
No discounts for fines for violations related to mobile phone use, says top official

Qatar has always taken a tough stand against people who violate rules pertaining to mobile phone use and non-usage of seat belts while driving.
Authorities recently installed and activated new traffic cameras for catching violators red-handed.
Capt Mohamed Rabia Al Kuwari, Officer of the Violations Department at the General Traffic Department, said no discounts would be given for fines incurred due to mobile phone usage while driving.
“About 50 to 60% of traffic accidents happen due to using mobile phones and not wearing seatbelts while driving,” Al Kuwari said while talking to Qatar Radio.
Using a mobile phone while driving will set back violators by QAR500, said the senior official.
However, a 50% discount is applicable on the penalty for not using a seatbelt, if settled within 30 days of registration of the violation, said the official.
Capt Al Kuwari said the new unified radar system can catch three violations at the same time — not wearing a seat belt, using a mobile phone and speeding.
Motorists will have the right to challenge the violation through Metrash 2 or via the Ministry of Interior’s (MoI) website.
The response to the appeal, which will be reviewed by those in charge of the unified radar system, will be conveyed to the applicant within a week via Metrash 2.
Officials had earlier clarified that physical interaction with visual devices — including mounted mobile phones and dashboard monitors — while driving will be a violation and come under the purview of the penalty.
Article No. 55 of the Traffic Law mandates a driver to refrain from using mobile phones or other devices in any way that requires the use of hands for carrying or operation while driving and not to watch any visual material on the vehicle’s television while driving.
Images of motorists violating the rules will be available on the Metrash 2 app. The new unified radars will be able to differentiate between the seat belt and the cloth even if they are of the same colour.
It’ll be possible to lighten or darken the image and extract a clear image that the violator can view.
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The subject line is is not correct: It should have read: No discount on fines for violations related to mobile use, says top official