Qatar Launches Smart Vehicle Number Plates to Boost Road Safet

Qatar has unveiled a nationwide initiative to replace all existing vehicle number plates with a newly enhanced design aimed at improving road safety, traffic management, and digital integration, the Ministry of Interior announced.

The project was revealed during a press conference held at the Ministry of Interior’s headquarters, where officials said the new smart vehicle number plates are designed in line with leading international standards and support modern intelligent traffic technologies.

Colonel Dr. Jabr Hamoud Jabr Al-Naimi, Assistant Director of the Public Relations Department and official spokesperson of the Ministry of Interior, said the initiative seeks to modernise the country’s vehicle plate system while strengthening its visual identity.

“The project aims to replace existing vehicle plates with newly designed number plates that enhance the visual identity of vehicle plates and standardise them according to clearer and more precise criteria, while supporting the traffic system through the integration of advanced digital technologies,” he said.

He added that the project covers all vehicle plate categories as part of an integrated development plan for the national numbering system, ensuring sustainability, future flexibility, and alignment with the continued growth in vehicle numbers across the country.

Phased rollout begins with private vehicles

According to officials, the rollout of the new number plates will begin with private vehicles, starting with the addition of the letter (Q) to plate numbers, followed by the letters (T) and (R). The project will be implemented in several phases.

The first phase will run from December 13 to 16, 2025, and will allocate the letter (Q) to vehicles whose owners obtain special plate numbers through the Sooum application. The second phase, starting April 1, 2026, will apply to newly registered private vehicles, with letters assigned according to the approved sequence.

In the third phase, all currently licensed private vehicles will have their plates replaced by adding the letter (Q), based on timelines to be announced later. Subsequent phases will cover non-private vehicles, which will receive two additional letters on their plates.

A video presentation at the conference showcased the new design for private vehicle plates, along with previews of plates for non-private categories. Officials also demonstrated how special plate numbers can be obtained via the Sooum application.

Supporting smart traffic and digital transformation

Staff Colonel (GS) Ali Hassan Al-Kaabi, Assistant Director of the Licensing Affairs Department at the General Directorate of Traffic, said the initiative marks a new stage in the development of Qatar’s vehicle plate system.

He explained that the project goes beyond visual changes, aiming to establish a sustainable national numbering system that improves clarity, enhances on-site and electronic readability, and integrates more effectively with intelligent traffic monitoring and vehicle licensing systems.

From a traffic safety perspective, Al-Kaabi said the clearer plate design will improve compatibility with smart enforcement systems, particularly as urban expansion and vehicle numbers continue to rise. He added that the project will be implemented gradually to avoid placing sudden burdens on the public, with a strong reliance on electronic services to simplify procedures.

Colonel Dr. Al-Naimi said the initiative aligns with the Ministry of Interior’s broader modernisation efforts to enhance service efficiency and traffic system performance. He urged vehicle owners to follow official ministry channels for updates on implementation phases.

Responding to questions on costs, officials confirmed that the new vehicle number plates will be issued under the same existing fees.