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New Traffic Regulations in Syria

On May 01, 2008, the Syrian government will begin enforcement of new traffic regulations which were announced in January, 2008. Many of these regulations are designed to increase road safety for both vehicles and pedestrians, and call for fines and a "point system" for violations. The following is a partial summary. The full text in Arabic can be found at: http://www.mot.gov.sy/index.php?d=177&id=597

Traffic Fines
Fines ranging from 500 to 10,000 Syrian lira (SYP) will be imposed for infractions such as:

  • Children riding in the front seat or in the driver’s lap
  • Tossing rubbish from vehicles while driving
  • Playing loud music while driving through neighborhoods at night
  • Failing to use directional signals when turning
  • Reckless speed and changing of lanes
  • Transporting items exceeding the body of the vehicle in a dangerous manner
  • Using cellular phones (mobile phones) while driving
  • Having a license plate with illegible numbers
  • Allowing unlicensed drivers to drive the vehicle
  • Passing other vehicles on corners, uphill slopes, tunnel, bridges and crossroads
  • Driving without a valid insurance contract
  • Not using safety belts in the front seat
  • Not keeping a first aid (medical) kit in the vehicle
  • Not keeping a fire extinguisher in the vehicle
  • Driving with an expired license

Pedestrians may be fined 200 SYP for "jay-walking" -- crossing the street not in the designated location or against the light.

Point System
In addition to fines, a "point system" has been developed to track repeat offenders. Each infraction carries a certain number of points, based on the severity of the infraction and the judgment of the official issuing the citation. The maximum number of points is sixteen (16). When someone reaches 16 points, the following rules apply:

  • First instance of 16 points: suspension of driving license for three months
  • Second instance of 16 points: suspension of driving license for six months and requirement to take a driving course
  • Third instance of 16 points: suspension of driving license for nine months and requirement to take a driving course
  • Fourth instance of 16 points: cancellation of driving privileges, requirement to take a driving course and a new examination will be required to get a new driving license. Also, a new license cannot be obtained in less than one year. 
     

Additional Penalties
The following additional penalties have also been enacted:

  • The "black box" speed governors are mandatory for public transport, small and large trucks.
  • If someone is killed because a driver is violating the new traffic laws, that driver will be imprisoned for between three months and one year; will be fined between 50,000 and 100,000 Syrian lira; and will be banned from driving for two years.
  • If a driver leaves the scene of an accident, speeds more than 40 km per hour over the designated speed limit, or drives without vehicle plates visible, that driver will be imprisoned for between one and three months; will be fined 25,000 Syrian lira; will have the vehicle seized by authorities; and will be given 16 points (see "Point System" above).
  • If a driver leaves a vehicle parked on railway lines, allows materials to fall from a vehicle on public roads, or fails to have appropriate documents for Special Vehicles, that driver will be imprisoned for between ten days and seven months; will be fined 15,000 Syrian lira; will have the vehicle seized by authorities; and will be given eight points (see "Point System" above).