Oman's new traffic laws come into force from March 1

The ‘black point system’ ensures motorists receiving more than 12 points in a calendar year will have their licences suspended for six months. “After getting the licence back (after six months), if the motorist gets more than 12 points in the following year, the licence will be confiscated for a year.

“If the motorist gets more than 12 black points in the third year, the licence will be cancelled. The motorist will have to pay RO100 and reappear for the driving test. Accumulated black points will be reset to zero at the beginning of every year,” an ROP official said.

As part of the new traffic rules, new drivers will be issued temporary licences valid for 12 months under a probation scheme. Those motorists who get more than ten ‘black points’ on their temporary licences will have to take additional lessons to fine-tune their driving. However, the temporary licences will be extended by one year if the driver gets more than seven black points in a year.

The ROP has said that Omani drivers who get six or less black points during the probation period will qualify for a ten-year licence while expats will get a two-year licence in a similar case. Those who have licences valid for ten years will only have to renew them after their expiry.

Under the new laws, seat belts have become mandatory for all passengers including those in the back seat. Child seats are also mandatory for those under four years.

Speaking to Muscat Daily , Ali al Barwani, CEO, Oman Road Safety Association (ORSA) said that the news fines will contribute to road safety in a big way. “March 1, 2018 is a big day. We at ORSA see it as a fresh start in traffic laws and road safety. At ORSA, we believe that the aim of the traffic laws is safety first.”

Barwani said that the new laws will help in dealing with around 415 violations. “For us, the aim is to reduce road accidents by imposing fines for using mobile phones or speeding.”

He said that the other fine which is being implemented for the first time is for not using child car seat for those under four years.

“ORSA had been asking this for a while. This will definitely reduce the severity of any accident. A fine for not using seat belt is also a step in the right direction.”

There have been significant changes to penalties with 52 offences seeing an increase in the fines.

“Some fines increased include parking in slots meant for the disabled (from RO10 to RO50), trucks overtaking incorrectly (increased to RO50), drivers covering their faces [including women] increased to RO50,” the ROP official said.