Oman’s Royal Police have announced the Sultanate’s new traffic laws have come into force today (1 March). The Police have introduced a black point system from today which will see black points issued against any drivers who violate the new laws. Under the system, motorists who get more than 12 points in a calendar year will have their licences suspended for six months. Drivers who accumulate another 12 points after this in the next year will have their licence confiscated for a year. Those who accumulate 12 points in a third year will see their licence cancelled. They will also have to pay 100 Rials and retake their driving test. Amongst the changes, new drivers will be issued with temporary licences and will have to complete a probation period. Drivers who get more than 10 points in this period will have to take additional lessons. If they get more than seven points in a year they will have their temporary licence extended for a year. Drivers who get up to six points during their probation will be able to obtain a ten-year licence while expatriates will get a two-year licence. Those who get a licence for ten years will only have to renew them after they expire. Seat belts for passengers and child seats for those under four are also now mandatory. There have also been changes to the penalties regime for 52 offences. Fines which have been increased include parking in disabled bays from 10 to 50 Rials and drivers who cover their faces, including women will be increased to 50 Rials.