Traffic Law No. 19 of 2007

المادة 1

In the implementation of the provisions of the present Law, unless the context otherwise requires, the following words and terms shall have the meanings hereunder assigned to them: 1- Minister: Minister of Interior 2- Issuing Authority: The competent authority responsible for the implementation of the present Law, as designated by the Minister. 3- Vehicle: Any means of land transport or trailer set in motion using wheels or track that is driven by engine or physical power (human or animal). 4- Motor vehicle: Any vehicle that is driven by an engine, including: 4.1 Car: a vehicle equipped with a motor engine causing it to move, commonly used for transporting people, goods or both, including: 4.1.1 Private car: a car intended for private use, to transport passengers and their personal belongings. 4.1.2 Taxi: a private vehicle intended for the transportation of passengers in exchange for a fare, with a maximum capacity not exceeding 7 passengers excluding driver. 4.1.3 Rental car: a private car intended for hire without driver, for a certain agreed period of time. 4.1.4 Limousine: a private car intended for hire with driver for a certain agreed period of time. 4.1.5 Passenger Carrying Vehicle: for transporting a number of passengers not exceeding eight (8) excluding driver, including the following types: 4.1.5.1 Public transport vehicle (minibus): intended for the transportation of passengers in exchange for a specified fee paid by each passenger, operating according to a specific route and destination. 4.1.5.2 Private minibus: intended for the transportation of students or employees and their families. 4.1.5.3 Tourist minibus: intended for travel and tourism, may transport authorized employees. 4.1.6. Public Truck: for the transport of goods, animals and other items in exchange for a fare. 4.1.7. Private truck: for the transport of goods, animals and other items, restricted to private use. 4.1.8. Vehicle for private use: a vehicle with special specifications, used only for the designated purpose(s). The Executive Regulation of the present Law describes the types and specifications of such vehicles. 4.2 Tractor: a vehicle propelled by an engine, its use limited to drawing machines and trailers. 4.3. Heavy equipment: a motor vehicle not designed for passenger, animal or goods transport, designated for other purposes. 4.4. Trailer: an engineless vehicle drawn by a vehicle, tractor or any other motor vehicle, and which is regarded for the purposes of the present Law as a motor vehicle. 4.5. Semi-trailer: an engineless vehicle part of which is joined to the trailer, and which is regarded for the purposes of the present Law as a motor vehicle. 4.6. Motorcycle: a vehicle with automatic engine with a valve capacity of 50cm3 (CC), running on two or more wheels, equipped or not equipped with back or side trailers. It is designed to transport persons and items but not designed in the shape of a vehicle. 5. Bicycle: equipped with two or more wheels. It is propelled by the rider and is intended for the transportation of people and goods. 6. Driver: a person who drives a vehicle, or animals that are used for towing, carrying or riding. 7. Passenger: a person who is inside a vehicle, entering it or alighting from it, excluding the driver. 8. Pedestrians: persons who walk on their feet and those who push wheelchairs which are used for carrying elderly people, children, the sick or others falling into this category. 9. Road: an open passage for the movement of land transport, or towing pedestrians or animals, whether this open passage is a bridge, open space, lane, harbour pavement, square or anything of this nature where the public is allowed to pass with or without permit, even if covered. 10. Carriageway: the part of the road which is used for vehicles. 11. Lane: any part of the longitudinal parts of the lanes that divide the road and whose width allows the passage of a single row of vehicles in succession, whether or not indicated by longitudinal markings on the surface of the carriageway. 12. Hard shoulder: part of the road adjacent to it on both sides intended for vehicles obliged to stop. 13. Pavement: a portion of the road adjacent to it on both sides intended for the movement of pedestrians; the islands located in the centre of the road are also regarded as part thereof. 14. Junction: every convergence or branching of roads on the same level, including the resulting open area. 15. Direction of traffic: the direction of traffic on the right side of the road. 16. Road signs: signs or lines on the road or at its sides designed to control and regulate traffic. 17. Highway: a road specially designed for the passage of vehicles, which does not serve the property directly adjacent to the road. 18. Stopping: parking the vehicle for a period of time involving picking up or dropping off persons or loading or unloading goods. 19. Parking: the presence of the vehicle in a place for a specified or indefinite period. 20. Pedestrian crossing: a place set aside for pedestrians, marked for this purpose on the road and requiring drivers to stop so that pedestrians may pass safely when they are permitted to do so. 21. Full beam headlights: vehicle lights designed to light the road ahead for a long distance. 22. Dipped beam headlights: vehicle light designed to light the road ahead for a limited distance. 23. Side lights and rear lights: front and back lights of the vehicle, used to alert other drivers and indicate the vehicle's width when viewed from front and back. 24. Empty vehicle weight: the weight of the motor vehicle equipped with engine, toolkit and spare parts. 25. Gross vehicle weight: the weight of the empty motor vehicle with its maximum authorized load, driver, passengers, fuel, oil and cooling water in its engine. 26. Net weight (payload): the difference between the empty and gross weight, in accordance with which the vehicle is designed to carry goods and is authorized by the manufacturer. 27. The pivotal weight: total pressure of the wheel with one axle on the road surface.

