The Gulf Electronic Linkage for Traffic Violations... 100%
Deputy Minister of Interior inaugurates “Be Aware” exhibition at The Avenues to raise awareness of services
Al-Namran: Removal of blocks on vehicles involved in non-serious traffic violations as part of the First Deputy’s initiative
More than 100,000 serious violations... Everyone urged to take advantage of the opportunity to regularize their status
Exemption of speeding violations exceeding 180 km/h from the regularization decision
Al-Subhan: New Traffic Law contributed to a 50–60% drop in violations
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More than 4,000 vehicles impounded in Jleeb and Doha parking lots, and approximately 1,600 motorcycles
Smart vehicle impoundment app to launch in September, with the traditional system continuing
The Deputy Minister of Interior, Major General Abdulwahab Al-Wahib, inaugurated the “Be Aware” exhibition organized by the Ministry at The Avenues complex, aiming to enhance security awareness and introduce the services provided by the Ministry’s various sectors. Major General Al-Wahib began his tour of the exhibition by visiting the booths of the Ministry’s different sectors and listening to explanations about the services offered to visitors and the awareness and educational messages targeted at various segments of society.
Regularizing Status
Director General of the General Directorate of Traffic, Brigadier General Ahmed Al-Namran, emphasized that the Directorate’s participation in the Ministry’s exhibition aims to provide citizens and residents with the opportunity to remove blocks on all vehicles linked to non-serious traffic violations, as part of the Ministry’s efforts to enhance traffic awareness and reinforce adherence to road safety rules.
Al-Namran told journalists that this is an opportunity for violators and a goodwill gesture from the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef, granting violators a chance to regularize their status and avoid repeating violations in the future. He noted that the number of serious violations exceeds 100,000, urging everyone to take advantage of this opportunity to settle their accounts.
He added that a violator can pay the fine and retrieve their vehicle directly at the exhibition after completing the payment process. However, the decision excludes speeding violations exceeding 180 km/h, as well as certain serious violations related to high speeds and vehicles such as “Jetys” and “Zeds,” which are not covered by the decision.
Brigadier General Al-Namran urged citizens and residents to take advantage of the services offered at the exhibition, stressing that this step is part of supporting traffic discipline, raising awareness among road users, and reinforcing the concept that traffic safety is a shared responsibility, not merely a set of procedures or penalties.
He pointed out that the electronic linkage of traffic violations among Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries is now 100% complete, with violations detected and recorded within a short period, thereby enhancing compliance with traffic laws among GCC member states.
Al-Namran warned about the dangers of high speeds and serious violations, which pose risks to lives and road users. He explained that legal measures have been taken in some cases, including the deportation of certain residents from the country due to serious traffic violations.
He confirmed the readiness of the General Directorate of Traffic to welcome the new academic year through maintenance and preparation of roads during the summer period to ensure they are ready before the start of the school year, emphasizing the Ministry’s continued efforts to deploy all resources to safeguard public safety and achieve traffic discipline.
Vehicle Impoundment
For his part, Brigadier General Mohammed Al-Subhan, Assistant Director General of the General Directorate of Traffic for Licensing and Violations, confirmed that the implementation of the new traffic law a year and four months ago contributed to a reduction in traffic violations by 50 to 60 percent, particularly those related to speeding. He noted that the objective of the law is not to increase the value of fines, but to preserve lives and ensure the safety of road users, which is a priority of immeasurable value.
Al-Subhan explained that the Ministry of Interior annually organizes the Traffic Exhibition in collaboration with various entities to educate the public and enhance awareness of traffic laws. He emphasized that the exhibition serves as an opportunity to engage with citizens and residents and to introduce new procedures and regulations.
He added that the Directorate continues to deal firmly with serious traffic violations. The number of vehicles impounded in the Jailib and Doha impoundment lots exceeded 4,000, in addition to approximately 1,600 motorcycles. He stated that this serves as an indicator that some violators continue to commit serious offenses warranting legal action.
He pointed out that the procedures in place include fining the offender, impounding the vehicle, detaining the individual at the traffic police station, and referring the case to the traffic court in the event of repeated violations. He clarified that under the new law, referral to court may result in stringent penalties, including imprisonment for one to three years for certain serious violations, as well as alternative sanctions such as community service, mandatory traffic courses, and compensation for damages caused by the violation.
Al-Subhan noted that judicial rulings have included imprisonment and vehicle confiscation, alongside the application of alternative penalties for some perpetrators of serious offenses such as excessive speeding, recklessness, and running red lights.
