Motorists who use mobile phones while driving or do not fasten seatbelts will not be detained, the General Directorate of Public Security has clarified.

The Traffic Department recently started electronically monitoring motorists who violate the rules against the use of mobile phones while driving and not wearing seatbelts.

Col. Sami Al-Shuwairih, director of information and public relations at the General Directorate of Public Security, said in a TV interview that a minimum fine of SR150 and a maximum of SR300 will be imposed on those who commit these two violations.

“These violators will not be detained unless they repeat the violations or the concerned court makes such a request,” he said.

The spokesman said the use of mobile phones while driving has caused a number of traffic accidents.

Studies have proved that the fastening of the safety belt reduced traffic accidents and mitigated the damages resulting from them, he added.

Col. Salah Al-Jabri, director of the Traffic Department, said that 11 alternative sentences will be applied to traffic violators. The violators, however, will not be exempted from paying the fine.

The pertinent traffic commission looks into cases and decides whether the violator should be given an alternative sentence or not. It is also the commission which requires the violator to pay visits to the hospital and see the victims of road accidents.

SOURCE : SAUDIGAZETTE