Muscat: A top official has warned residents in Oman to refrain from driving unregistered vehicles, such as quad bikes and motorcycles
The warning came as the Royal Oman Police recorded 10 deaths due to traffic accidents in a week.
Youngsters have been seen driving quad bikes and motorcycles on the roads and in public places like parks and beaches.
"We have decided to initiate legal action against those using unregistered vehicles," Lt. Col. Abdullah Bin Saud Al Farsi, Director of the Traffic Department, said in a statement on Saturday.
Lt. Col. Al Farsi said that police patrols will be increased to catch offenders "particularly on weekends and public holidays."
"We have formed special teams to catch youngsters recklessly driving motorcycles on the roads, especially the small ones without legal registration," he revealed.
He added that penalties would include confiscation of unregistered vehicles. "Repeat offenders would be taken to the public prosecution for further action," he said.
Those caught driving motor vehicles without registration are liable for imprisonment for a term not exceeding three months and a fine of not more than 300 Omani riyals.
Lt. Col. Al Farsi advised residents to avoid driving such vehicles on roads and public places. He also urged parents to "monitor children and ensure their safety."
