Qatar's traffic department to increase fines for using mobile phone while driving
Those who have made it a habit to multitask by talking on the phone while driving a car will soon find their habit draining their pockets.
This is because Qatar’s Traffic Department is seriously considering increasing the fines for people caught in the act.
It is understood that the General Directorate of Traffic has submitted recommendations to increase fines from the current QR500 to an undisclosed higher amount, reported Qatar Tribune.
Brigadier Mohammed Saad al Kharji, Director-General of General Directorate of Traffic, said they are taking the step as the earlier fine had failed to detract violators from the practise.
As per law now, a QR500 violation is issued to drivers who ‘use or hold a mobile phone or any other device while driving or become busy watching any visual object from television set in the vehicle.’
The Peninsula had reported that a rumour that had been doing the rounds on social media, about a QR150 fine for checking/using mobile phones at red light signals, was uintrue.
An earlier report in Arabian Business stated that around 80% of road accidents in the country were caused due to talking on mobile phones while driving.
“Motorists using mobile while driving will be booked on the spot by patrols and security and fined. The aim is to curb these violations because many motorists not only use their mobiles for calls, but also WhatsApp, Facebook and other social media sites,” an official was quoted as saying.
Here is to hoping that bigger fines will deter people from committing this violation.
Yes. I see almost 90% of the driver are using mobile while driving. I like to give an idea of identifying those is to sent the police with normal dress code and camera to catch them.
oh c'mmon.....expats and locals can't missed to see in 100 meters while driving busy talking or texting.
Making a law is 10% of the work, implementing it equally to all is the other 90%.
They also said that Smoking is not allowed indoors and in public places. Can they please visit Landmark, Villagio or City Center any day of the week and see how many people smoke at coffee joints.
Holding your mobile phone at the red light seems to be okay according to the below article.
http://www.gulf-times.com/story/360578
“Motorists may use their phones after their vehicles come a complete stop at a red traffic light or a parking area."
I see it all the time. And it seems so many people think that if their phone is on speaker and they hold it in front of them instead of to their ear, then that is ok. It's NOT! Never mind increasing the fine, simply increase the enforcement.