Driving in Saudi Arabia: fines and violations

Did you just move to Saudi Arabia and get your driver’s license? Or are you traveling here from the United Arab Emirates? If so, it’s crucial to keep in mind Saudi Arabia’s official list of driving fines to make sure you don’t break any traffic laws.

Breaking one of these laws can result in fines of up to SR60,000 in Saudi Arabia, where traffic fines are divided into categories based on the type of violation. The driver may also face prison time in some severe circumstances.

The General Department of Traffic within the Saudi Ministry of Interior has published the official list of traffic fines here.

1 – Fines not less than SR500 (Dh488) and not more than SR900 (Dh879)

1. Driving a car without a valid license.
2. Driving a car without a licence plate on the back (vehicle will be kept in custody until settlement of violation).
3. Traveling the opposite route.
4. Speeding recklessly between cars on public streets.
5. Traveling more than 25 km/h over the posted speed limit.
6. Overtaking vehicles uphill and on curves.
7. Uncovering, and untying transported loads.
8. Not completely stopping at the stop sign.
9. If there are vehicles moving on a priority road, do not stop at the signal for “driving priority ahead.”
10. When reaching an intersection with equal movement priorities, not giving preference to cars driving to the right (when there are no priority signals).
11. If there are no priority signals, cars on the main route are not given priority when moving.
12. Violating hand signals of traffic police organizing traffic [movement] and not giving his hand signals priority over traffic lights.
13. In the absence of lights, signals, or traffic police officers directing traffic [movement], vehicles outside a roundabout shall not give priority to passage to vehicles inside the roundabout.
14. Putting lives in danger by operating a vehicle without the essential breaks or equipment (vehicle will be kept in custody until settlement of violation).
15. Driving in wind and rain or at night without the proper lighting.
16. Driving vehicles inside tunnels without lights.

2 – Fines not less than SR300 (Dh293) and not more than SR500 (Dh488)

1. Adding additional body modifications to a car without following the proper steps (vehicle will be kept in custody until settlement of violation).
2. Using an environmentally harmful car on a public route (vehicle will be kept in custody until the violation is settled).
3. Traveling no more than 25 km/h faster than the posted speed limit.
4. Defying traffic laws at intersections of roads.
5. Using a vehicle for illegal activities.
6. Placing passengers in seats that are not designated for them in the car.
7. Not complying with road limits marked on the lanes.
8. Placing anything that risks public safety on public highways.
9. Refusing to give VIP or emergency cars priority lane access.
10. Using a license that has expired.

3 – Fines not less than SR150 (Dh146) and not more than SR300 (Dh293)

1. Not equipping trailers as required by regulations.
2. Failure to submit the vehicle for routine technical inspection.
3. Breaking the law by using strong lights.
4. Failure to take the necessary safety precautions when parking on public highways during an emergency.
5. Installing internal bars that obstruct the driver’s field of vision.
6. Operating a vehicle without a valid driver’s license or vehicle registration.
7. Leaving the car on a hill without taking the proper safety measures.
8. Disobeying traffic laws while driving.
9. Not wearing seatbelts.
10. Not using safety seats meant for children.
11. Defying priority rules.
12. Making phone calls while driving.
13. Misusing a car’s horn
14. Using lanes that are not meant for driving.
15. When pet owners fail to keep their animals out of the path of traffic.

4 – Fines not less than SR100 (Dh97) and not more than SR150 (Dh146)

• Breaking parking rules and leaving automobiles on public highways.
• Throwing any item from the moving car outdoors.
• Driving a car without a front license plate.
• Leaving a moving vehicle or boarding one while it is in motion.
• Pedestrians using locations other than those designated for them to crossroads.
• The disrespect of pedestrians for signals intended for them.
• Slowing down while driving or otherwise obstructing the free flow of traffic.
• Parking in areas that are not designated for it.
• If you are not a member of such a category, avoid parking in areas designated for people with special needs.
• Driving while not paying attention to the road.
• Absence of an insurance policy.

Also Read: How to create an Absher account if you are traveling to Saudi Arabia?

5 – Fines not less than SR1,000 (Dh977) and not more than SR2,000 (Dh1,955)

• Making a stop on railway tracks.
• Carrying more persons than allowed by the license
• Refusing to provide identification documents for a driver or vehicle when asked by authorized individuals.
• Loss of the vehicle’s license plate number.
• Non-completion of transfer of vehicle ownership.
• Non-completion of vehicle use domain.
• Going over the allotted time for exporting a vehicle that has been prepared for export.
• Riding a motorcycle without a helmet.

6 – Fines not less than SR3,000 (Dh2,933) and not more than SR6,000 (Dh5,866)

1. Making a stop on railway tracks.
2. Carrying more persons than allowed by the license
3. Refusing to provide identification documents for a driver or vehicle when asked by authorized individuals.
4. Loss of the vehicle’s license plate number.
5. Non-completion of transfer of vehicle ownership.
6. Non-completion of vehicle use domain.
7. Going over the allotted time for exporting a vehicle that has been prepared for export.
8. Riding a motorcycle without a helmet.

7 – Fines not less than SR3,000 (Dh2,933) and not more than SR6,000 (Dh5,866)

1. Driving a car without license plates (vehicle will be kept in custody until settlement of violation).
2. Making use of fake license plates (vehicle will be taken into custody until removal of violation).
3. Using unauthorized plates (vehicle will be kept in custody until settlement of violation).
4. Installing equipment similar to those seen on official and emergency vehicles on the vehicle (vehicle will be kept in custody until the violation is settled).
5. Failure to stop when the red traffic light was on.
6. Passing school buses that are loading or unloading while they stop.
7. Operating agricultural, construction, or industrial vehicles on the road without adopting the necessary safety measures to reduce their drawbacks. The car will be held until the violation is resolved.
8. Tampering with signs put up for regulating traffic.
9. Ignoring checkpoint signs and failing to stop at them.
10. Placing logos or signs that are against public morals or using unauthorized gadgets inside the vehicle.

8 – Fines not less than SR5,000 (Dh4,888) and not more than SR10,000 (Dh9,777)

1. Concealing or trying to conceal or blur the special features of a vehicle (vehicle will be kept in custody until the violation is settled).
2. Driving a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medications that specifically forbid driving after consumption.
3. Conducting roadwork without informing the appropriate authorities.
4. The driver leaves the scene of the accident, fails to file a police report, and fails to offer the victims of the accident the help they require. [Hit and run] will result in a fine not exceeding SR10,000, a jail sentence not longer than three months, or both punishments.

9 – Drifting violation

For the first time, the car will be reserved for 15 days. The offender will receive an SR20,000 (Dh19,555) fine, be taken to court, and maybe go to jail.

If it happens again, the vehicle will be detained for one month, and the offender will be fined SR40,000 (Dh39,110), sent to court, and possibly even sentenced to jail time.

Third time: The offender will be fined SR60,000 (Dh58,665) and sent to court, where the judge will determine whether to seize the car or pay the driver the same amount for a stolen or rented car and throw him in jail.