Background Oman has one of the highest road traffic fatality rates in the world. Speeding behaviour has been recognised as one of the most important risk factor in fatal road traffic crashes (RTCs) in the Sultanate of Oman in the year 2011. The aim of this study was to identify factors that are associated with self-reported speeding behaviour based on the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB).

Methods The study was cross sectional. A total of 1800 Omani male drivers in the age range of 17–45 years were recruited during March 2013 from directorate of vehicle registration using systematic random sampling technique based on their seat number. A questionnaire was developed and used to collect data concerning socio-demographic characteristics, driving behaviour, driving history and the subscales of TPB. The questionnaire was assessed for validity and reliability. Multivariate logistic regression was used to examine the association between the constructs of TPB and speeding behaviour.

Results The response rate was 71.4%. The mean age was 29 ± 6.6 (mean ± standard deviation) years. Only 14% (n = 174) of the drivers reported that they never or very rarely exceeded the speed limit when given the chance. The drivers with younger age, having children, high monthly income, having motoring and speeding offences were more likely to speed compared to other drivers. The odds of speeding among those who said their speed was “much faster” compared to other drivers was 4.7 (Odds Ratio (OR) = 4.7, 95% CI: 1.6, 13.8). Around 46% of the sample had got speeding offences. Speeding behaviour is significantly predicted by attitude and subjective norms. Speeding behaviour is significantly predicted by intention to respect the speed limits (OR = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.72, 0.76) and by attitude, subjective norms and perceived behavioural control.

Conclusions Speeding behaviour is common among male Omani drivers and the TPB can be used to understand the factors associated with it.