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Main Page / Legislations / Law No. 13 of 1998 on Road Traffic / Part 4 / Passing Rules
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Law No. 13 of 1998 on Road Traffic

Law Summary Record Type: LawNumber: 13Date: 30/07/1998 Corresponding to 06/04/1419 HijriNumber of Articles: 82Status: Canceled
Official Gazette :Issue: 9Offcial Journal Issue Publication Date: 07/09/1998 Corresponding to 16/05/1419 HijriPage from: 65
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Passing Rules

  • 31 Article - Amended

     Each vehicle's driver undertakes to drive near the right-hand side of the carriageway in the following cases:
    1. Where 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.
    5. When the speed of the vehicle is less than the maximum limit specified for the road.
    Drivers of buses of various types, public transport vehicles (trucks), heavy machinery and tractors, construction, agricultural and industrial vehicles,  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.

  • 32 Article

    1.       If the carriageway is divided into two lanes marked with connected longitudinal lines, drivers may be prohibited from driving on or crossing the lines.
    1. 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
    2. If a two-way road is divided into four lanes or more, driver may use the middle lane, on the half-way where traffic is flowing in the opposite direction to make sure that this does not pose a threat to others or to traffic.
    3. 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.

  • 33 Article

     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. 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.

  • 34 Article

     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.

  • 35 Article

    1.       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.
    1. 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.
    2. 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.
    3. Motorcyclists and cyclists and those whom they transport with them shall wear the appropriate helmet.

  • 36 Article - Amended

    1.       Drivers has to reduce speed when approaching pedestrian crossings and residential areas, turnings, bends and ramps, and junctions, roundabouts, bridges and tunnels, and when entering public squares, or approaching schools and hospitals, to ensure road safety.
    1. The maximum speed limit for motor vehicles on the road shall be as follows:
      1. light cars and motorcycles in cities, villages and populated places: (100 km) per hour, and on the outer roads (120 km) per hour.
      2. - Heavy vehicles in cities, villages and populated places (50 km) per hour, and on the outer roads (80 km) per hour.
      3. Every driver of a motor vehicle shall not exceedthe maximum speed on the road. Drivers of police vehicles, and ambulances and fire-fighters responding to an emergency are exempted, as is any driver of a vehicle transporting patients or seriously injured persons provided they use an alarm and hazard lights and slow down as much as possible for the safety of traffic at junctions.
    Traffic authorities may modify the speed limit in certain areas if necessary, the amendment shall be made by placing the signals and signboard that indicate the maximum limit.
    1. A driver must control the vehicle and adjust their speed according to the circumstances, road conditions, the state of the vehicle and its load and the weather conditions, so that speed can be reduced or the vehicle can be stopped if necessary.
    2. A driver may not drive the vehicle too slowly at a speed inconsistent with the road conditions, the state of the vehicle and its load and the weather conditions, in such a way as to impede the normal movement of other vehicles.
    3. A driver may not use brake suddenly to slow down or stop the vehicle, unless necessitated by a traffic safety requirement on the road.
    4. When starting to slow down, a driver shall give sufficient clear warning, before sufficient time using hand signals or the rear brake lights.
    5. Both driver and front-seat passenger shall comply with the wearing of a safety belt while driving on the road.

  • 37 Article

     No person shall commit any of the following acts:
    1. Driving a vehicle on the road recklessly or in a manner that puts the lives of people and property at risk.
    2. Obtaining or attempting to obtain a new motor vehicle driving license while the original license is suspended.
    3. Driving a motor vehicle using a license suspended administratively or by decision of the Court.
    4. Driving a motor vehicle using a license which a Court or the administrative authorities have decided is to be suspended.

  • 38 Article

     Shall be deemed against this law any of the following acts:
    1. Driving a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs or any other psychotropic substances.
    2. Escaping or attempting to escape from the scene of an accident or refraining from stopping if ordered to do so by police officers.
    Any police officer may arrest any person who violates the provisions of this article
    • Article 38 (repeated)
    A driver may not watch any visual material on the vehicle television while driving, or use mobile phones or other devices in any way that requires the use of hands for carrying or operation while driving.
    The driver of a vehicle shall not allow children under the age of ten to sit in the front seats of the vehicle while it is on the move.

  • 38 Article BIS

     A driver may not watch any visual material on the vehicle television while driving, or use mobile phones or other devices in any way that requires the use of hands for carrying or operation while driving.
    The driver of a vehicle shall not allow children under the age of ten to sit in the front seats of the vehicle while it is on the move.