He confirmed that several residents have been deported from the country due to the commission of serious traffic violations. He revealed that the General Directorate of Traffic plans to implement a smart vehicle impoundment system next September, while continuing the traditional impoundment system as part of efforts to develop the traffic system and enhance compliance with laws.
High Attendance at the Exhibition
The exhibition witnessed significant public attendance since the early morning hours, during which numerous services were provided to visitors, along with awareness and educational messages.
Al-Daihani: Exhibition Enhances Awareness of New Laws
Colonel Faisal Al-Daihani, Director of Public Relations at the Ministry of Interior, confirmed that the "Be Aware" exhibition aims to introduce the public to modern laws enacted by the Ministry, including those related to the Coast Guard Administration, the Narcotics Control Department, and Traffic, as well as the recently introduced law on the Administration of Security Systems regarding the installation of cameras.
Al-Daihani explained that the exhibition features a group of specialists to answer visitors’ inquiries, alongside interactive screens that allow the public to learn about the laws and get questions answered in an interactive manner. This contributes to enhancing legal awareness, particularly among young people, and reaching the widest possible audience to introduce them to the Ministry of Interior’s laws.
Al-Daihani invited citizens and residents to visit the exhibition, which runs until tomorrow, Saturday, to benefit from the provided services, including paying traffic fines, lifting vehicle blocks, and services offered by the General Directorate of the Coast Guard. He also highlighted the biometric fingerprint registration service provided by the Criminal Evidence Administration, particularly for those who have reached the age of 18, at the Ministry of Interior pavilion.
He noted that the exhibition has seen a large turnout since the early morning hours, with visitors arriving before the official opening time, expressing his hope that this interest will continue and that the exhibition will achieve its intended awareness and media objectives.
Al-Jarman to “Al-Siyasa”: Immediate Release of Vehicles After Payment of Fines
Investigating Officer Colonel Mohammed Al-Jarman confirmed that the role of the General Directorate of Traffic at the exhibition is to receive all applicants wishing to lift vehicle blocks and release their vehicles immediately after paying fines. Al-Jarman explained to “Al-Siyasa” that the initiative offers violators an opportunity to regularize their status and start a new page free of violations.
He added that high-speed violations are not covered by the block-lifting initiative, urging citizens and residents to take advantage of this opportunity by visiting the exhibition to complete their procedures, pay fines, and receive their vehicles immediately. Al-Jarman pointed out that the exhibition continues today and tomorrow until 10 p.m., noting a significant turnout of visitors.
Lieutenant Ashwaq Hamoud to “Al-Siyasa”: Facilitating Procedures and Speeding Up Completion
Lieutenant Ashwaq Hamoud, head of the Jalbout Al-Khiran Center, confirmed that the Coast Guard’s participation aims to raise awareness among sea visitors about the importance of maritime safety and security, and to highlight the Coast Guard’s role in protecting lives and property while promoting compliance with maritime regulations and laws.
She clarified that procedures for obtaining marine driving licenses have been streamlined and expedited for all nationalities. Applicants undergo a test, and upon passing, their data is recorded and required documents are submitted, including a personal photo, a copy of the driving license, and a copy of the civil ID.
She added that marine driving licenses are now available from the age of 17, subject to meeting specific requirements, the most prominent of which is a vision test. A vision test is also mandatory for those aged 60 and above, noting that marine driving licenses are issued to all nationalities.
She stressed the necessity for jet ski and marine vessel operators to adhere to maritime safety rules.
She explained that a key update regarding marine vessels is the extension of the logbook validity period. Previously, renewal was required annually, but it is now valid for two years, with a grace period of up to 60 days after the logbook expires.
First Lieutenant Farah Al-Fudari to “Al-Siyasa”: Camera Law Does Not Cover Private Residences
First Lieutenant Engineer Farah Al-Fudari, from the General Directorate of Security Systems, confirmed that the directorate is participating in the exhibition to raise awareness about Law No. 61 of 2015 concerning the regulation and installation of security cameras and surveillance devices in specified facilities and activities, aiming to enhance the security system. She noted that the law obligates covered entities to install and operate security surveillance systems in accordance with approved technical specifications and standards.
She indicated that the law does not apply to private residences. She clarified that Article 5 of the law mandates retaining recordings for 120 days and prohibits any alterations to or destruction of recordings before the expiration of this period. Article 6, meanwhile, prohibits handing over or transferring recordings without written consent.