المادة 2

A motor vehicle shall not be permitted to move on the road until a license is issued in accordance with the provisions of Chapter (II) of this Part. The following types of motor vehicle are exempted from the licensing requirement: 1. Vehicles registered with the armed forces, police or other security agencies, which display their own numbers. 2. Vehicles owned by tourists and temporary residents that meet the requirements prescribed by the laws and regulations in force in the State, provided they carry valid licenses from the state where they were originally registered, and that they are insured against risks to which others might be exposed in the State of Qatar. The Licensing Authority may determine cases where the display of temporary entry plates is to be permitted. 3. Vehicles carrying commercial number plates or testing plates provided they are insured against risks to which third parties might be exposed in the State. 4. Non-Qatari vehicles that enter the country for commercial transactions provided they carry valid licenses from the State in which they are registered and are insured against the risks to which a third party might be exposed in the State of Qatar. 5. Non-Qatari vehicles that enter the country pursuant to the provisions of Article 89 of the Customs Law issued by Law No. 40 of 2002, provided that they carry valid licenses as issued by the State where they are registered, and are insured against the risks to which a third party might be exposed in the State of Qatar. Motor vehicles are registered in the register designated for the purpose in the Department of Traffic. Each vehicle is allocated a unique number known as its registration number.

المادة 3

Non-Qatari nationals shall not be granted permission to register taxis, hire cars, limousines, public minibuses, trucks or cars for private use.

المادة 4

An application form for motor vehicle registration may be submitted by the owner or his/her representative, enclosing the ownership certificate and evidence of payment of the prescribed fee. The Executive Regulations of the present Law detail the documents required to prove ownership.

المادة 5

No motor vehicle shall be registered unless it is proved to the satisfaction of the Licensing Authority that it complies with the Qatari-approved specified standard, and that it meets the requirements of safety and durability as indicated in the Executive Regulations of the present Law.

المادة 6

The owner of a motor vehicle is issued with a registration certification pursuant to the registry mentioned in the last paragraph of Article 2 of the present Law, after payment of the prescribed fees and completion of registration procedures.

المادة 7

The registration certificate of a motor vehicle shall include the main motor parts of the vehicle: body, colour and the chassis and engine numbers. If the motor vehicle to be registered is a taxi or passenger vehicle for public transport, the certificate of registration shall include the number of persons permitted to be transported, and the weight, width, height and length of the permitted load. If the motor vehicle to be registered is a tanker for drinking water, irrigation water or sewage, the certificate of registration shall include the type of load carried and the colour of each tanker. The colour of the tanker shall be white with a blue stripe for drinking water, green for irrigation water and yellow for wastewater.

المادة 8

Motor vehicle licensing shall include the following requirements: 8-1. Registration of the motor vehicle with the Traffic Department and allocation of a number to it; 8-2. The vehicle to be registered shall not be a model that is more than fifteen (15) years old, unless exempted in accordance with regulations and conditions specified by Ministerial decision; 8-3. In compliance with the safety and durability requirements prescribed by the Executive Regulations of the present Law, the vehicle shall be in such a condition that neither life nor property is exposed to risk when it moves. 8-4. Inspection of the vehicle at the time, place and manner prescribed by the Licensing Authority. The Executive Regulations of the present Law explain the rules and procedures for technical inspection, and the terms and conditions of exemption from the same.