  • 39 Article

    1.       If any vehicle causes an accident on the road resulting in injury to a person or harm to a vehicle or an animal, the driver of such vehicle must provide the necessary assistance to the injured and immediately inform the police of such accident without moving the vehicle from the scene unless by permission from the police, or if necessary, in order to aid the injured.
    1. A motorist involved in an accident shall disclose his name and address to the police as well as the name and address of the owner of the vehicle if asked to do so.

  • 40 Article

    Pedestrians are prohibited from walking in the middle of the carriageway, or in places designated for cyclists where there are pavements. In the absence of pavements, pedestrians shall walk on the far right-hand side of the carriageway opposite to the direction of driving. However, pedestrians may walk on the far right-hand side in the same direction as the traffic after ensuring they are cautious about the risk of vehicles coming from the back. When walking on the carriageway outside cities, pedestrians shall undertake to walk on the far side of the carriageway that is opposite to the direction of their own movement, and shall walk behind one another whenever possible.
    Authorized infantry processions are exempted from the provision of the preceding paragraph, and they shall be on the far right-hand side of the road in the direction of traffic, as shall any pedestrian who is pushing other things.

  • 41 Article

     Anyone intending to cross the carriageway shall do so with caution, and shall first ensure that the place chosen does not expose them to any danger or cause obstruction to vehicular traffic, and shall use the nearest transit route for pedestrians, if available, or the shortest route taking into account the distance between them and the approaching vehicles, as well as the speed of such vehicle.

  • 42 Article

    1.      When crossing the carriageway on a designated path, pedestrians shall observe the following:
      1. Pedestrian traffic lights if available.
      2. No crossing as long as traffic police are instructing vehicles to pass.
    2. (a)Pedestrians may not penetrate the ranks of military or organized groups operating under the supervision of a responsible person or any other authorized processions.
      1. Pedestrians must observe and take account of traffic signals and rules.

  • 43 Article

    1.      In circumstances that require the traffic to slow down, the driver of a vehicle shall observe the existence of a distance of at least two (2) meters between him and the vehicle in front, paying attention to its driver's signals, and only overtake the vehicle in front from the left side after giving the driver of such vehicle indication for overtaking him. A change of direction may take place gradually after making sure that traffic conditions allow the same.
    1. The driver shall not overtake on blind hills, on sharp bends, on convex bridges, corners, roundabouts, footpaths and all other places where overtaking is prohibited by traffic lights.
    2. the driver of the vehicle to be overtaken, is prohibited from accelerating the speed of his vehicle when another vehicle is overtaking, and he shall enable the completion of such overtaking by resorting to the far right of the road.
    3. No overtaking shall take place when visibility is poor.
    4. It is prohibited to overtake vehicles of the police, Internal Security Force, ambulance, Civil Defense and rescue vehicles when such vehicles are speeding on  an emergency mission and using alarm and hazard lights.
    It is prohibited to overtake stationary Motor vehicle dedicated for transporting students in residential areas. This prohibition shall be lifted on school holidays..

  • 44 Article

    1.      No vehicle shall be driven on the road without being equipped with an alarm device to warn against the hazard of approaching it.
    1. Motorists are prohibited from using the horn in the following cases, unless there is an imminent threat:
      1. while the vehicle is parking.
      2. Near hospitals, schools and houses of worship.
      3. using the horn continuously without justification and in a manner that disturbs basses by or the public.
      4. during the night in populated areas.
      5. at the times and places as determined by the licensing authority.
      6. Tuned air horns may not be installed; otherwise they may be impounded administratively by the Licensing Authority.
      7. The use of audio or optical alarms and similar devices is restricted to the vehicles of the police vehicles, civil defence and ambulances, and their use is otherwise prohibited unless written permission is granted by the Licensing Authority, otherwise they may be impounded administratively by the Licensing Authority.

  • 45 Article

    1.       Traffic priority at junctions with automatic traffic light signals shall be in accordance with the following colours:
    1. Red for stop.
    2. Yellow for readiness, but it does not mean move.
    3. Green means move.
    Motorists shall undertake to observe automatic traffic signals while driving.
    1. In the event that a traffic police officer is directing traffic using hand signals, motorists shall comply with those signals and not others, and all other traffic signals shall be invalid.
    2. At multi-way junctions where a central circular arena is formed, priority is given to other motor vehicles coming from the left.
    3. A vehicle in front has priority over the others.
    4. Equal priority may occur when vehicles are moving parallel to one another, and those intending to change direction may give priority to vehicles continuing straight ahead.
    5. At junctions with no signals or signs determining the priority, vehicles coming from the left shall have priority.
    6. At cross-roads where there are signals or signs, priority is determined by traffic signs or signals.
    7. At the junction of a paved with an unpaved road, priority of traffic is for vehicles coming from the paved road. At the junction of a paved with an unpaved road, priority of traffic is for vehicles coming from the paved road.

