Driving in Oman, where the unexpected is expected!

Hi all. In my last blog I touched on some of the aspects of the roads and driving practices over here. Since we last spoke I have managed to get my hands on a copy of the official 'Road Guide of Oman' which makes for interesting reading.

Rather than downloading the link I have decided to share with you a few of the more interesting rules and regulations:

1. Buying a Car

1.3 - Purchase of a Car may include such incentives as free portable DVD players, insurance or servicing (Patrons are advised not to give the showroom dealer their phone number unless they want to be inundated by phone calls)


1.5 - Customers are advised to leave the plastic wrapping on their seats to ensure that their upholstery will remain spotless for the lifetime of the vehicle. This is considered an sensible idea for a hot environment.

2. Licensing and Registration

2.1 - Officials employed in the traffic department shall utilise the 'run-around' procedure. If this fails, selective ignoring or pleading ignorance should suffice.

3. Intial Operating Procedures

3.1 - All drivers shall fill their shoes with lead before leaving the house.

3.2 - Before entering the vehicle leave common sense on footpath.

3.4 - As many passengers as possible shall enter the vehicle at all times. (n.b passengers are encouraged not to wear seatbelts while the vehicle is in motion)

3.5(a) - Kids are invited to sit anywhere in the vehicle. Preferred seating is on the drivers knee, or on the dashboard if small enough.

3.5(b) - Baby seats are prohibited.

4. Driving Procedures
4.1 - Speed is of the essence! Consider everyday driving as a racing 'game'.

4.3 - Indicators serve no useful purpose and should not be used.

4.4(a) - Tailgating is recommended to arrive at your destination both safely and securely.

4.4(b) - Tailgating is best done at high speeds.

4.4(c) - Tailgating in the form of an American football game, an SUV or Pick-up, a portable grill and a keg, is illegal and will be considered infidelic.

4.6 - Drivers shall take the shortest line around corners, especially if there is oncomming traffic.

4.7 - Drivers shall overtake whenever possible, or impossible, especially if there is oncomming traffic. Blind corners are just one example of an appropriate location for such overtaking.

4.9 - Honking, or 'flipping the bird', are considered culturaly offensive. Offenders should be chased and marched directly to jail. Do not pass GO, do not collect 200 Omani Rials.

4.11 - Roundabouts should be approached at break-neck speed to enable the driver to utilise any possible gap.

4.13 - Stop signs are a recommendation only.

4.14 - Mobile phone use by the driver is encouraged. Passengers should only use their mobile phones if it will not cause a distraction to the drivers conversation.

4.16 - Parking is legal, anywhere, anytime. (n.b this rule is especially applicable to Cab drivers)

(n.b. the above rules apply for heavy vehicles and school buses also)

5. Pedestrians

5.1 - Pedestrians shall consider all roads to be footpaths at all times. There is no need to hurry your pace or to even look for traffic.

5.3 - Kids shall play on roads, especially after dark, preferably without parental supervision.


*As you can imagine driving here is a real pleasure. It is nice to know that you can relax every time you go out for a drive!

**Who says sarcasm is the lowest form of wit?