المادة 9

A vehicle license shall be valid for one (1) calendar year, commencing from the date of issue. The exception to this shall be two (2) years for motor vehicle licenses issued to the following establishments: 1. Ministries and other government bodies and public institutions. 2. Diplomatic corps and international and regional organizations. 3. Clubs and sports associations. 4. Other entities to be specified by Ministerial decision. The validity of motor vehicle licenses for private vehicles may be three (3) years, starting from the date the vehicle starts running for the first time. In all cases, the license shall be placed on a visible part of the vehicle, as determined by the Licensing Authority, indicating its expiry date, and the driver shall present the license whenever requested to do so.

المادة 10

The provisions of the preceding article shall not apply to motor vehicles that are brought into the country by tourists or are in transit, if they have valid licenses issued by their countries of origin and are insured against the risks to which third parties might be exposed in the State of Qatar.

المادة 11

The vehicle registration license shall be renewed within thirty (30) days of the original expiry date. A vehicle shall not be operated on the road without renewal of its expired license; otherwise the license and number plate shall be forfeited. The Executive Regulation of the present Law details the procedure for license renewal.

المادة 12

Each motor vehicle shall carry immediately after its registration and before its operation two number plates issued by the Issuing Authority, one of which shall be fixed to the front of the vehicle and the other to the rear. For a trailer or semi-trailer it is sufficient to fix one number plate to the rear with the same number as the towing vehicle. The provision of the previous paragraph applies to vehicles exempted from registration pursuant to the provision of Article 2 of the present Law. The Executive Regulation of the present Law determines the types, forms and colours of number plates. Prices of number plates for each type of vehicle shall be determined by the Minister.

المادة 13

Number plates are the property of the State. No change of colour, shape or detail shall be allowed and they shall not be lent, otherwise they may be confiscated and forfeited.

المادة 14

A Ministerial decision shall determine distinctive numbers and the sums to be paid for their acquisition. A distinctive number may be sold and its ownership may be transferred to a third party whether by auction or otherwise, and the third party has the right to dispose of the distinctive number pursuant to the regulation whereby the Minister's decision is issued.

المادة 15

The owner of the motor vehicle shall comply with the following: 1. Return of old license plates to the Licensing Authority, in the case of disposing of the motor vehicle, non-renewal of a license on the renewal date, non-roadworthiness of the vehicle, request for cancellation of registration, or permanent export outside the State. 2. Immediate reporting to the Licensing Authority in the case of loss or damage to one or both of the vehicle number plates, and if the loss or damage occurs outside the State, it shall be reported to the nearest Qatari diplomatic mission.

المادة 16

Any authorized motor vehicle trader or agent may acquire from the Issuing Authority commercial number plates of appropriate quality on payment of the prescribed fees. Commercial number plates shall only be used in the following situations: 1. Transfer of the motor vehicle to a trader or agent for the conduct of his authorized trade. 2. Testing of the motor vehicle by a trader or agent during and after its manufacturing or assembly or repairs. 3. Display of the motor vehicle to any person wishing to acquire it. 4. Movement of the vehicle to and from any place for the purpose of completing registration procedures or any other related purpose. 5. Transfer of the vehicle by a trader, agent or other person in pursuit of trade.

المادة 17

The Licensing Authority may issue testing plates to any individual not authorized to trade in motor vehicles on payment of the prescribed fees, for the purpose of displaying the motor vehicle to anyone interested in acquiring it, or moving such vehicle in order to complete registration procedures or any other related purpose. Testing plates shall not be used for purposes other than that for which they have been issued. The Licensing Authority shall maintain a register of commercial and testing plates and permits that it issues.

المادة 18

While on the move, motor vehicles shall display commercial or temporary (under trial) number plates in accordance with the stipulations of the first paragraph of Article 12 of the present Law. Such vehicles shall not be driven except by the trader, agent or individual issued with testing plates or their representatives, employees or individuals engaged in trade with them. In all cases, the driver shall be authorized to drive the motor vehicle in accordance with the provisions of the present Law.

المادة 19

In the case of cancellation of commercial number plates or testing plates, or temporary permits, or non-renewal of registration, the holder of any of these plates shall return them, or otherwise shall pay the value of such plates in cash.

