{
  "id": 3695457,
  "title": "Taxi, limousine and bus drivers must hold public driving license in Qatar, MoI says",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/27/taxi-limousine-and-bus-drivers-must-hold-public-driving-license-in",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-27T07:20:04.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Peninsula Qatar",
    "slug": "the-peninsula-qatar",
    "url": "https://thepeninsulaqatar.com/article/27/08/2026/taxi-limousine-and-bus-drivers-must-hold-public-driving-license-in-qatar-moi-says"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Motorists in Qatar operating taxis, limousines, and public transport buses are required to possess a valid public driving license, according to a reminder from the Ministry of Interior (MoI). This requirement aligns with Qatar's traffic laws and approved licensing procedures. Under Traffic Law No. 19 of 2007, driving licenses are categorized with Article 30 specifically permitting holders to operate public vehicles like taxis, limousines, passenger transport vehicles, and public transport buses.\n\nTo obtain this license, applicants must be at least 21 years old, medically fit, have a valid mechanical driving license for at least two years, and hold a certificate of good conduct. They also need to demonstrate knowledge of key facilities and geographical areas in Qatar. Additionally, applicants must work full-time in the profession and be sponsored by a company in the limousine, taxi, or public transport bus services. The profession listed on the applicant's residence permit must be \"Driver\".\n\nFor public driving licenses, applicants must have a clean record regarding dishonesty and driving under the influence, have held a valid license for at least two years, and be familiar with important facilities and geographical locations in Qatar. Violations of this requirement can result in penalties ranging from one month to three years in imprisonment and fines between QR10,000 and QR50,000 for a first offense. Subsequent violations can carry penalties of one week to three years in imprisonment and fines between QR20,000 and QR50,000. The court may also order the suspension of driving and vehicle licenses and number plates for one to six months.",
  "summary": "<p>Doha, Qatar: Motorists in Qatar driving taxis, limousines and public transport buses have been reminded to obtain a valid public driving license specifically authorising them to operate such vehicles.</p> <p>The Ministry of Interior in a social media post stated that this requirement is in accordance with the Qatar’s traffic laws and approved licensing procedures.</p> <p>Under Articles 30, 31…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}