Qatar traffic signs are important to know so you can navigate the roads safely. If you follow the rules, you will also have peace of mind.
The convenience of driving your vehicle around the city might be appealing to you, but there are also responsibilities involved. Driving without knowing what the traffic signs mean is irresponsible.
Safer Driving to Follow These Signs
Drivers can easily understand traffic signs with visual signs. To avoid confusion, you should be familiar with the sign before getting on the road. Traffic signs should also be understood by pedestrians since they share the road with motorists.
Traffic rules in Qatar are created and implemented by the General Directorate of Traffic under the Ministry of Interior.
There are three types of traffic signs: regulatory signs, warning signs, and guide signs. Several of these signs also have a specific shape that you should be aware of.
The purpose of regulatory signs is to reinforce the rules for both pedestrians and drivers. Traffic and vehicle flow are directed by these signs. A violation ticket can be issued if you ignore regulatory signs. The signs in this category are red. Some of these signs are:
- Stop
- Yield
- Do Not Enter
- One Way
- Handicapped
Throughout the path, warning signs inform the drivers what to expect. These signs help drivers avoid dangerous situations by either driving with caution or finding an alternative route. This category of warning signs usually has a triangular shape with a red border and a white background. Here are a few examples:
- Dead End
- Road Humps
- Railroad Crossing
- Pedestrian Crossing
- Men at Work
The Guide Signs provide drivers with the necessary information. The driver can use these to point in a particular direction. Some of these signs are:
- Expressway
- Roadway
- Route
What Do the Colors in the Traffic Light Mean?
Whenever you drive on the road, you will almost certainly encounter a traffic light, especially at intersections. The meaning of light can be summed up as follows:
When you see a red light, you should stop on the designated line. Drivers should stop when the red light is on to avoid obstructing traffic on the other line or causing an accident. The most important thing is that you will commit a traffic violation if you don’t stop your vehicle.
The green light indicates that you should continue driving. Keep driving so as not to stall the other vehicles behind you when this light is on.
Finally, a yellow light means you should slow down. You should also be prepared to stop at the designated line. You will commit a traffic violation if you disregard this light, according to traffic management officials.
Read Also: MOI Traffic Violation
Common Color Theme in Qatar Traffic Signs
As you observe traffic signs around you, you’ll notice that they have similar colors and shapes. Signs follow a format, and it’s good to know what they mean to drive safely. These meanings are as follows:
- Most yellow signs serve as warnings
- Signs with a white background are regulatory signs
- A green sign indicates that traffic should continue moving. The signs also provide directions to drivers
- A bright yellow or bright green sign is usually used in school areas. Pedestrian crossings are also marked with the same signs
- Signs in orange are used in work areas and on the road
Fines for Violation of Traffic Signals
There is a corresponding fine for drivers and pedestrians who disregard traffic signals. Fines corresponding to these violations are as follows:
- The pedestrian who disregards the traffic signal is subject to a fine of QR 500
- If the traffic signal is already red, pedestrians will be charged QR 6,000
- A QR 6,000 fine will be imposed for line jumping
- The penalty for destroying and moving traffic signs ranges from QR 10,000 to QR 50,000. A one-month prison sentence may also be imposed on the violator
Are there More Penalties for Irresponsible Drivers?
Due to the increasing disregard for driving regulations by drivers, the government has introduced the black points system. The officials can also prevent incompetent drivers from driving unless they improve their skills. The accumulated points will affect the renewal of the driver’s license once they are assigned to the driver.
There are points associated with certain violations, including disregarding traffic signs. Upon accumulating 24 points, the traffic officials will cancel the driver’s license for one year.
Whether minor infractions or serious offenses, each violation can affect your driving license status. To regain your driving privileges, you will need to pay any fines and attend a driving school.
Apps to Help You Drive Better
Nowadays, there is a corresponding app for every need we have. Thus, it shouldn’t be surprising that there is an app to help drivers. Drivers can use the Metrash app to navigate the road and check if they have any traffic violations.
Qatar Traffic Fine Checker can also help drivers keep track of traffic violations. Residents can use this free app to determine whether they have committed an infraction.
Finally, Qatar traffic rules can be translated into various languages using Driver Guide. Driver Guide is more useful for students in a driving school, but regular drivers can also learn from it if they use it as a visitor. You can watch traffic training videos in your language through this app. The training video also explains traffic rules and corresponding penalties.
A driver’s privilege and responsibility are intertwined. Driving in Qatar can help you get around faster, but you should also be aware of the traffic rules. If you understand and follow traffic signs, you will be able to get to your destination without worrying about fines.
