New in Doha - Question about driving

TweetyBird
By TweetyBird

I have only been in Doha for a couple of days and I am driving a loaner car from my company. Today at a VERY busy roundabout - the two cars in front of me go against traffic and make a U-turn. As I am waiting the car behind me practically touches my bumper, starts beeping his horn and flashing his lights. Well there was no way to get in the flow so I did what the first two did thinking that maybe this is allowed as there is a small lane there. After I make a turn a guy in a toyota pickup truck comes right up behind me flashing his lights then passes me. As he passes me he makes a motion like he is writing something down. Probably my plate number as at this point I'm guessing I was wrong. How much trouble will I be in if he reports my plate number?

By dweller• 13 Jun 2007 07:53
dweller

Go even further back and you would see rifles and machine guns firing out of car windows on the "D" ring! Only when accompanying the bride and groom to the airport.

By e46M3• 13 Jun 2007 00:27
Rating: 2/5
e46M3

I remember a decade ago you were lucky if there was another car next to yours at a traffic light at 10 pm.

By dweller• 12 Jun 2007 21:44
dweller

I honestly thought they may have cleared the road for you. ;-)

So that knocks another name off!

By TweetyBird• 12 Jun 2007 21:29
TweetyBird

You got that right Diamond Girl. I've only been here a few days and I have already learned to avoid certain routes if at all possible. Taking the longer way around in some cases seems easier and safer.

By diamond• 12 Jun 2007 21:00
Rating: 4/5
diamond

Dweller, driving is not fun these days...I remember when one could zip through the city with no traffic jams...not so now...also the volume of drivers on the roads and all the different ways of driving...at certain times od day it's just not worth the effort crossing Doha.

By littlemissme• 12 Jun 2007 20:56
littlemissme

At the mo its seems to be the police, I haven't actually seen an army vehicle for ages and there used to be tonnes because I work quite near the route to one of the bases. Got me thinking there.

By dweller• 12 Jun 2007 20:52
dweller

at "it may have been a policeman!

Are they still the worst drivers or have the army taken top spot!

By littlemissme• 12 Jun 2007 20:05
Rating: 4/5
littlemissme

If you're on a roundabout, go round. Its hard out here, when the driving is so crazy, but whilst you need to be fairly aggressive, try and avoid actually driving dangerously yourself (as much humanly possible here!!)

The traffic here gets some getting used to, for sure.

By TweetyBird• 12 Jun 2007 20:03
TweetyBird

Thanks DaRuDe for your support. I just might take you up on your offer someday!

[img_assist|nid=13132|title=Tweety|desc=|link=none|align=left|width=180|height=152]

By TweetyBird• 12 Jun 2007 19:59
TweetyBird

Well - instead of going all the way around I just went to the left and did a U turn immediately back onto the street I was originally on. I actually followed the two peole in front of me. I was going to go into the roundabout but when the two people in front of me did the U-turn and the guy behind me beeping and flashing I thought maybe I was in a lane that was supposed to do that. After that I just gave up and went home. But I live to fight another day lol.

[img_assist|nid=13132|title=Tweety|desc=|link=none|align=left|width=180|height=152]

By DaRuDe• 12 Jun 2007 19:43
DaRuDe

Always stick to ur lane never give any one way make ur own way out dont make problems for urself. let them keep flashing lights and do pomp pomp :D

let them die u just take care of ur self and ur car.NO ONE CAN HARM U AT ALL. if any problem call me will get him busted.SERIOUS.

[img_assist|nid=13339|title=.|desc=|link=none|align=left|width=180|height=180]

By littlemissme• 12 Jun 2007 19:43
littlemissme

Did you do a u turn to go the way you wanted to without going round the round about??? Would you have been goin the whole way round if you'd got onto it? Just trying to work out what went wrong for you here. Gotta say if that is what happened never seen that before and wouldn't recommend it, or work out how you did it.

Also watch out for 3 digit plates,not common but beware!!!

By harisalpy• 12 Jun 2007 18:34
harisalpy

check with traffic's official site

http://www.moi.gov.qa/English/index.html

best regards & with pray

haris

By starfish• 12 Jun 2007 18:07
starfish

I think this is one of those who are in a hurry to die

some people here are thinking that they owned the roads and they can jump over other peoples cars bcause they have something waiting for them as drinking a cup of tea or coffee and they are those always receiving them in the morgue for high speed.

