Muscat: The Royal Oman Police (ROP) has released detailed guidelines for managing minor traffic accidents to enhance safety and reduce disruptions. A minor traffic accident is characterized by damage confined to the vehicles involved, with no casualties, injuries, or damage to public or private property outside of the vehicles in the incident.
An accident is classified as not minor if any of the following conditions apply:
1. A vehicle involved is owned by a military or security organization and has special modifications.
2. The vehicle of the party at fault is uninsured.
3. One of the parties involved lacks a valid driving license or has a license that is legally suspended.
4. One of the parties is under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
5. There is damage to public or private property belonging to individuals not directly involved in the accident.
The ROP stresses the necessity of quickly removing vehicles from the road to avoid traffic congestion and provides guidance on the appropriate actions to take in these scenarios. Not moving vehicles when possible is considered a violation of traffic obstruction laws.
The procedures differ based on whether the parties involved reach a consensus on fault:
Consensus on Fault:
1. Clear the damaged vehicles from the roadway.
2. Fill out the Simple Traffic Accident Form using the provided template, ensuring all parties sign it.
3. The appropriate insurance company is required to take action within one week of receiving the completed form.
4. Agreement on Repair Costs (Without Insurance):
5. Clear the damaged vehicles from the roadway.
6. Fill out the Simple Traffic Accident Form using the provided template, ensuring all parties sign it.
7. Each party must visit the police station to obtain a vehicle repair permit.
Disagreement on Fault:
1. Clear the damaged vehicles from the roadway.
2. Inform the police station.
These guidelines are designed to facilitate the management of simple traffic accidents, enhancing road safety and reducing inconvenience for all road users.
