Prepared by the independent Qatar Driving Test project. Sources and how we review content.
Qatar's black points system, explained
Offences listed in the law's points table add "black points" to a driving record. Accumulated points can lead to loss of the licence under the ladder below. A fine and a points entry are separate matters; do not assume that paying clears the points. Check your current record with the Traffic Department.
Suspension ladder (Art. 92)
| Occurrence | Points that trigger it | Suspension |
|---|---|---|
| 1st time | 14 | 3 months |
| 2nd time | 12 | 6 months |
| 3rd time | 10 | 9 months |
| 4th time | 8 | 1 year |
| 5th time | 6 | Permanent. A new licence is possible only after passing the test again and waiting at least one year. |
Notice the threshold drops each time: repeat offenders lose their licence for fewer points.
When points disappear (Art. 93)
Art. 93 provides for erasure when the licence is revoked under the points ladder, or after a year without a new offence. Confirm your points balance and clearance date with the Traffic Department rather than calculating an automatic reset from this summary.
Selected points per offence
These entries come from the law's annex incorporating amendments through 2015. Check your recorded offence and current points with the Traffic Department.
| Offence | Points |
|---|---|
| Passing a red light or a police stop signal | 7 |
| Driving against traffic on highways or ring roads | 6 |
| Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs | 6 |
| Speeding more than 30 / 40 / 50 / 60 km/h over the limit | 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 |
| Reckless driving endangering people or property | 4 |
| Driving with defective or no brakes | 4 |
| Driving on a licence not valid for the vehicle, or a suspended licence | 3 |
| Driving an unlicensed vehicle, or with no / altered plates | 3 |
| Driving on the hard shoulder | 3 |
| U-turn, reversing or turning against the traffic direction | 3 |
| Heavy smoke, irritating noise, dangerous or falling loads | 3 |
| Parking in a bay for people with disabilities | 3 |
| Handing your vehicle to an unlicensed driver | 2 |
| Unclear or illegible plates | 2 |
| Refusing to show licence or permit to police | 1 |
| Ignoring road markings or traffic signs | 1 |
Historical fines and payment reductions
The conciliation table in the extracted law, amended through 2015, lists QAR 6,000 for passing a red light, driving against traffic and the highway manoeuvres covered by Art. 47. These are historical table amounts. Check the current amount for your offence in Metrash or with the Ministry of Interior before paying.
Art. 105 says the authority may waive up to half of a fine paid within 30 days. This is discretionary. Check the amount and any reduction offered on your current notice or payment screen.
Art. 90 describes a 60-day payment period. Missing that period can block licence or permit renewal, add QAR 1 per day of delay and lead to a possible travel restriction. Check the deadline on your notice and ask the Traffic Department how it applies to your case.
Source and limits
Traffic Law No. 19 of 2007, English translation incorporating amendments through 2015. This review used our existing September 2026 source notes. It did not recheck later amendments, live fine amounts or payment offers online.