CTD urges motorists to report dangerous traffic violations

AMMAN — The Central Traffic Department (CTD) on Saturday urged motorists to report any dangerous and wrongful traffic violations and behaviours on the Kingdom’s roads.

Under the slogan “A safe traffic environment is a shared national responsibility and priority that falls on everyone’s shoulders”, the CTD pledged to handle any comments or complaints with utmost secrecy.

“Be responsible and do not hesitate to report any comments or observations related to wrongful and dangerous traffic violations that could jeopardise your life and that of other people,” the CTD said in a post on its Facebook page.

They listed a WhatsApp number for the public who witness a traffic violation or have any comments: 0770999030

“All your comments and observations will be handled with utmost secrecy,” the CTD stated.

Deputy director of the CTD, Anwar Kharabsheh, recently said that the number of traffic accidents increase the hour before the Iftar (Maghrib call to prayer) during Ramadan. This, the traffic official stated, is due to the high traffic volume during the hour before Iftar, “prompting motorists to resort to high speeds”.

“Some motorists who are fasting could be in a stressed state, which increases the chance of accidents,” Kharabsheh said in a press statement.

A new traffic law went into effect in early September to provide a safe road environment by increasing penalties for dangerous violations that could result in accidents, injuries and fatalities.

One of the most serious violations is running a red light, which will end in a prison term ranging from one to two months and a fine between JD200 and JD300. In the case of repeated offences within one year, the penalty will be doubled.

Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is another dangerous traffic violation that the new law aims to deter. This violation will result in a prison term ranging from one to three months and/or a fine ranging between JD250 and JD500. The presiding judge has the authority to impose both the prison sentence and the fine and also has the discretion to confiscate the driver’s licence for two months.

There will also be a JD50 fine imposed on motorists who use their mobile phones while operating a vehicle, the Public Security Directorate (PSD) stated in a video clip made available to media agencies recently.

Motorists who exceed the speed limit by 50km/h will be subject to one to three months imprisonment or a JD100 fine, or both penalties. The fine will be doubled in the case of a repeat violation within one year.

Reckless driving or driving without a licence plate will result in a prison term, ranging from one to two months and/or a fine between JD200 and JD300.

The judge has the authority to impose both the prison sentence and the fine, in addition to seizing the motorist’s vehicle from one to 30 days, according to the PSD.

Former traffic officials and experts praised the newly endorsed traffic law, saying that it will work to reduce accidents and fatalities, and will alter reckless driving behaviours and bad habits.

Last year, 203 pedestrians were killed by cars, according to traffic officials. In 2022, a total of 169,000 road accidents were recorded, according to official figures, which resulted in 562 deaths and 17,096 injuries.