A Guide to Traffic Fines in Saudi Arabia | ExpatWoman.com
 

A Guide to Traffic Fines in Saudi Arabia

The driving rules can vary to what you are used to back home so be sure to read this post so you know everything you need know.

Posted on

26 September 2013

Last updated on 27 June 2018
Traffic Fines in Saudi Arabia

Despite the majority of the rules and principles remaining the same, there is usually some road rules that are unique to the country that you are staying in. Unfortunately, pleading ignorance won’t help if you get caught perpetrating your new country’s road rules.

Make sure that you are well-informed of all the traffic violations and their penalties before you take the wheel.

We have a comprehensive list of traffic violations and penalties as well as the points system for Saudi Arabia so that you can have a better understanding of the kinds of behaviour/actions that will land the driver in hot water. For more information on traffic violations in Saudi Arabia, please visit their website.

Saher is an automated traffic control and management system which covers major cities in Saudi Arabia and uses digital cameras network linked with the National Information Center of Ministry of Interior.

You will also be able to query a traffic fine by clicking here.

Traffic violations are divided into the following four categories:

Category I Violations, extra measures that might be taken thereon:

Penalties for such violations: (A fine not less than five hundred Riyals and not exceeding nine hundred Riyals, or keep the vehicle in custody plus the fine).

These violations are:

  • Driving a vehicle without driving licence.
  • Driving a vehicle without plates (vehicle will be kept in custody until settlement of violation).
  • Driving a vehicle without back plate (vehicle will be kept in custody until settlement of violation)
  • Using forged registration plates (vehicle will be taken into custody until removal of violation).
  • Using illegal plates (vehicle will be kept in custody until settlement of violation).
  • Fixing equipment on the vehicle like those used in official and emergency vehicles (vehicle will be kept in custody until violation is settled).
  • Concealing or trying to conceal or blur the special features of the vehicle (vehicle will be kept in custody until violation is settled).
  • Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs or medicine which was warned not to drive if taken.
  • Not stopping while the red traffic light was on.
  • Driving on the opposite direction.
  • Moving fast, recklessly between vehicles on public roads.
  • Exceeding the speed limit by more than 25 klm/h.
  • Overtaking vehicles in curves and uphill(s).
  • Stopping on railways.
  • Uncovering, untying transported loads.
  • Carrying out road-works before notifying the relevant authorities.
  • Non-stopping completely at the stop signal.
  • Not stopping at the signal driving priority ahead if there are vehicles moving on a priority road.
  • Allowing no priority to vehicles moving on the right side when they reach the intersection where there are equal movement priorities, when there are no priority signals.
  • Allowing no priority of movement for vehicles on the main road if there no priority signals.
  • Violating traffic police hand signals while organising traffic and not giving his hand signals priority to traffic lights.
  • Allowing no priority of movement for vehicles in a roundabout by the vehicles outside it in the absence of lights signals or traffic policeman who organises traffic.
  • Endangering lives by driving a vehicle without breaks or necessary equipment (vehicle will be kept in custody until settlement of violation).
  • Not using necessary lights at night or while driving in bad weather conditions.
  • Driving vehicle inside tunnels without lights.

SEE ALSO: Arriving to Saudi Arabia for The First Time

Traffic Fines in Saudi Arabia

Category II Violations, extra measures that might be taken thereon:

Penalties for such violations: (A fine not less than three hundred Riyals and not more than five hundred Riyals, or keep the vehicle in custody plus the fine).

These violations are:

  • Making additional amendments to vehicle's body without following proper procedures (vehicle will be kept in custody until settlement of violation).
  • Driving public works vehicles (industrial, constructional, or agricultural) on road without taking proper precautions to avoid their negative effects (vehicle will be kept in custody until violation is settled).
  • Driving a vehicle that pollutes environment on public roads (vehicle will be kept in custody until violation is settled).
  • Exceeding the speed limit by not more than 25 klm/h.
  • Tampering with traffic regulating signs.
  • Not stopping at check points when there is a check point sign.
  • Not complying with traffic regulations at roads intersections.
  • Using vehicle for unlicenced purposes.
  • Carrying passengers whose number is more than the number stipulated in the licence.
  • Seating passengers in the vehicle in places other than those specified for them.
  • Refusing to present driver's or vehicle's identifying papers when required by authorized persons.
  • Non complying with road-limits marked on the lanes.
  • Leaving objects on public roads that endanger public safety.
  • Allowing no movement priority for VIP or emergency vehicles.
  • Overtaking school buses when they stop to load or unload.
  • Using expired licence.

SEE ALSO: Saudi Arabia Exit & Re Entry Permit Rules

Traffic Fines in Saudi Arabia

Category III Violations, extra measures that might be taken thereon:

Penalties for such violations: (A fine not less than one hundred and fifty Riyals and not more than three hundred Riyals).

These violations are:

  • Not equipping trailers as required by regulations.
  • Not presenting vehicle for periodic technical inspection.
  • Infringing rules by using strong lights.
  • Not following precautions required when parking on public roads in emergencies.
  • Putting bars inside the vehicle that prevent driver vision.
  • Driving without carrying the driving licence or vehicle registration licence.
  • Leaving the vehicle on a slope road without taking necessary precautions.
  • Violating rules for driving on roads.
  • Not preserving vehicle's plates number.
  • Non-completion of transfer of vehicle ownership.
  • Non-completion of vehicle use domain.
  • Not wearing seat belts.
  • Non-using safety seats meant for children.
  • Defying priority rules.
  • Exceeding time limits set for exporting a vehicle prepared for export.
  • Using cell phone while driving.
  • Misusing vehicle's horn.
  • Not wearing a helmet when riding a motorbike.
  • Driving within lanes not intended for driving.
  • When animals owners do not keep their animals away from road.

SEE ALSO: Dress Code in Saudi Arabia

Traffic Fines in Saudi Arabia

Category IIII Violations, extra measures that might be taken thereon:

Penalties for such violations (A fine not less than one hundred Riyals and not more than one hundred and fifty Riyals).

These violations are:

  • Using unauthorised devices inside the vehicle or fixing logos or posters contrary to public morals.
  • Leaving vehicles on public roads in unauthorised areas unnecessarily.
  • Throwing any objects outside the vehicle while it is moving.
  • Driving a vehicle without front plate numbers.
  • Getting off or riding into a vehicle while it is moving.
  • Pedestrians crossing roads from places other than those allocated for them.
  • Pedestrians non-compliance with signals defined for them.
  • Slowing down driving in a manner that impedes smooth flow of traffic.
  • Parking in places defined for persons with special needs if he is not from that category.
  • Parking in places defined for persons with special needs while you are not from the category.
  • Not focusing on road while driving.
  • Absence of an insurance policy.

SEE ALSO: Saudi Arabia Zoo

Traffic Violations Points System:

If the number of points recorded against a person reaches 24 points, then the driver’s licence will be revoked as follows:

  • If the violator got (24) points for the first time within one Hijri year, the driving licence is withdrawn for a period of three months.
  • If the violator got (24) points for the second time within one Hijri year, the driving licence is withdrawn for six months.
  • If the violator got (24) points for the third time within one Hijri year, the driving licence is withdrawn for one year.
  • If the violator reaches (24) points for the fourth time within one Hijri year, the driving licence will be revoked.