Known for their creativity while driving, Lebanese drivers never let things like wrong-way signs or no parking get them down. But now, it seems like this all might change thanks to the Internal Security Force's new initiative to crack down on driving violations.
Confusion is everywhere in the streets of Beirut as drivers try to figure out which of their routine driving habits are now going to be frowned upon. Can people still text and drive? Are seat belts mandatory? And what about driving motorscooters on the sidewalks?
No one seems to know what will happen to these pillars of Lebanese driving culture.
And so, we decided to hit the streets and see how drivers were – or weren't – getting along with the newly enforced laws. With fines ranging from $66 to nearly $2,000 – and the possibility of jail time for the most serious offenses – we expected to see some compliance. Emphasis on the some.
Texting and driving applies to motorscooters as well? No way.
This guy managed to avoid a $230-$300 fine by wearing a helmet, however, it looks like he is just cashing in the savings to use his mobile phone while driving through this intersection.
The sidewalk is, and always will be, a valid parking spot.
The white parking lines just weren't enough to help this car avoid the risk of $66-$100 fine.
If the driver has a helmet, the passenger surely doesn't need one.
The driver got the right idea but this duo is still at risk of a receiving a $230-$300 fine because of the passenger's helmetless head.
What if you are taking a very important cell phone call? The law clearly doesn't apply then.
Sorry buddy, that "I'm running late to work because fi kteer 3aj2a" phone call may now cost you $230-$300.
How many times do we have to say it: The new laws don't apply to motorscooters.
At least he got the helmet thing down.
Green means drive super fast, yellow means drive normally and red means drive slowly, while avoiding pedestrians. Right?
This person might want to be a bit more careful about catching his green light in the future. Running red lights now can cost drivers $330-$465.
Smoking while driving is like drinking water while exercising aka absolutely necessary.
Extra props to this driver for violating at least two driving laws at the same time! Smoking while in a taxi will cost $130-$200 and sticking body parts outside of the vehicle is another $130-$200.
OK, so maybe Lebanese drivers aren't doing so great, but hey, they just started enforcing the rules. It will take time for everyone to figure it out. At least some drivers seem positive about the government's initiative to do something, for once. As one taxi driver explained to The Daily Star, "I’m with the state and anything the state does is great.”
"I am with the new traffic law!” he confirmed while chowing down on his shawarma as he drove. We guess he doesn't even mind paying the fine for eating that sandwich.