Doha, July 29 (QNA) - The ongoing traffic awareness campaign titled "Accident-free summer" entered into its fourth week with focus on raising awareness against driving vehicles without a license because of its risk to road users, pedestrians and passengers.

The Article 29 of the Traffic Law for the Year 2007 stipulates that no motor vehicle shall be driven on the road unless the driver has obtained a driving license from the Licensing Authority entitling the holder to drive such a vehicle.

Persons belonging to any of the following categories are exempted from these provisions such as the holders of driving licenses issued by the armed forces, police and other security agencies for driving these agencies vehicles only ,as well as the citizens of the Gulf Cooperation Community states holding valid driving, licenses issued by the competent authorities of their respective States, Visitors and tourists holding non-Qatari valid driving licenses and who undertake to submit such licenses to the Licensing Authority within fifteen days from the date of entry to the country, to be held for the period in which they are allowed to stay in the country or a period specified by the Licensing Authority Visitors and tourists holding valid international driving licenses.

Driving without a valid license is a criminal offense that requires severe penalties for violating the law up to a fine or imprisonment, and there can be no reconciliation at all.

Director of Traffic Awareness and Information Department Col. Mohammed Al Hajri said that the Qatari law criminalizes the driving without a license. He pointed out that it is one of the most violations given by the public administration due to its risks and the consequent threat to traffic safety.

He noted that having a driver's license means ensuring that the driver is aware of the driving principles, and without it is a danger that threatens the road users. He wished everyone to fully abide by the driving principles and obtain a license before driving .

Speaking on the video being circulated through social networking sites, of a person who drove a car in Al-Waab area, Director of Traffic Awareness and Information Department Col. Mohammed Al Hajri, said that the General Directorate of Traffic urges all road users, whether in celebrations or weddings, to abide by traffic rules and regulations, and to keep away from any forms of danger. He added that, through traffic investigations, violators will be seized and prosecuted.

Head of Traffic at Dukhan Capt. Khalid Mubarak Al Khulaifi said that the traffic patrols continue their campaigns on a daily basis, to confirm the avoidance of these violations, where it shows no tolerance because of its severe risks. He added that the law also criminalizes letting a person without driving license to drive a car.

He said that during the first half of the year 2018 a total of 143 violations of driving without license were recorded.

Capt. Khalid Mubarak Al Khulaifi, told that the Article 29 of the Traffic Law for the Year 2007 stipulates that no motor vehicle shall be driven on the road unless the driver has obtained a driving license from the Licensing Authority entitling the holder to drive such a vehicle. (QNA)