MoCI stipulates fine of up to QR 1mn for noise pollution

The noise levels generated by cars and motorcycles in Qatar have to conform to the specifications issued by the Qatar General Organization for Standards and Metrology, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry said in a circular Sunday.
The Consumer Protection and Combating Commercial Fraud Department at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry issued Circular No. (3) of 2023, which specifies the obligations of car and motorcycle dealers and maintenance service providers in accordance with Law No. (8) of 2008 and its amendments.
According to the Ministry, Qatar implements the following regulations and specifications to control noise levels:

1. Gulf Standard Specifications: Cars — Noise Pollution (GSO1624/2002), mechanical products specification sector.
2. Gulf Standard Specifications: Motorcycles — Noise Pollution (GSO ECE 41-1:2007), mechanical products specification sector.

The Ministry pointed out that a car or motorcycle's noise level should not exceed the limits (in dB) stated in the specifications. These regulations apply to both gasoline- or diesel-powered engines, and the noise must be measured while the engine is on and the vehicle is in motion. Any breach of the noise levels is deemed an explicit violation of the provisions of Articles (5), (6), and (13) of Law No. (8) of 2008 on Consumer Protection.
The ministry noted that violating the circular entails a maximum fine of QR 1mn or imprisonment for up to two years and administrative closure of business for no more than three months.
Furthermore, the Ministry outlined the corrective measures that relevant service providers and car dealers must take, including suspending the sale of car and motorcycle spare parts that cause sound amplification resulting in noise pollution, recalling cars that have been equipped with such parts to remodify them and remove all parts that violate the State’s standard specifications.
Car and motorcycle dealers must also consider the requirements of Decree-Law No. (19) of 2007 on the Promulgation of the amended Traffic Law and Decree-Law No. (30) of 2022 on the Promulgation of the amended Environment Protection Law, in terms of the provisions that regulate and reduce noise pollution.
The Ministry further noted that car and motorcycle dealerships and all relevant maintenance centres will be given 30-60 days, effective from the circular’s issuance date, to ensure compliance.
The Ministry said it will launch a joint campaign entitled “Noise Pollution from Cars and Motorcycles” in collaboration with the Ministry of Interior (MoI) within one month of releasing the circular. The campaign aims to ensure that all dealerships and maintenance centres adhere to the regulations stated by the Qatari standards.
The Ministry encourages all citizens and residents to report any violation via the following channels:

• Call Centre: 16001

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry social media accounts:

• Twitter: @MOCIQATAR
• Instagram: MOCIQATAR