 1 |
| Placing load boxes beyond the vehicle’s allowed dimensions and specifications. | 1000 | 1 |
| The transportation of materials that cannot be separated and exceed the allowed length without written approval from the licensing authority. | 3000 | 1 |
| Making extensions on the load past one meter in front and two meters behind the vehicle’s body. | 3000 | 1 |
| To exceed the vehicle’s gross weight on a single axle by 13 tons.
To exceed the maximum permitted weight of the vehicle on a double axle without written permission from the licensing authority. Exceeding the gross weight of a vehicle than the permitted load limit without written permission from the licensing authority. |
3000 | 1 |
| To exceed the vehicle’s width, including load or protrusion items bigger than 2.6 meters, without written permission from the concerned authorities. | 3000 | 1 |
| The height of the load or protruding items exceeds 4.2 meters past road level without written permission from the licensing authority. | 3000 | 1 |
| Not considering factors such as weight distribution and visibility when loading a vehicle. | 1500 | 1 |
| Not properly organising, arranging or securing the load on a vehicle leading materials to potentially move or fall during transport. | 1500 | 1 |
Pedestrian-related Traffic Violations
Pedestrians play a vital role in road safety too. This section outlines the fines for pedestrian violations, emphasizing the shared responsibility of everyone—whether on foot or behind the wheel—to follow traffic rules and contribute to a safer road environment for all.
| Traffic Violations | Fine (QR) | Demerit Points |
| To walk on the main section of the road or areas specific for two-wheelers, not walking on the extreme left side of the road facing coming traffic and not walking sineasy. Headoads outside the city. | 100 | – |
| Not taking precautions before crossing the main section. | 200 | – |
| Not following the directional signs when crossing the main section of the road through designated areas. | 500 | – |
FAQs
How Can I Check My Road Fine by Area?
Go to the Qatar MOI portal and select “Traffic Inquiries.” Once you’re there, enter your vehicle details, fill out the Captcha and view your traffic violation report.
What is the Speed Limit in Qatar?
The speed limit penalties vary by area. In built-up areas, the limit is 60km/h, while highways have a 120km/h limit.
———————————————————————————————————-
With the help of this guide, you can avoid falling into the debilitating pitfalls of traffic fines in Qatar by adhering to the traffic rules and regulations. Thanks to the enforcement of laws and fines by the Qatar Traffic Authority, driving in Qatar is safer than ever, especially for expats moving to Qatar.
Are you planning to move to Qatar for good? Here’s our step-by-step guide to living in Qatar.