Driving in Saudi Arabia has seen significant improvements due to the initiatives implemented by the General Department of Traffic, which has enhanced rules and safety standards for motorists. To ensure your safety and that of others on the road, it is crucial to be aware of the key traffic regulations to prevent violations. This comprehensive guide outlines essential Saudi Arabia traffic rules and violations, providing valuable insights to help you maintain safety and avoid fines set by the Ministry of Interior of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Before we delve into the details, let’s take a moment to understand the criteria for avoiding penalties and maintaining a clean driving record.
Understanding the Traffic Points System
The Ministry of Interior in Saudi Arabia has implemented a traffic points system to evaluate driver fines and violations. Each type of violation is assigned a specific number of points that contribute to the driver’s record. Drivers are allowed to accumulate up to 24 points for violations within a year. However, once a driver reaches this limit, they face penalties based on the severity of their violations. Each violation carries its specific penalties and fines that must be paid.
If a driver reaches 24 points, then the following penalties will be imposed on the violator.
- If the violator gets 24 points for the first time within a year, their driving license is revoked for three months
- If the violator receives 24 points for the second time, the driving license will be suspended for six months
- Again, if the violator gets 24 points for the third time, the driving license will be suspended for one year
- If the violator receives 24 points for the fourth time, then the driving license will be revoked entirely
Furthermore, to make the traffic system more straightforward, the Saudi government has established a smart system called the Saher Traffic System, which includes advanced cameras and sensors installed on every corner and road in the KSA.
So, you’d better watch out and be careful of these cameras while driving on KSA roads, as you cannot sneak through the nose of these sensors.
Saudi Arabia Traffic Rules and Violation Penalties
The Ministry of Interior has divided the traffic rules into four different categories depending on different penalties.
Category One
There are almost 25 traffic rules in category one, and each traffic violation penalty is a 500 SAR to 900 SAR fine or to keep the vehicle in custody. These violations are:
- Driving without a driving license, vehicle number plate, or vehicle registration
- Driving a car with an illegal number plate
- Driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs.
- Driving in the opposite direction
- Not stopping when the traffic signal is red
- Driving fast and recklessly in the rush hours
- Exceeding the speed limit by more than 25 km/h
- Not using headlights and tail lights to indicate and signal other vehicles
- Not using night lights at night.
- Overtaking vehicles on curves and uphills.
These are some of the unavoidable traffic rules that you must follow to avoid violations and ensure the safety of those around you. For a detailed list of traffic rules, please refer to the official Ministry of Interior of KSA website.
Category Two
Penalties for the second category include a fine ranging from SAR 300 to SAR 500, or the vehicle may be kept in custody if necessary. Such violations are:
- Excessive vehicle modification without permission
- Driving commercial vehicles without a proper license and without taking proper precautions.
- Tampering with the traffic signs
- Not stopping at checkpoints
- Throwing garbage or objects on public roads that endanger public safety.
- Using an expired license
- Not wearing seatbelts
- Not complying with road limits
Category Three
These violations carry fines between SAR 150 and SAR 300 and include offenses such as:
- Not getting a periodic vehicle inspection
- Using strong lights when not necessary
- Incomplete transfer of vehicle ownership
- Using a mobile phone while driving
- Driving on the wrong side of the road.
- Misusing the vehicle horn.
- Not wearing a helmet when riding a motorbike.
Category Four
Penalties for this violation range from SAR 100 to SAR 150. The violations include:
- Posting any kind of advertisement on your vehicle without permission.
- Parking vehicles in a non-parking area.
- Getting off or riding into a car while it is moving
- Slowing down in the fast lane disturbs other vehicles.
- Parking in places that are meant for persons with special needs
- Not acquiring insurance for your vehicle
- Not focusing on the road while driving.
- Pedestrians are not following the signals defined for them and crossing the road from places other than those allocated to them.
Conclusion
Staying up to date on Saudi Arabia’s traffic rules and violations, and following them, is essential for every citizen of Saudi Arabia. It not only helps you avoid penalties and fines but also ensures safety and order on the roads. By adhering to these rules, you can maintain a clean driving record and be a responsible citizen. Additionally, be sure to stay updated on the traffic laws and fines, as the Saudi Arabian government frequently amends them.
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