Oman summary
Key facts
Official language(s)
Currency
Population
Time zone
Calling code
Drive on the
Member of the EU
Arabic
Rial
2,577,000
GMT + 4
968
Right
No
Local weather
Muscat
-
Sat30° | 41° - Sun30° | 41°
- Mon32° | 39°
- Tue32° | 40°
Speed limits
- Motorways:
- 120kmh (75mph) unless otherwise stated
- Open roads:
- 120kmh (75mph) unless otherwise stated
- Towns:
- 60kmh – 80kmh (37-50mph) unless otherwise stated
Road Safety
-
Alcohol limit:
- Laws against driving under the influence of alcohol/any substance are strict and follow a policy of zero tolerance
- Just the hint of alcohol on your breath will be convincing grounds for an arrest for “driving under the influence” – and could result in a jail sentence. If an accident
is involved, a harsh jail sentence could result.
-
Use of mobile phone whilst driving:
- It is illegal to use a hand held mobile phone when driving.
- The Police are authorized to issue heavy fines as well as confiscate the mobile phone.
- Accidents resulting from use of the mobile phone are categorized as rash driving and can invite a jail sentence.
-
Seat belts:
- Wearing seat belts is compulsory for the driver and front seat passengers on all roads in the country
- Children below 12 years are not allowed to be seated in the front seat.
- Adults cannot carry children below 12 years in arms in the front seat.
- Infants must always be placed in a properly secured child/ infant seat appropriate for the infant’s age and weight.
- Child/Infant seats must not be placed in the front seat.
-
Traffic lights regulations:
- A number of traffic lights are under camera surveillance
- Most lights pulsate on amber before changing to red
- You can be ticketed by a police officer or by photography for going against traffic light signals
Costs
- Road tolls:
- Very few locations
- On the spot fines:
- Police can issue on the spot fines
- There are speed limits on all roads, and the police have mobile radar cameras and unmarked cars fitted with video cameras
- Motorists should be aware that the police can and do impound vehicles if speed is excessive
General motoring advice
- Rush hour in built up areas:
- Main rush hour periods are:
- 0700-0900 hrs
- 1230-1430 hrs
- 1730- 1900 hrs
- Traffic density is low on Thursday as Government offices are closed
- Fuel:
- Petrol stations are open 24hrs serving standard unleaded petrol, super unleaded petrol and diesel
- Parking advice:
- Only use designated parking areas
- Clamping / towing of illegally parked vehicles is very common