  • 46 Article

     No vehicle may be driven on the road during the period from sunset to sunrise or when visibility is poor due to weather conditions during daylight hours, without using lights as follows:
    1. Vehicles:
      1. Headlights and rear lights. Headlights may not be switched on when the vehicle is parked.
      2. Change headlights from main beam to dipped beam or sidelights when meeting another vehicle at a reasonable distance, so as to prevent dazzling.
      3. There shall be no red lights at the front of the vehicle, only white light in ordinary cases or yellow light in cases of fog.
    2. Motorcycles and bicycles:
      1. Front lights for motorcycles or bicycles, a rear light and a light adjacent to the motorcyclist on the rear or side.
      2. A rear reflector for bicycles.
    3. Carts drawn by animals:
    White light at the front of the cart and a red light at the back, provided that such lights are installed in a manner indicative of the existence of such cart while moving.
    Any motorist who parks a vehicle on the carriageway where there is no public lighting at night or during the day when visibility is poor, shall park such vehicle away from the main road, with a red light or reflector at the rear to indicate to road users the presence of such vehicle. The motorist may also adjust the headlights slightly towards the right side of the road.

  • 47 Article - Amended

    1.       No person responsible for keeping a vehicle may keep such vehicle parked on any road in a way that is likely to cause obstruction of traffic or expose road users to risk
    And if such person does not within a reasonable period of time remove the vehicle, the Licensing Authority may remove such a vehicle, the vehicle owner undertaking to pay the costs of removal.
    1. Parking and waiting of motor vehicles shall only be in the areas designated according to the system of the traffic lights.
    2. A motorist is not permitted to leave a vehicle on the road without taking the necessary steps to avoid any accident and making sure that leaving such vehicle will not obstruct traffic, and after taking all necessary steps to prevent illegal use by third parties, and may not leave the vehicle with the key inside.
    3. Parking meter areas shall not be damaged nor shall congestion be caused there or endanger drivers.

  • 48 Article

    Destruction of traffic signs or parts thereof is prohibited, as are moving the same, changing the significance, landmarks or direction thereof, or causing any damage thereto, or doing the same to any roads, bridges or tunnels. In case of a criminal conviction for such an offence, the Court shall compel the offender to pay the costs of the damage, charged on the basis of the value specified by the competent authority.
    No boards, advertisements or devices similar to traffic signs or equipment, or anything that would make these signs or devices less clear or effective or would lead to confusion for other road users, shall be permitted to be fitted on the vehicle.

  • 49 Article - Amended

    Parking or waiting of motor vehicles shall not be permitted in the following places or circumstances:
    1. Places designated for pedestrian crossing and on the pavements.
    2. Bridges, tunnels and elevated carriageways, unless there are places dedicated to parking or waiting.
    3. Near the brow of a hill or a bend.
    4. A distance of less than fifteen meters from junctions, field gateways, roundabouts, pedestrian crossings, stations and bus stops.
    5. Adjacent to no-crossing lines.
    6. Places where parked or waiting vehicles may block traffic signals or road signs or block the view of other road users.
    7. In front of entrances and exits of homes, garages, petrol stations, hospitals, ambulance and fire stations, police and military areas and educational establishments, unless with permission.
    8. Places where parking impedes the movement of other parked vehicles.
    9. Adjacent to another vehicle close to the carriageway.
    10. Places not authorized for parking and waiting.
    11. Places for people with special needs and others.
    12. In chargeable car parks, without payment of parking fees.
    13. Overstaying the parking period indicated on the parking meter.

  • 50 Article

    No vehicle may be driven on the road that makes irritating noises or emits dense smoke or smells, or releases a flammable substance that affects the safety of the road or is harmful to public health or the environment.
    In all cases, the vehicle must be equipped with an appropriate silencer.

