Crossing 12 black points will lead to confiscation of licence: ROP

The ROP will introduce a ‘black points system’ from March 1 and motorists getting more than 12 points in a calendar year may lose their licences.

“Motorists getting more than 12 black points in a year will have their driving licences suspended for six months. If the motorist gets more than 12 points again the following year, the licence will be confiscated for a year. In case the black points are more than 12 for a third consecutive year, the licence will be cancelled. The driver will have to take the driving test afresh after paying RO100 for a new licence,” an ROP official said.

The official said that three black points will be given for violations in eight cases such as failing to stop at a police checkpoint, drifting, modifying the vehicle licence plates or covering the licence plate or a part of it. “Exceeding the speed limit by more than 75km/hr, driving with a licence in another category (if a driver holding a light vehicle licence drives a heavy vehicle), covering one’s face, modifying the vehicle and overtaking by heavy vehicles at a place where they are not allowed to do so, will earn drivers three black points.”

Two points will be given in 14 cases including using a phone while driving, dangerous overtaking, parking on the road, parking trucks less than 5m from the shoulder in non-emergency situations. “Two black points will also be given if a motorist leaves his car in case of an accident before completing the procedures. Motorcycle riders without a helmet will be given two points.

“One black point will be given in 35 cases including overloading, playing loud music, not stopping when asked by a police officer to do so etc.”

A motorist’s accumulated black points will be reset to zero at the beginning of every year.