‘Second chance’ for drivers, no escape for reckless ones

Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior Major General Abdulwahab Al- Wuhaib listens to an explanation during the ‘Be Aware’ exhibition, joined by officials as part of efforts to strengthen traffic awareness and safety.

He described the initiative as a valuable opportunity for violators to regularize their status, affirming that it is in accordance with the directive of First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef to give offenders a chance to correct their violations and encourage greater compliance with traffic laws. While revealing that the number of serious traffic violations exceeded 100,000, Al-Nimran urged those with minor traffic violations to take advantage of the initiative and settle their cases. He said the concerned motorists can pay their fines and have their vehicles released immediately during the exhibition, except in cases of driving more than 180 kilometers per hour and certain serious offenses like reckless driving and stunt driving. He added that the electronic link of traffic violations among Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries has been completed 100 percent, hence, violations can now be monitored and recorded within a short period. He warned about the dangers of speeding and urged motorists to refrain from committing serious traffic offenses, because of the risks they pose to other road users.

He indicated that some offenders faced harsh penalties, including deportation. He affirmed the department's readiness for the new academic year, stating that road maintenance and other preparations will be completed during the summer. He also confirmed the ministry's continued commitment to ensuring public safety and strictly enforcing traffic regulations. Moreover, Colonel Fahad Al-Essa, Director of the Traffic Awareness Department, explained that owners of vehicles impounded due to traffic violations can visit the GTD booth at the exhibition, settle their outstanding traffic fines, have the block removed, and complete procedures for the immediate release of their vehicles.

Al-Essa said the GTD booth offers specialized awareness programs highlighting important provisions of the Traffic Law and its executive regulations, while explaining common violations and ways to avoid them. He stated that the exhibition aims to introduce the public to the work of various units at GTD and highlight the role of traffic patrols in enhancing road safety and regulating traffic flow. He invited citizens and residents to visit the exhibition and benefit from the awareness services and guidance provided. On the other hand, Assistant Director General for Licensing and Violations at GTD Brigadier General Mohammad Al-Subhan asserted that the implementation of the new traffic law, which took effect one year and four months ago led to the 50-60 percent reduction in traffic violations, particularly speeding offenses. He emphasized that the purpose of the law is to protect lives and ensure road safety rather than generate additional fines.

He pointed out that more than 4,000 vehicles are currently impounded in the Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh and Doha impoundment lots, in addition to around 1,600 motorcycles. He said these figures entail the continuous commission of serious traffic violations by some motorists, requiring legal action. He explained that the legal procedures include issuing a traffic violation citation, impounding the vehicle, detaining the driver at the traffic police station, and referring repeat offenders to the traffic court. He disclosed that under the new law, court referrals may result in severe penalties, such as imprisonment ranging from one to three years in serious cases, as well as alternative sanctions like community service, mandatory traffic awareness courses, and compensation for damages caused by the violation. He added that courts already issued rulings on imprisonment, vehicle confiscation, and alternative penalties against offenders convicted of serious violations like speeding, reckless driving and running the red light. He confirmed that several expatriates were deported after committing serious traffic violations, such as speeding. He also unveiled the plan of GTD to introduce a smart vehicle impoundment system in September, while continuing to operate the traditional impoundment system as part of ongoing efforts to modernize the traffic management mechanism in the country.

Director for Public Relations at the ministry Colonel Faisal Al-Daihani said the exhibition aims to familiarize the public with the newly introduced laws, including the legislation related to the Coast Guard, drug enforcement, traffic department, and the management of security systems, particularly regulations governing the installation of surveillance cameras. He stated that the exhibition features a team of specialists to answer the questions of visitors, along with interactive screens that enable the public to view the laws and obtain information through an interactive platform. He encouraged the citizens and residents to visit the exhibition, which runs until Saturday, to benefit from the available services, including paying traffic fines and removing vehicle registration blocks. He also highlighted the services provided by the General Directorate of Coast Guard and the biometric fingerprint registration service offered by the Criminal Evidence Department for individuals aged 18 and above. He affirmed the huge public turnout at the exhibition and expressed hope that it will achieve its awareness and public outreach objectives. Colonel Mohammed Al-Jarman, the officer in charge of investigating traffic violations, said the role of GTD at the exhibition is to receive visitors seeking the removal of vehicle registration blocks and to facilitate the immediate release of their vehicles once the fines are paid. He reiterated that speeding violations are not eligible for block removal, and encouraged citizens and expatriates to take advantage of the opportunity by visiting the exhibition and completing the required procedures. He indicated that the exhibition will continue on Friday and Saturday until 10:00 pm.

Captain Ashwaq Hamoud, Head of Jalboot Al Khiran Center, stated that the participation of the Coast Guard in the exhibition is aimed at raising public awareness on maritime safety and security, educating sea users on safe practices, and highlighting its role in protecting lives and properties. She disclosed that the procedures for obtaining a marine driving license have been simplified and expedited for all nationalities. “Applicants who successfully pass the required test can complete the registration process by submitting the necessary documents, including a photograph, a copy of the driving license, and a copy of the civil ID,” she elaborated. She indicated that marine driving licenses are now available for applicants aged 17 and above, provided they meet the required conditions like an eye examination, particularly for those aged 60 and above. She emphasized that the service is available to all nationalities. She also stressed the need for jet ski operators and other marine vessel users to comply with maritime safety regulations and avoid restricted areas near marine installations. She added that one of the key updates to the marine licensing system is the extension of license validity to two years, with a grace period of up to 60 days after the license expires. First Lieutenant Eng. Farah Al- Foudari of the General Directorate of Security Systems pointed out that the participation of the directorate in the exhibition is intended for raising awareness on Law No. 61/2015, which regulates the installation of security cameras and surveillance systems at designated facilities and activities, as part of efforts to strengthen the security framework of the country.

She explained that the law requires entities covered by its provisions to install and operate security surveillance systems in accordance with approved technical standards and specifications. She stated that the law does not apply to private residences, adding that Article Five mandates retention of surveillance recordings for 120 days and prohibits any alteration or destruction of the recordings before the end of that period. She also indicated that Article Six prohibits the transfer, storage, disclosure or publication of surveillance recordings without written authorization from the competent investigative authority or the competent court. “Under Article Nine, the installation of cameras in locations that violate personal privacy is prohibited, with offenders subject to penalties of up to three years imprisonment and fine of up to KD10,000,” she concluded.