Renting a car in Oman allows you to reach interesting attractions quickly, visit neighboring cities at any time, or head to the mountains. Before doing so, familiarize yourself with the traffic rules. Local regulations and driving culture may surprise travelers accustomed to different practices. Here's what drivers need to know when traveling on Oman's roads.
Oman follows right-hand traffic.
Speed limits are strictly monitored, including through numerous cameras. Pay attention to signs, as limits may change even along the same road. We recommend staying closer to the lower end of posted speed ranges.
Speed limits:
The "priority to the right" rule often applies at unmarked intersections of equal priority. Yield to vehicles approaching from your right.
Pedestrians always have priority at crosswalks. Stop if someone is about to cross. Be prepared for sudden braking by vehicles ahead. Local drivers may stop abruptly to let pedestrians cross even where you might not expect it.
Roads are modern, wide, and excellently paved. All major signs and markers are duplicated in English, making navigation straightforward. Road markings are clearly visible.
Other important traffic regulations in Oman:
Speed bumps are common in Oman, but they're often difficult to spot. Regulations require them to be painted yellow with warning signs posted, but paint frequently wears off and signs may be absent. Reduce speed before intersections, schools, and mosques.
Most local drivers maintain calm and understanding behavior, typically showing patience toward tourists in rental car. However, they occasionally provide surprises by changing lanes abruptly or pulling out unexpectedly in front of other vehicles. You may encounter aggressive drivers on highways. Overall, driving patterns are fairly predictable.
Plan your route in navigation beforehand. Some interchanges in the capital can be complex, and the system of parallel service roads may cause confusion.
Additional considerations:
Navigation in Oman follows an interesting system. Traditional addresses with street names and building numbers are rare. Instead, locals use informal neighborhood names not found in navigation systems or guidebooks. English knowledge helps here. While Arabic is the official language, English is widely spoken and understood.
Speed cameras operate throughout the country, including on desert highways. If you receive a fine, payment can be made through three methods:
When paying in person at a police station, keep your payment receipt. The system sometimes updates with delays, and fines may still appear as unpaid for some time.
Violation | Approximate Fine, Omani Rial | Approximate Fine, USD |
Speed violation | 10 to 75 OMR | $26 to $195 |
Phone use without speakerphone or Handsfree | 15–30 OMR | $39–$78 |
Failing to yield to pedestrians at crosswalks | 15–30 OMR | $39–$78 |
Failing to observe "priority to the right" rule | up to 25 OMR | up to $65 |
Unbuckled seatbelt | 15–20 OMR | $39–$52 |
Not using turn signals when changing lanes | up to 30 OMR | up to $78 |
Driving without headlights in limited visibility or nighttime conditions | up to 50 OMR | up to $130 |
Reckless driving (e.g., overtaking a vehicle that is already overtaking) | up to 75 OMR | up to $195 |
Running a red light | up to 75 OMR | up to $195 |
Driving under the influence | up to 1,000 OMR + possible additional penalties | up to $2,600 |
Transporting children without car seats | 50 OMR | $130 |
Fine amounts are approximate and subject to change.
Oman also operates a "Black Points" system. Points are added to driving licenses for each violation. Accumulating too many points can result in license suspension for at least 3 months. For example, exceeding the speed limit by 20–30 km/h adds 3 points, while more serious speeding violations result in 6 to 12 points. The strictest consequences apply to reckless driving and driving under the influence.
Following Oman's traffic rules protects your vacation from unexpected expenses and complications. The country values road order as part of local hospitality and respect for others.
Key points: monitor speed limits, avoid phone use without Handsfree or speakerphone. Buckle up and ensure all passengers are wearing seatbelts.
If a police officer signals you to stop, remain calm and courteous:
Driving in Oman is a pleasure. Roads are excellent quality, signs are duplicated in English, and tourists are treated with understanding. Car rental provides freedom and opportunities to discover unique locations not reached by tour buses.