Friday, October 14, 2016

October 2016 Update on the Traffic Laws of Saudi Arabia


New penalties for traffic violations will come into force within the month of October 2016.

The General Department of Traffic is said to be finalizing the new penalties in line with the decision of the Council of Ministers as reported in a news article in Saudi Gazette last October 3.

During the 3rd Quarter this year, the Cabinet made major amendments to the articles of the Traffic Law to give tougher penalties for traffic violations.

The details of the penalties for various violations are:

The following traffic violations carry a penalty of SR1,000 - SR2,000 fine: 
  1. Stopping on railway track
  2. Carrying passengers exceeding the permitted number in the vehicle registration card (istimara)
  3. Refusing to show driving license or istimara (when asked by authorities)
  4. Not displaying number plate of vehicle
  5. Failure to wear helmet by motor cyclists 
  6. Seizing driving license or istimara of another person
  7. Giving istimara of another person on mortgage.

The following traffic violations carry a penalty of SR3,000 - SR6,000 fine and vehicle seizure: 
  1. Jumping red signal
  2. Using illegal number plates or number plate of other vehicles
  3. Fitting accessories that are permitted only for official vehicles or emergency vehicles
  4. Overtaking school buses while they pick up or drop off children
  5. Tampering roadsigns, reflectors and poles
  6. Refusing to stop at checkpoints or when security patrols ask for it, and 
  7. Displaying logos or stickers that are against pubic etiquette.

The following traffic violations carry a penalty of SR5,000 - SR10,000 fine and vehicle seizure: 
  1. Obliterating or attempt to obliterate special features of a vehicle
  2. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
  3. Carrying out any activities on the road without prior coordination (with the concerned authorities).

The following traffic violations carry a penalty of SR10,000 fine and/or 3-month jail: 
  1. Failure of a motorist involved in an accident to stop at the scene and failure to take the initiative to inform the competent department and provide possible assistance to those injured in the accident.
Reference: Saudi Gazette - New Traffic Laws in 15 days

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