Authorities Ban Off-Road Driving on Snow
1/9/2026 10:37:00 AM
The Bekaa governor, Judge Kamal Abou Jaoude, issued Circular No. 4/18 dated January 8, 2026, banning off-road driving outside paved roads, particularly in mountainous and high-altitude areas experiencing heavy snowfall, in the interest of public safety.
The circular explained that this activity leads annually to serious accidents due to vehicles skidding and becoming stranded in snow, requiring intervention by security forces and rescue teams and exposing both drivers and emergency responders to unjustified and serious risks.
Accordingly, the decision prohibits driving vehicles and machinery off paved roads in areas with snow accumulation, waterlogged terrain, and locations vulnerable to landslides, under penalty of legal and criminal prosecution.
The circular also tasked security forces, municipal police, and Civil Defense teams with enforcing its provisions, recording violations, and notifying the competent authorities to take the necessary legal action against offenders. The decision took effect immediately upon issuance and will remain in force until April 15, 2026.
The circular explained that this activity leads annually to serious accidents due to vehicles skidding and becoming stranded in snow, requiring intervention by security forces and rescue teams and exposing both drivers and emergency responders to unjustified and serious risks.
Accordingly, the decision prohibits driving vehicles and machinery off paved roads in areas with snow accumulation, waterlogged terrain, and locations vulnerable to landslides, under penalty of legal and criminal prosecution.
The circular also tasked security forces, municipal police, and Civil Defense teams with enforcing its provisions, recording violations, and notifying the competent authorities to take the necessary legal action against offenders. The decision took effect immediately upon issuance and will remain in force until April 15, 2026.