Doha, Qatar: With the summer holiday season underway, many expatriates in Qatar are preparing to travel to neighboring countries or to their home countries by road as a more affordable alternative to air travel or simply to enjoy the journey.
Before setting off, motorists are advised to familiarize themselves with the Ministry of Interior's regulations governing vehicle exits, traffic fines and vehicle re-entry to avoid delays or legal penalties.
Here are the key rules issued by the General Directorate of Traffic:
Vehicle exit permits
Motor vehicles leaving Qatar for destinations outside the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) must obtain an exit permit from the General Directorate of Traffic.
Applicants must:
-Ensure the vehicle has no outstanding traffic violations.
-Specify the final destination (point of arrival).
-Be the vehicle owner or provide proof of the owner's authorization for the vehicle to leave the country.
How to apply for a vehicle exit permit via Metrash
Motorists can apply for a vehicle exit permit through the Metrash application by following these steps:
-Open the Metrash application.
-Go to Traffic Services.
-Select Vehicles.
-Choose the Vehicle Exit Permit service.
-Enter or select the vehicle registration number for which the permit is required.
-Complete the required information, including specifying the driver if someone other than the owner will be driving the vehicle and the final destination.
-Ensure all eligibility requirements have been met, then tap Submit Application.
GCC travel exemption
Vehicles travelling to any GCC member state are exempt from the exit permit requirement, provided:
-The vehicle has no outstanding traffic violations.
-It is driven by the owner or a person authorized by the owner.
-Goods transport vehicles are also exempt from the exit permit requirement.
Outstanding traffic fines
Motorists with unpaid traffic fines will not be allowed to leave Qatar through any land, air or sea border crossing until all outstanding violations have been settled.
Payments can be made through:
-The Metrash application.
-The Ministry of Interior website.
-Traffic departments.
-Unified Services Centres.
Returning to Qatar
Vehicles travelling abroad under an exit permit must return before the permit expires. The permit may be renewed for additional periods if necessary.
Failure to comply with the regulations may result in legal action, including the administrative impoundment of the vehicle for up to 90 days.
Vehicle registration rules
The registration of a Qatari-registered vehicle located outside the country cannot be renewed unless it undergoes a technical inspection within Qatar.
If the registration is not renewed within the legal 30-day grace period after its expiry, the owner must surrender the vehicle's licence plates to the General Directorate of Traffic.
Failure to return the licence plates may result in referral to the Public Prosecution under the Traffic Law, which provides for penalties of:
-Imprisonment ranging from one week to one year.
-A fine of between QR3,000 and QR10,000. Or both penalties.