  • 51 Article

    1.       No driver or conductor of a bus, taxi, hire car shall be permitted to load more than the permitted number of passengers as specified in the certificate of registration.
    The driver of a passenger vehicle is not permitted to engage in conversation with a passenger or to allow a person to sit or stand next to the driver while the vehicle is in motion

  • 52 Article

    1.       Passengers may not be transported in any vehicle without seats or not designed to transport passengers.
    1. No vehicle while in motion shall carry a passenger on the steps, rear or roof unless written authorization is granted by the Licensing Authority.
    2. No person shall be carried over the goods or cargo loaded on the vehicle if placed unsafely due to height of load or goods.
    3. In no cases may any vehicle be used on the road unless all parts thereof are usable and are in a safe condition so as not to pose a risk to passengers or road users.
    Explosives may only be carried with a special permit from the Licensing Authority in accordance with the terms and conditions specified thereby

  • 53 Article

     Loads shall be arranged and secured on the vehicle in a safe manner such that the load is not likely to move or fall. The following may be considered in particular:
    1. It must not entail risk to persons, or cause harm to public or private property.
    2. It must not make an irritating noise, and must not release emissions that are harmful to public health or the environment or cause inconvenience to passers-by.
    3. It must not impede the view for motorists, or obscure traffic light or hand signals, direction signals, vehicle lights, reflector lights or number plates.
    Must not compromise the balance or drivability of the vehicle

  • 54 Article

    1.       The maximum height of any motor vehicle, including load or any items protruding therefrom, shall not exceed 4.2 meters from the road surface.
    1. The maximum width of the motor vehicle, including load or any protruding item, shall not exceed 2.6 meters.
    2. In emergency, where loads in excess of the height and width mentioned in the preceding two paragraphs (1) and (2) are required, authorization shall be obtained in writing from the Licensing Authority before such a vehicle is driven.

  • 55 Article

     With the exception of equipment and machinery allocated to move on roads, all other equipment and machinery of all kinds and forms are prohibited. Movement thereof is only allowed between work sites, provided that such equipment and machinery do not exceed a distance of two thousand (2000) meters from the point of its movement.

  • 56 Article

    Motorists shall observe the following:
    1. Commit to the signs and orders of the police and persons authorized as law enforcement officers.
    2. Follow the instructions on any sign constructed or carved on the road by the Traffic Department.
    3. Give way to emergency motor vehicles (Police - Internal Security Force - Civil Defense - Aid) when such vehicles are travelling to attend an emergency, by slowing down or stopping if necessary.
    4. Evacuate the road immediately if there are emergency vehicles (Police - Internal Security Force - Civil Defense - ambulance) at a junction or turning so that such vehicles can proceed without the slightest impediment.
    5. Refrain from driving behind emergency motor vehicles (Police - Internal Security Force - Civil Defense - ambulance), and leave a minimum distance of 50 meters from them.

  • 57 Article

    1.       Motorists undertake to give the prescribed alarm signals in all cases where such signals are required.
    1. It is prohibited for emergency vehicles (Police - Internal Security Force - Civil Defense - ambulance) to use alarm devices except in emergency situations that require the use of such alarms.

  • 58 Article

    1.       The construction, maintenance or demolitions of a building, or excavations that will impede traffic or cause risk to road users are not permitted without prior approval from the Licensing Authority. The licensee shall put the necessary alert and warning signs in place and shall follow the instructions and guidelines issued by the Traffic Department.
    1. If any activities contained in the previous paragraph are carried out without the consent of the Licensing Authority, the Traffic Department shall take appropriate action to terminate or modify such activities immediately, and at the expense of the offender, making sure that traffic safety requirements are in place.
    2. After the completion of the authorized work, dust and debris shall be removed immediately and the site reinstated to its previous condition, otherwise the Traffic Department may do so at the expense of the offender.

  • 59 Article

    1.       The Licensing Authority may prohibit or restrict the use of any road or any part thereof for all vehicles or any type thereof.
    1. Traffic signs that indicate such prohibition or the mode of driving on the road shall be put in place.
    2. Shall be violator to this law, any person who drive or allow any vehicle to be driven on a prohibited road, without written permission from the Licensing Authority.

  • 60 Article

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

  • 61 Article

     Without prejudice to any severer penalty provided for under the Penal Code or any other law, a vehicle owner shall disclose to the police the name and address of the person driving the vehicle at the time of any offence. If the owner refrains from giving this information or deliberately gives false statements, such owner shall be given the same penalty as prescribed by law for the driver of the vehicle that committed the offence while driving.

  • 62 Article

     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. There shall be no liability on the licensing authority as a result of this permission, in respect of any damage or injury to persons or property. Furthermore, there shall be no exemption of the person who organized the race or its management of that responsibility.

  • 63 Article

    No driver of any vehicle may commit therein an act violating public decorum or traditions or be allowed to do so.

  • 64 Article

    No person may be permitted to receive more than one driving license of the same type, and the driving license shall not be used for, nor transfer such license to any other person or mortgage or offering it as a way of mortgage or guarantee.

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