Expect OMR300 fine if caught using phone while driving: ROP

Muscat: The Royal Oman Police has issued a warning stating that a fine of up to OMR300 can be issued for repeatedly using electronic devices while driving.

Authorities have said that the OMR300 fine will be primarily issued to repeat offenders.

An official from the Royal Oman Police (ROP) told the Times of Oman that the fine for being caught using a phone or other electronic devices for the first time — while driving — is much lower.

"Normally, if you use your phone while driving and are caught, you will pay a OMR15 fine. That is the normal procedure."

"However, if you repeat the offence three times in a period of 60 days, then the case will go to court. In that case, you are in danger of either going to jail for a maximum of ten days, or alternatively you pay a fine of OMR300," the official said.

Even using the phone on loudspeaker while holding it with one hand can lead to a fine.

Mohammed, an Omani driver, told Times of Oman: "I was driving in the car and remembered an important message I had to send. I decided to try driving with one hand while recording a voice message, thinking it was safer than calling, but a police officer caught me.

"He explained to me that the danger isn't the call itself, but that I was doing something else and focused on the phone instead of my driving. The police officer gave me a OMR15 fine that day," he added.