المادة 20

The Licensing Authority is entitled to refuse to issue or renew a license to a motor vehicle, in the following cases: 1. If the motor vehicle is not in a good mechanical condition, or does not meet the conditions of safety and durability, or does not conform to the standard specifications approved in Qatar, or more than fifteen years have elapsed since the vehicle was manufactured, unless the vehicle meets the regulations and conditions specified by Ministerial decision. 2. If the motor vehicle is a taxi or hire car, a tourist vehicle (limousine), passenger car or public transport vehicle, and is unfit to perform the purpose for which it has been licensed.

المادة 21

If the Licensing Authority observes that a motor vehicle for which a license has been granted in accordance with the present Law has become unfit for movement on the road, it shall stop the use of such vehicle for an appropriate period of time until the faults are rectified. Such vehicle may be allowed on the road again as soon as the faults are rectified.

المادة 22

The Licensing Authority is responsible for issuing exit permits to motor vehicles leaving the State, except for goods vehicles, in accordance with the rules and procedures established by Ministerial decision.

المادة 23

The Licensing Authority is entitled to withdraw commercial plates, testing plates or permits, if they are used for purposes other than those for which they are issued.

المادة 24

Unless authorized in writing by the Licensing Authority, no writing, drawing or placing of any data shall be allowed on the body of the vehicle or any part thereof other than as prescribed by the Executive Regulation and the Implementing Decisions of the present Law. In addition, unless authorized in writing by the Licensing Authority, no vehicle shall be used for advertisement by installing loudspeakers, or by placing banners or three-dimensional models on any external part thereof. The Licensing Authority may allow the vehicle owner to write his name, address, business logo or any type of activity he is conducting for which the vehicle is licensed, on condition that it shall not result in a change of the vehicle's shape or obscure the vehicle's data which are required by the Licensing Authority to be clearly visible.

المادة 25

Prior to obtaining written authorization from the Licensing Authority, the owner of the motor vehicle is prohibited from changing any aspect of the motor vehicle's use, or replacing any part of the essential parts thereof in such a manner as results in a change to the data recorded in the registration certificate. A part is regarded as essential if it is recorded in the certificate of registration in accordance with Article 7 of the present Law.

المادة 26

If ownership of the vehicle is transferred to another person, the owner of the motor vehicle shall inform the Licensing Authority in writing within three (3) days, and shall disclose the name and address of the new owner. Until such time as the vehicle is registered in the new owner's name, the seller remains responsible for everything concerning the vehicle. The new owner shall inform the Licensing Authority in writing within three (3) days of the transfer of ownership to him.

المادة 27

The owner of the motor vehicle shall notify the Licensing Authority of any change in his name, nationality, place of residence or home address within ten days of the date of the change.

المادة 28

In the case of loss or damage to the motor vehicle license, the owner of the motor vehicle shall promptly report the same to the Licensing Authority, and may apply for a replacement license. Any person finding a lost license shall return it to the Licensing Authority.

المادة 29

No motor vehicle shall be driven on the road unless the driver has obtained a driving license from the Licensing Authority entitling the holder to drive such a vehicle. Persons belonging to any of the following categories are exempted from these provisions: 1. Holders of driving licenses issued by the armed forces, police and other security agencies for driving these agencies' vehicles only. 2. Citizens of the Gulf Cooperation Community states holding valid driving licenses issued by the competent authorities of their respective States, which are to be replaced on expiry and if the holders are still in the country, with Qatari driving licenses. 3. Visitors and tourists holding non-Qatari valid driving licenses and who undertake to submit such licenses to the Licensing Authority within fifteen days from the date of entry to the country, to be held for the period in which they are allowed to stay in the country or a period specified by the Licensing Authority. 4. Visitors and tourists holding valid international driving licenses.

