How to Сheck Traffic Violations Online in Qatar

If you drive a car, you have probably received a fine or two for violating a traffic regulation. Having to pay fines is definitely the worst part of driving. In order to maintain a good driving record, prevent the accumulation of fines, and avoid paying unnecessary penalties, it is a good idea to regularly check for traffic violations. Thankfully, the Qatari Ministry of Interior (MOI) has designed a user-friendly way for both residents and guests to check their traffic violations.

Most of us don’t commit traffic violations on purpose. Usually, they are the result of us being distracted or not paying close attention to traffic signs or our speed. However, even if the violation is unintentional, the fines still apply, so it is a good idea to check your traffic record from time to time, in order to be informed of any outstanding fines you might have. This helps you pay your fines on time and avoid accumulating more severe penalties for being late with your payment. Also, if you pay within 30 days of the fine, you are eligible for a 50% discount, which takes a bit of the sting out of the fine. 

There are a couple of easy and convenient ways to do an MOI traffic violation check online. You can use the official website of the Ministry of the Interior or the new Metrash app. 

Qatar traffic violation check by vehicle number using MOI portal

In order to do a check for any fines using the online portal, do the following:

1. Visit the MOI official website.

2. Select «Inquiries» in the middle of the page.

3. In the left column, choose the «Traffic Inquiries» option.

4. Select «Traffic Violations» from the three available options.

5. Enter your vehicle number, vehicle type, and other required details. For non-resident vehicles, choose the «Foreign Vehicles» option.

6. Complete the Captcha on the page and click «Submit».

7. If you do not have any violations, the line will be blank. Otherwise, you will see information on the date, time, location, and the fine amount related to your violation.

8. Click on the «Settlement of Violations» to pay your fine.

Traffic violation check by plate number using Metrash

Another convenient option is the Metrash traffic violation check, which lets you use your smartphone to access violation details. Sidenote: the new Metrash app is still limited and getting up to speed, so some services may be limited or yet unavailable.

1. Download the new Metrash app from either Google Play or Apple App Store.

2. Log in or register a new account by entering your credentials. If you had an account with the old Metrash2 app, your user credentials remain the same.

3. From the home page, scroll down and select «Inquiry» and then under service type, choose «Vehicles.»

4. A list of all the user’s registered vehicles will be shown. Choose the specific vehicle you want to check.. 

5. You can also use this chance to view the MOI traffic violation picture and, if you don’t agree with the fine, you can dispute it through the app.

6. Pay the fine using your credit card or debit card.

As in most countries, the traffic rules are fairly strict in Qatar. Whether you are a resident or a visitor, make sure you always prioritize road safety on Qatar roads and drive responsibly. Otherwise, be ready to take out your cheque book, as penalties for violations such as speeding beyond the posted speed limit, not adhering to road signs, or disregarding directives issued by the traffic police of Qatar can be substantial.

Based on the statistics from the National Planning Council for August 2024, some of the most common MOI violations and offences are:

• Exceeding the speed limit — 68% of all traffic violations. 

• Running a red light —  approximately 2,9% of total violations

• Illegal parking — roughly 13,2% of the total

• Not wearing your seatbelt — 16,4% of drivers do not comply.

• Using a mobile phone while driving — 10,7% of drivers use their devices while driving.

• Reckless driving or endangering other drivers or pedestrians — a report from the QNA shows that 49,7% of fatal accidents in 2023 were the result of reckless driving or negligence. 

You can explore the complete list of fines and violations by visiting the MOI’s official violations list.

The Qatar Traffic Department uses demerit points in addition to fines in order to measure and evaluate driver behavior. Qatar’s Demerit Points System was established under the Traffic Law No. 19 in 2007 as part of a movement and wide-reaching strategy to improve road safety and decrease reckless driving. Demerit points, also called black points, are counted toward the driver’s license for committing various offenses. Each traffic violation carries a specific number of points based on severity—minor offenses such as illegal parking might result in fewer points, whereas severe violations like reckless driving or excessive speeding carry more. 

Each driver starts with a clean slate, a clean driver’s license with 0 points. For each violation, points are added and accumulated on the driving record. Depending on the violation, the points differ. However, accumulating 14 points within a year leads to a 3-month suspension of the person’s driver’s license. Higher accumulations can lead to more severe and longer suspensions, or even the permanent revocation of the driver’s license.

All the points that the driver receives stay on the license for one year from the date of the violation. However, if a driver commits another violation during that year, then the points from the first violation are not removed, even if a year has passed from that moment. Instead, all of the points will stay on your license until one year has passed from the very last violation committed. Simply put, in order to get all 14 points removed from your license, you need to drive for 12 consecutive months without committing any violations. While this policy may be stricter than in other countries, it has led to a significantly decreased number of deaths due to motor vehicle accidents. 

Implementing essential safe driving habits can substantially mitigate risks and reduce potential traffic violations. Here are some practical tips:

• Always comply with posted speed limits and traffic regulations.

• Be careful and pay attention to all road signs and signals.

• Follow the directions given by the traffic police.

• Make sure your car is regularly serviced and meets all safety standards.

• Avoid using mobile phones while driving and practice defensive driving techniques.

From time to time make sure to check your driving record, either via the online portal or the Metrash app, to ensure you don’t have any fines due. This will allow you to drive with peace of mind and help you to avoid unnecessary legal troubles.

If you need help or have questions, you can always contact the Qatar Traffic Police:

• Emergency Toll Free Number: 999

• Traffic Police Qatar number: +974 234 4444

• Email: traffic@moi.gov.qa

• Visit the main Qatar Traffic Department located at Madinat Khalifa, Doha.

Maintaining a clean driving record is made easier by regularly checking for traffic penalties. By being proactive and utilizing these simple tools, you contribute to safer roads and enjoy a stress-free driving experience in Qatar.