Qatar- Motorists face jail term if they flee accident scene

(MENAFN - The Peninsula) The Ministry of Interior has warned drivers from running away in case of any traffic accident as the punishment may reach three years imprisonment. 'Imprisonment of minimum one month and maximum three years and/or fine of minimum QR10,000 and maximum QR50,000 in case of running away or trying to run away in case of any accident or when the police or anybody entrusted to implement the traffic law gives an order to stop, the Ministry of Interior said. This information was shared by the General Directorate of Traffic of the Ministry of Interior in a recent virtual press conference held under the title ‘Common Traffic Mistakes Among Drivers'. The event was attended by more than 130 participants from different communities in Qatar. Among other common traffic mistakes committed by motorists is violating red signal. 'If a motorist does not abide by the automatic traffic signals, the fine is QR6,000, the Ministry noted. Another important issue is the safety of children and they are more safe only when they are on the rear seats, while some parents allow children under 10 years of age to sit on the front seat. The Ministry said this is violating traffic rules and violator expose children to danger and also to the fine which is QR500. Other common traffic mistakes, the Ministry mentioned, included overtaking from right, not wearing the seat belt while driving, using mobile while driving, blocking intersections and exceeding posted speed limit on the road. 'The fine is QR500 in case the driver using or carrying mobile phone or any other device in hand while driving or becoming busy of watching any visual object from television set in the vehicle or not preventing babies less than 10 years of age from occupying the front seat while driving, the Ministry said. Meanwhile, the Ministry also reminded people yesterday that as per the cabinet decision no more than four people are allowed in a vehicle, including the driver, with the exception of family members residing in the same house. The cabinet decision included to reduce the number of people who are transported by buses to half capacity of the bus. In a tweet yesterday, MoI also reminded people that 'social gatherings and visits in closed places in homes and Majlises are not allowed. A maximum of 5 people are allowed in open spaces therein for those who have completed the COVID-19 vaccine doses.MENAFN10042021000063011010ID1101893375