المادة 30

Driving licenses are of the following types: 1. License to drive a motorcycle: authorizes its holder to drive a motorcycle. 2. License to drive light vehicle: authorizes its holder to drive vehicles specified by the Licensing Authority. 3. Heavy Goods Vehicle License: authorizes the holder to drive vehicles specified by the Licensing Authority. 4. License to drive heavy machinery or equipment: authorizes the holder to drive all or some of these motor vehicles. 5. License to drive public vehicles: authorizes the holder to drive taxis, limousines, passenger transport or public transport vehicles, heavy machinery or equipment, or some of the above. 6. Special needs driving license: authorizes disabled persons to drive vehicles with special modifications. 7. Temporary driving license for learner drivers includes the following types: a. License to learn to drive motorcycles. b. License to learn to drive light vehicles. c. License to learn to drive heavy vehicles. d. License to learn to drive heavy machinery or equipment. e. License to learn to drive vehicles with special modifications for people with special needs (disabled).

المادة 31

Driving license applicants must meet the following requirements: 1. [The Applicant] must not be below the age of eighteen (18) years for the licenses stipulated in paragraphs 1, 2 and 6 of Article 30, and below twenty-one (21) years for the licenses stipulated in paragraphs 3, 4 and 5 of Article 30. 2. Applicants must present a certificate of medical fitness issued by the Issuing Authority that is determined by the Licensing Authority, proving that the applicant is medically and visually fit and free from any other relevant disabilities. Applicants for a disabled driving license must pass a medical examination specific to their needs by presenting a medical certificate issued by the authority determined by the Licensing Authority. 3. Applicants must pass a test of driving and the rules of the road, the terms and conditions of which and exemptions from which shall be determined by the competent authority. The Licensing Authority may exempt the applicant from the test stipulated in item 3 of this Article if he has a valid license issued by non-Qatari authorities. The driving license applicant shall pay the fees as prescribed by Ministerial decision.

المادة 32

Applicants for a public vehicle driving license are required to meet the conditions set out in the preceding Article, and: 1. Must be a Qatari citizen. 2. Must not have been convicted of an offence involving dishonesty or of driving a motor vehicle under the influence of drugs or intoxicating substances. 3. Must have held a valid driving license for not less than two years. 4. Must be acquainted with important facilities and the geographical locations in the State.

المادة 33

Driving instructors shall meet the following conditions: 1. Must be licensed to teach, and must have held a driving license for not less than five years. 2. Must sit next to the learner during driving, and a third person may not be permitted in the vehicle during driving lessons. Lessons shall take place in the places specified by the Licensing Authority, and the vehicle shall display two signs showing a clear red "L", one at the front of the vehicle and the other at the back. Learners shall carry their license during driving lessons and present it to police officers when asked to do so.

المادة 34

The Executive Regulation of the present Law determines the procedures for the issue of driving licenses, the supporting documents to be attached to the license application and the appropriate forms to be completed. The Executive Regulation also identifies technical specifications for disabled driver vehicles and the special symbols to be added to driving licenses for this category, showing the type of need.

المادة 35

All types of driving licenses shall be valid for ten (10) years for Qataris and five (5) years for non-Qataris, and are renewable for the same terms on payment of the prescribed fee. As exceptions [to the above], public vehicle driving licenses shall be valid for one (1) year from the date of issue, and temporary learners' driving licenses shall be valid for three (3) months, renewable for the same terms on payment of the prescribed fee.

المادة 36

Driving licenses shall be renewed not more than thirty (30) days from the expiry date. The Executive Regulation of the present Law details renewal procedures. No motor vehicle may be driven on the road without renewal of the driving license.

المادة 37

The license holder shall carry his license with him while driving, and present it to the police whenever he is asked to do so.

المادة 38

No owner of a motor vehicle or keeper shall allow a person who has no driving license to drive the vehicle.

المادة 39

No person shall be permitted to receive more than one driving license of the same type, and the driving license shall not be used for, nor shall a third party be permitted to use the driving license for, any purpose which is against the law or for other illegal purposes. A third party may not use the driving license or accept it other than in the circumstances stipulated by the law.

المادة 40

In the event of a lost or damaged driving license, its holder shall report to the Traffic Department or the nearest branch thereof. The holder may apply to the Licensing Authority for replacement of the lost or damaged license on payment of the prescribed fee. If the license is found it shall be returned to the Licensing Authority.

المادة 41

Car hire companies and offices, car showrooms and sales offices, car decoration shops, bodyshops and motor repair businesses are not permitted to open for business without obtaining a license from the Licensing Authority. The Executive Regulation of the present Law shall specify the terms, procedures and regulations for obtaining this license. The Director of Traffic or his representative may order the administrative closure of the company, office, shop, showroom or workshop, for a period not exceeding one month from discovery of the first offence and three months in case of a subsequent offence.

