Muscat Launches 'Aathar' Campaign: Steep Fines for Abandoned Vehicles
Muscat Municipality has officially launched the 'Aathar' campaign, a major initiative designed to clear abandoned vehicles from public spaces and restore order to the city's streets. The campaign, which follows Administrative Decision No. 171/2018, aims to eliminate the nuisance and security risks posed by vehicles left unattended in various neighborhoods.
The crackdown is currently targeting several key areas, including Ruwi, Al Khuwair, Wadi Kabir, Ghala, Seeb, and Al Mouj.
The Warning and Towing Process
Under the new enforcement measures, municipality officials will identify vehicles deemed to be causing a public nuisance and attach official warning stickers to them. Once a sticker is applied, the owner is granted a 14-day grace period to remove the vehicle.
If the vehicle is not moved within this two-week window, it will be towed to an impound yard. Owners are warned that the towing and storage will be conducted at their own expense. Furthermore, the municipality has explicitly stated that it bears no responsibility for any damage that may occur to the vehicle during the towing process or while it is being held in storage.
Breakdown of Administrative Fines
The municipality has implemented a tiered fine system based on the type and nature of the vehicle involved. The penalties are as follows:
- 200 Omani Rials: For cars, cycles, and buses with 15 seats or fewer.
- 400 Omani Rials: For trucks, trailers, tractors, heavy equipment, and buses with more than 15 seats.
- 1,000 Omani Rials: For any vehicle found transporting hazardous materials.
In addition to these administrative fines, owners will be subject to a daily yard storage fee of 5 Omani Rials for every day the vehicle remains in the impound lot.
Public Auctions for Unclaimed Vehicles
The municipality is taking a firm stance on long-term abandoned property. If a vehicle remains unclaimed and all associated fines and storage fees are not settled within 90 days, the municipality is authorized—in coordination with the Royal Oman Police—to sell the vehicle through a public auction.
Security Risks and Public Cooperation
Authorities have emphasized that the campaign is not merely about aesthetics. Abandoned vehicles often pose significant security threats, as they can be used by unlicensed vendors to conceal illicit goods.
To ensure the success of the 'Aathar' campaign, the municipality is encouraging the public to report abandoned vehicles in their vicinity. For residents planning to travel abroad or vacate their current premises, officials strongly advise selling, transferring, or formally handing over vehicles to avoid these heavy penalties once the 14-day warning period expires.