Drivers who dangerously flash their lights in fast lanes and on roads in Oman will now have to think twice

 Drivers who dangerously flash their lights in fast lanes and on roads in Oman will now have to think twice, once the Royal Oman Police’s (ROP) traffic laws come into effect.

Motorists, who use their headlights to endanger other drivers, stop their vehicles on the side of the road, or regularly use closed or under-construction roads have just four days to mend their ways or face higher fines.

The amendments, which will come into effect starting March 1, include a number of increased penalties for erring drivers. According to the new laws, anyone using their headlights on high beam in a way that endangers other drivers will incur a fine of OMR10.

Further, stopping a vehicle on the side of a road in a position that endangers other road users will result in an OMR35 fine and a black point on the violator’s licence. Driving a vehicle on a closed or under-construction road will result in an OMR10 fine and one black point.

High-intensity headlights can cause car accidents by dazzling and visually impairing motorists.

Commenting on the development, Muscat-based office-worker Shahrokh said: “I frequently see drivers flashing their bright lights, especially outside Muscat. The new rules will cut down on that and make roads much safer overall.” According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), 1.25 million people across the world die on roads every year. Almost 50 per cent of them are vulnerable road users.

The ROP’s new laws are already having a positive impact on motorists, many of whom told the Times of Oman that they looked forward to March 1.

“I think the new laws are fantastic. They are comprehensive and cover multiple areas,” Sardar, a motorist and father of two, told the Times of Oman.

“Whenever I drive in the fast lane, other motorists ride my bumper and flash their lights at high intensity so that I give them the right of way, even though they are going way above the speed limit. It’s great to know that those drivers will soon face heavier penalties. I hope these laws make them think twice,” he added.