'Do not hesitate to report any traffic violation' — PSD

AMMAN – The Public Security Directorate (PSD) urged the public to report any traffic violations or observations by using social media.

The call was made via the PSD’s social media pages last week under the theme, “The safe traffic environment is a shared national responsibility and priority that falls on everyone's shoulders”.

The PSD listed a WhatsApp number for the public who witness a traffic violation or have any comments: 0770999030, affirming that any statement will be treated with the utmost legal secrecy. This step was praised by many social users, thanking the PSD and encouraging stricter punishments for lawbreakers.

A new traffic law went into effect in early September with the aim of providing a safe environment on the roads by increasing penalties for dangerous violations that could result in accidents, injuries and fatalities.

One of the most serious among these violations is running a red light, which will 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 PSD stated in a video clip made available to media agencies.

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.