The road transport law in Saudi Arabia is stepping up enforcement to put an end to unlicensed passenger services and unauthorized hailing. The Transport General Authority (TGA) clearly prohibits any individual or group from providing passenger transport without a valid license.
This includes standard practices such as calling out to passengers, soliciting rides, intercepting people on the street, or even lingering in passenger areas with the intention of offering transport. These activities are now strictly prohibited under the new regulations.
Heavy Penalties for Violators
Breaking the road transport law in Saudi Arabia comes with severe consequences. For minor violations, offenders may face fines of up to SAR 11,000 and have their vehicles impounded for up to 25 days.
For repeated or serious offenses—such as operating unlicensed transport services—penalties increase significantly. Violators can be fined up to SAR 20,000, have their vehicles impounded for up to 60 days, and risk having their cars sold at public auction. Non-Saudi offenders may also face deportation.
What Drivers and Operators Should Do Now
- Only formally licensed operators under the TGA framework may solicit rides for passenger transport.
- If you’re a professional driver, keep permits, vehicle classification, and insurance current and visible.
- Companies/fleets: audit drivers and vehicles; ensure only licensed personnel undertake passenger trips.
- Consumers: book via licensed taxis or approved ride-hailing apps; avoid cash “street offers” to protect your rights and safety.
Protecting Passengers and Raising Standards
The TGA emphasized that these measures aim to protect passengers, enhance service quality, and ensure that only licensed operators benefit from the transport sector.
To support this initiative, the authority is also running workshops, awareness campaigns, and publishing guidance manuals. The goal is to boost compliance and create a safer, more reliable transport environment for everyone in the Kingdom.
Follow ArabWheels for more updates on automotive information.