المادة 42

Establishment of a driving school and the giving of driving instruction are not permitted without a license issued by the Licensing Authority. The Executive Regulation of the present Law shall specify the procedures for the issue of such license, its terms and validity, and teaching and examination systems in such schools.

المادة 43

Each vehicle's driver undertakes to drive near the right-hand side of the carriageway in the following cases: 1. If the driver wants to turn right into another road. 2. When meeting another vehicle coming from the opposite direction. 3. When another vehicle is coming from behind and wants overtake the driver. 4. When visibility on the road is not clear. Drivers of buses of various types, trucks, heavy machinery and tractors, and any motor vehicle towing a trailer or semi-trailer shall only drive on the right-hand side of the road and shall not overtake other vehicles.

المادة 44

If the carriageway is divided into two lanes marked with connected longitudinal lines, drivers may be prohibited from driving on or crossing the lines. If a two-way road is divided into three lanes, drivers may use the middle lane, provided they ensure that this does not pose a threat to others or to the movement of traffic. In all cases, drivers are prohibited from the use of that part of the road where traffic is flowing in the opposite direction. If the carriageway is divided into several lanes, then the driver of a vehicle shall continue driving in the lane he is moving in and shall not change lane until certain that this does not pose a threat to others or cause an obstruction.

المادة 45

Driving in the opposite direction to the flow of traffic is not permitted. Reversing on a public highway shall not be permitted, except in emergency, beyond a short distance not exceeding twenty (20) metres, and after giving the necessary signal and making sure the road is empty. If necessary, the driver may ask someone else for guidance, but may not enter a junction.

المادة 46

Each driver of a vehicle who intends to exit from the lane he is in, move towards the right lane or left lane, turn left or right to join a side road, enter a place adjacent to the road, leave the road, reverse or perform a U-turn, shall observe the following: 1. Ensure it is possible to carry out the above manoeuvre without exposing oneself or others to risk. 2. Take into account the position and speed of other road users. 3. Indicate intention clearly and at a sufficient distance, using the indicator lights fixed in the vehicle, or use hand signals if necessary, maintaining such warning indication for the duration of the movement and only ceasing it on completion. 4. When turning right, keep as near the right-hand side of the carriageway as possible. When turning left, move to the left-most part of your own side of the road. 5. Do not use more than one lane at the same time, except in the aforementioned cases of turning. The provisions of the second paragraph of Article 43 of the Law are to be taken account of in the above.

المادة 47

When driving on the highway, drivers may not stop the vehicle other than in the places designated for the purpose and may not reverse, turn left, perform a U-turn, or drive on the central reservation that separates the two directions of traffic.

المادة 48

Cyclists may stick to the extreme right-hand side of the carriageway, and may move individually behind one another in the absence of dedicated cycle lanes. Where there is a cycle lane, cyclists are prohibited from using the lanes used by cars. Motorcyclists may use the lanes designated for motor vehicles. Both cyclists and motorcyclists are prohibited from driving without holding the handlebars with both hands, except when giving hand signals. They are also prohibited from holding another vehicle or lifting one wheel off the ground while driving, carrying, pushing or drawing things that impede traffic, or pose a threat to themselves or other road users. Motorcyclists are also prohibited from transporting other people on their motorcycles unless such motorcycles are equipped with an additional side or rear car for passengers. A cyclist may not carry an additional passenger unless the bicycle is equipped for such a purpose. In all cases, motorcyclists and cyclists and those whom they transport with them shall wear the appropriate helmet.

المادة 49

The Licensing Authority may prohibit or restrict the use of any road or any part thereof for all vehicles or any type thereof. Traffic signs that indicate such prohibition or the mode of driving on the road shall be put in place. No person may drive or allow any vehicle to be driven on a prohibited road, without written permission from the Licensing Authority.

المادة 50

The racing of motor vehicles, bicycles or persons on the roads is prohibited except with written permission from the Licensing Authority. The terms determined by this authority must be complied with. This authorization shall not result in any responsibility on the part of the Licensing Authority in respect of any damage to property or injury to persons, nor shall it exempt the person who organized the race or its management from that responsibility.