Muscat – His Excellency Lieutenant General Hassan bin Mohsen Al Sharqi, Inspector General of Police and Customs, issued Resolution No. 61/2024 amending some provisions of the executive regulations of the Traffic Law.

One of the key amendments is that the validity period for a vehicle license is now set at one year from the date of registration or renewal, with provisions to extend.  

Article No. 8 stipulates that it is permissible to extend the validity of a vehicle registration for a longer period based on the owner’s request, provided that it is covered by insurance, unless it is decided to inspect it annually.

Technical Inspection Updates:

• Frequency: The following vehicles now require technical inspections upon registration and license renewal:
  • Commercial vehicles (excluding small pickups and private passenger vehicles under 10 years old, not used for advertising).
  • Heavy government vehicles and equipment.
  • Taxis and school buses.
  • Buses of all types.
  • Cars and motorcycles ten years or older.
  • Limited-use vehicles and trucks (including small pickups) ten years or older.
• Additional Inspections: Vehicles are still subject to technical inspections if the engine, body, color, or any essential part is changed or replaced.

Driving Violation Penalties:

The announcement also details changes to the point system for traffic violations. ‘Failure to provide proof of driving license’ and ‘Failure to provide proof of vehicle registration’ are two new violations in the schedule of violations, which fall within the fourth category and ‘zero’ points.