Fine, black point for using mobile phone holder while driving in Oman

Muscat - The rules will come into effect from March 1.

Under new traffic rules and regulations, a mobile phone holder in your car could attract a fine of OMR15 as well as a black point in Oman.
The Royal Oman Police (ROP) announced several new laws to maintain safety of road users after some drivers were caught for customising their vehicles in an unsafe way. The rules will come into effect from March 1.
According to the Times of Oman, the law states, "Installation of a tool or a device to place the mobile phone or any other electronic device for the driver's use will attract OMR15 with one black point."
A senior ROP official said, "We were forced to implement these laws as mobile phones distract the drivers. It doesn't matter whether they are using it for navigational purposes or attending a phone call or a message. It is all for the safety of the drivers."
Besides, new traffic regulations will allow ROP to fine offenders for violations like not fastening seatbelts appropriately, playing music at high volume while driving, following ambulances/emergency vehicles, driving without holding the steering wheel or sitting in an unsafe position.
Moreover, the law also states that any person who obstructs public roads, making access difficult for other vehicles, will face up to 3 years in prison. And if it's an ambulance or public security vehicle, the penalty shall not be less than seven years in prison.
In all cases, the penalty shall not be less than 10 years if the act is accompanied by the use or threatened use of a weapon.
Ali Al Barwani, CEO Oman Road Safety Association, said, "We have managed to cut down the number of accidents caused due to the use of mobile phones and intend to continue doing so by not imposing more fines but closely monitoring the behaviour of the drivers."
However, residents had mixed reactions regarding new traffic laws. An expat Madiha Khan said, "I use GPS on my phone and not having a holder would mean I would have to keep picking up the phone or pulling over, which is not convenient." While another resident applauded the safety measures.

• Oman