Cycling and Motorcycle Rules in Qatar: Helmets, Lights, Lanes and Passengers

Cycling and motorbikes are growing in Doha, Lusail and the Pearl, but the rules are rarely explained. This guide uses the English text of the Traffic Law (Decree-Law No. 19 of 2007, amended by Law No. 5 of 2010) on Al Meezan, which we read in October 2026. The law is from 2007 and we found no mention of electric scooters or e-bikes, so those are not covered here. It is general information, not legal advice.

Helmets (Article 48)

Article 48 says that in all cases motorcyclists and cyclists, and those whom they transport with them, shall wear the appropriate helmet. The article does not define the helmet standard, and we did not read the Executive Regulation, which may add detail.

Hands, tricks and loads (Article 48)

Cyclists and motorcyclists are banned from:

• riding without holding the handlebars with both hands, except when giving hand signals;
• holding on to another vehicle;
• lifting one wheel off the ground while riding;
• carrying, pushing or pulling things that impede traffic or put themselves or others at risk.

Passengers

Article 48 says motorcyclists may not carry other people unless the motorcycle has an additional side or rear car for passengers. A cyclist may not carry an extra passenger unless the bicycle is equipped for it. Article 95 lists Article 48 among offences punishable in court by one week to one year in prison or a fine of QR 3,000 to QR 10,000. Roadside tickets use a separate table that we could not read.

Which lane to use

• **Cyclists (Article 48):** may keep to the extreme right of the carriageway and ride one behind another when there is no cycle lane. Where there is a cycle lane, cyclists may not use the lanes used by cars.
• **Motorcyclists (Article 48):** may use the lanes designated for motor vehicles.
• **Highways (Article 47):** the highway rules apply to drivers of vehicles generally. See driving the wrong way, reversing and stopping on a highway.

Lights and reflectors (Article 70)

Article 70 requires lights between sunset and sunrise, and when visibility is poor in daytime. For motorcycles and bicycles it lists a front light, a rear light and, for motorcycles, a light adjacent to the rider on the rear or side. Bicycles also need a rear reflector. Article 70 is listed in Article 95.

Licence and age for motorcycles

Article 30 lists a motorcycle licence as its own type. Article 31 sets a minimum age of 18 for motorcycle, light vehicle and special needs licences. Article 1 defines a motorcycle as a vehicle with an automatic engine of 50 cc running on two or more wheels, and a bicycle as a vehicle with two or more wheels propelled by the rider. Article 106 says the Minister will regulate registration and operation of motorcycles, and we did not read that regulation. See how to get a driving license in Qatar.

Article 29 says no motor vehicle may be driven without a licence, so riding a motorcycle without a motorcycle licence falls under the driving without a licence rules.

Delivery riders and employers

Many riders in Qatar work for delivery companies. Article 38 bans owners and keepers from letting an unlicensed person drive a vehicle, which applies to motorcycles as well. See lending or selling your car, and for workers' safety rights see workplace safety in Qatar and the summer midday work ban.

Practical advice

1. Wear a proper helmet, and make sure anyone you carry does too.

2. Do not carry a passenger unless the bike is equipped for it.

3. Fit front and rear lights and a rear reflector before riding at dusk.

4. Use the cycle lane where there is one.

5. Keep both hands on the bars, signal clearly and do not ride on highways unless you are sure the route allows it.

What we could not verify

• The helmet standard, motorcycle registration rules and any rules for e-scooters and e-bikes, which sit outside the articles we read.
• The Executive Regulation (Resolution No. 6 of 2010) and later ministerial decisions.
• Whether cyclists may use certain roads or highways, and where cycle lanes exist.
• The roadside fine and points for each offence.