Up to QR10,000 fine for driving without lights at night, MoI reminds motorists

Doha, Qatar: Motorists in Qatar have been reminded to switch on their vehicle lights when driving at night, with the Ministry of Interior warning that failure to do so constitutes a traffic violation under Article 70 of the Traffic Law.

In an awareness message, the ministry said: “Driving a vehicle at night without turning on the lights is a traffic violation according to Article 70 of the Traffic Law.”

It urged motorists to make sure their vehicle lights are switched on before setting off at night, describing the measure as one of the most important road safety requirements.

Under Law No. 19 of 2007 Regarding the Traffic Law, Article 70 states that vehicles may not be driven between sunset and sunrise without the required lights. The requirement also applies during daytime when visibility is poor because of weather conditions.

For motor vehicles, the law requires the use of headlights and rear lights.

It also requires drivers to switch from main beam to dipped beam or sidelights when approaching another vehicle at a reasonable distance to avoid dazzling other road users.

The law further stipulates that vehicles must not display red lights at the front, while front lights should normally be white, or yellow in foggy conditions.

The provision also sets lighting requirements for motorcycles, bicycles and carts drawn by people or animals.

Importantly, violations of Article 70 are included among the offences covered by Article 95 of the Traffic Law.

According to Qatar's Al Meezan Legal Portal, a violation may be punishable by imprisonment for not less than one week and not more than one year, or a fine ranging from QR3,000 to QR10,000.

Article 95 states that these penalties apply without prejudice to any more severe penalty provided under another law.

This means the QR3,000–QR10,000 range is the statutory court penalty prescribed by Article 95 for offences that include Article 70; it should not be described simply as an automatic QR10,000 traffic fine.

The ministry's reminder comes as part of its road-safety awareness efforts, encouraging drivers to comply with traffic regulations and take precautions that improve their own visibility and allow other road users to see their vehicles clearly.