Look if you are doing the right thing don't hesitate with this stupids and drive safely

By TweetyBird• 12 Jun 2007 17:59
TweetyBird

I'm pretty sure it was Toyota. I see alot of them on the road. White, very plain, no frills pick up with neutral lines on the side of it. As for Nationality I don't know - it happened so quick. It kind of shocked me that he made such an effort to point at me and pretend to write something. And don't worry, I'm not the type to give anyone a rude hand gesture. I'm the muttering type. I spew slights to the individual that has offended my on the road while in the privacy of my car lol.

[img_assist|nid=13132|title=Tweety|desc=|link=none|align=left|width=180|height=152]

By TweetyBird• 12 Jun 2007 17:55
TweetyBird

Thank you for the quick response. I was afraid he was an off-duty police officer or something. Your comment about driving normally is so true!! The other day at a traffic light the guy behind me decides he doesn't want to wait so he jumps a curb into parking lot running on the side of the road, drives as fast as he can to jump out on the other side of the light. I couldn't believe it. As for the U-turns - I see people doing them all the time - at lights and at roundabouts. I thought it was acceptable - and I'm still not sure it really is a violation. Is there a book of rules somewhere for me to look at? lol

[img_assist|nid=13132|title=Tweety|desc=|link=none|align=left|width=180|height=152]

By Oryx• 12 Jun 2007 17:53
Oryx

dont' flip the bird at a qatari

get a qatari friend you can call when u r in an accident

not all thobes wearers are qatari

bcareful of anyone with a 4 or 5 digit numberplate

don't prove any point on the road just let the tw&ts push in - you just want to arrive safely. pull over what ever get out of their way.

so what nationality was the person in the truck? and it was a toyota truck not a bentley

dont worry to much.

By jasminejasmine• 12 Jun 2007 17:53
jasminejasmine

Sorry I don't know much about the traffic rules here but just wanted to say sorry that you have had such a bad day after only being here a few days, welcome anyway!

By Rock The Casbah• 12 Jun 2007 17:51
Rating: 3/5
Rock The Casbah

it is a very serious offence to drive normally here. I would start looking up flights right now before the Local traffic police come for you.

Don't worry, he wasn't taking your number plate. He was probably making a quick sketch of you so he has something to look at of a winter evening.

Welcome to Doha.

By e46M3• 12 Jun 2007 17:49
Rating: 4/5
e46M3

I'm not sure what you did wrong. Anyway, expect a lot of bravado and little action. You know what they say about a dog's bark. Don't worry.

Log in or register to post comments

More from Qatar Living

Qatar’s top beaches for water sports thrills

Qatar’s top beaches for water sports thrills

Let's dive into the best beaches in Qatar, where you can have a blast with water activities, sports and all around fun times.
Most Useful Apps In Qatar - Part Two

Most Useful Apps In Qatar - Part Two

This guide brings you the top apps that will simplify the use of government services in Qatar.
Most Useful Apps In Qatar - Part One

Most Useful Apps In Qatar - Part One

this guide presents the top must-have Qatar-based apps to help you navigate, dine, explore, access government services, and more in the country.
Winter is coming – Qatar’s seasonal adventures await!

Winter is coming – Qatar’s seasonal adventures await!

Qatar's winter months are brimming with unmissable experiences, from the AFC Asian Cup 2023 to the World Aquatics Championships Doha 2024 and a variety of outdoor adventures and cultural delights.
7 Days of Fun: One-Week Activity Plan for Kids

7 Days of Fun: One-Week Activity Plan for Kids

Stuck with a week-long holiday and bored kids? We've got a one week activity plan for fun, learning, and lasting memories.
Wallet-friendly Mango Sticky Rice restaurants that are delightful on a budget

Wallet-friendly Mango Sticky Rice restaurants that are delightful on a budget

Fasten your seatbelts and get ready for a sweet escape into the world of budget-friendly Mango Sticky Rice that's sure to satisfy both your cravings and your budget!
Places to enjoy Mango Sticky Rice in  high-end elegance

Places to enjoy Mango Sticky Rice in high-end elegance

Delve into a world of culinary luxury as we explore the upmarket hotels and fine dining restaurants serving exquisite Mango Sticky Rice.
Where to celebrate World Vegan Day in Qatar

Where to celebrate World Vegan Day in Qatar

Celebrate World Vegan Day with our list of vegan food outlets offering an array of delectable options, spanning from colorful salads to savory shawarma and indulgent desserts.