Saudi Arabia’s Transport General Authority (TGA) has stepped up inspections to curb illegal passenger transport services, confirming the arrest of 1,396 violators and the start of legal procedures against them. The move reflects a broader push to improve passenger safety and strengthen compliance across the Kingdom’s transport sector.
What the TGA Found During Inspections
The arrests occurred during inspection tours conducted between December 6 and 12, in coordination with relevant authorities. The TGA said the actions were taken across various regions of the Kingdom, and that penalties included fines and vehicle impoundment for those involved in illegal passenger transport services.
The authority reported two main types of violations:
- 634 individuals were arrested for illegally soliciting passengers using private vehicles.
- 762 individuals were arrested for transporting passengers in private cars in unauthorized ways.
These figures underline how active the unlicensed market can be, and why regulators are increasing oversight of illegal passenger transport services.
Why The Crackdown Is Happening Now
The report states that these campaigns aim to enhance competitiveness in the transportation sector while reducing practices that undermine service standards. The TGA also highlighted the safety risk, noting that it is working to address illegal practices that compromise transportation quality and passenger safety.
In practical terms, the authority wants passengers to use approved, regulated options. At the same time, ensuring that licensed providers can operate fairly. That’s also why the campaign is linked to the National Transport and Logistics Strategy. This focuses on improving quality and reliability in the sector and limiting illegal passenger transport services.
Fines and Impoundments Under The Road Transport Law
The TGA referenced the new Road Transport Law, stressing that regulations strictly prohibit unlicensed transportation. Penalties vary depending on the violation and whether it is a repeat offense.
For repeated unauthorized soliciting (approaching or seeking passengers without permission), penalties can include:
- Fines up to SR11,000
- Vehicle impoundment for 25 days
For unauthorized transportation (actually transporting passengers without authorization), penalties include:
- A SR20,000 fine
- Vehicle impoundment for up to 60 days
The report also notes that repeated violations may result in the sale of the erring vehicle at public auction and deportation for non-Saudis. Together, these measures signal that illegal passenger transport services can bring escalating consequences.
What drivers and passengers should know
The takeaway is clear: enforcement is active. Operating outside the legal framework can lead to arrest, significant fines, and the loss of vehicle access. If you rely on passenger transport, whether as a driver or a rider, sticking to authorized services helps avoid the serious risks associated with illegal services.
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