All what you need to know before the new traffic law comes into effect

52 new violations have been added to the traffic law and will come into effect in March 2018.

Fines of 13 traffic violations will increase, including parking in handicapped spot, overtaking trucks in illegal areas, covering face in a way that prevents police from identifying the driver, and other violations.

The aforementioned violations will, however, cost 50 rials now.

There are a total of 415 violations in the law: Thirteen of them will increase fines and 4 of the 13 will change from RO10 to 15.

Using your mobile phone while driving will set you back RO15, but the police are allowed to confiscate the car or detain the driver if he is seen repeating the offense within 90 days from committing it.

The same applies for tinting the windows of your car beyond the recommended limit.

The licences will also be subjected to a new points system, which will keep track of whether the drivers are doing it right on the roads.

According to the ROP, if a driver gets more than 10 ‘black’ points on their temporary driving licence, they will be sent back to the driving school to take more lessons.

Temporary driving licences will furthermore be extended by one year against any new driver who clocks up more than seven ‘black’ points a year. However, good drivers get a full 10-year driving licence if they don’t exceed six black points during their probation period.

In addition, expats will now have to renew their driving licence every two years.

Moreover, it is mandatory for drivers to install child seats in the rear seats for children under the age of four, and all passengers in the car – even those in the rear seats – must now wear seatbelts.