No discounts will be available for fines incurred due to mobile phone usage while driving

According to a senior official at the General Directorate of Traffic, there won't be any concessions offered for fines associated with using a phone while driving. This was said to Qatar Radio on Monday. The General Traffic Department's Violations Officer, Capt. Mohamed Rabia al-Kuwari, indicated that a QR500 fine will be assessed for using a phone while driving. He emphasised that "about 50 to 60 percent of traffic accidents are caused by using mobile phones and not using seatbelts while driving."

According to the official, a 50% discount will be given on the fine for not wearing a seatbelt if it is paid within 30 days of the offence being reported, as is the case with several other traffic infractions.

Capt al-Kuwari said that the new, integrated radar system, which went live on Sunday, can detect three infractions simultaneously: not using a seat belt, using a phone, and speeding. Motorists have the option of contesting the infraction via Metrash 2 or the MoI website, and Metrash 2 will provide the decision within a week. The people in charge of the unified radar system examine the infringement.

Officials have previously stated that physically interacting with visual gadgets while driving, including mounted mobile phones and dashboard displays, will be considered a violation and subject to punishment.

Article No. 55 of the Traffic Law forbids a driver of a motor vehicle from using a mobile phone or any other device while operating it needs the use of hands, as well as from watching any visual content on the television in the vehicle.

The Metrash 2 app will feature pictures of drivers who aren't using their seatbelts and who are using their phones while they are driving. The two breaches will be clearly captured by the new unified radars. He claims that even if the seat belt and the material are the same colour, the radars will be able to tell them apart. The picture can be lightened or darkened in order to obtain a very clear image that the offender can see.

In order to protect lives and property and to support the tremendous efforts made by the different agencies, the authorities have asked all users of the road to obey the traffic law and its executive regulations. They have emphasised that traffic safety is a shared duty of the society as well.