One year jail term for jumping red light in Oman

Drivers who fail to stop at a red light in Oman can now be jailed for up to one year, according to the Royal Oman Police.

Violations can also be punished with a OMR 500 ($1,300) fine. Either or both of the penalties can be issued to drivers.

The move by ROP is aimed at improving safety on the road.

In a statement, Major Zaid bin Mohammed Al Hosni, head of violations at the General Directorate of Traffic at the ROP, said: “Jumping a red light is among the most severe of traffic violations, where the offending driver risks a jail sentence of up to a year and a fine of up to OMR500, or one of these punishments.

“It is well known that accidents occurring at traffic light crossings are often very severe and result either in death or in severe injuries. Particularly since the one who is running a red light is driving at a high speed while trying to pass the lights just before they turn red. Such a wrong assessment leads to an accident.”

Al Hosni added that punishments also apply to speeding, reckless driving, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, crossing in an unsafe place, or posing a threat to the lives or possessions of others.

“The punishment will be one to five years in prison when this leads to death or injury of another person, or when the victim is prevented from working for more than 10 days.

“That includes driving the vehicle without the proper permit, using the vehicle for other purposes than it was allowed to, driving a vehicle which permit or number plate was withdrawn, or driving with an expired driving license,” he said.