Fines up to SAR 20,000 for Unlicensed Passenger Transport

The Transport General Authority has confirmed it is imposing penalties on expatriates who use private vehicles to transport passengers without a valid transport license, in line with the Road Transport Law and its executive regulations.

The base administrative fine for transporting passengers without a permit using a private vehicle is 5,000 SAR Under the updated Road Transport Law, penalties escalate significantly for more serious activity. Hailing or soliciting passengers and related preparatory violations can attract fines of up to 11,000 SAR and vehicle impoundment for up to 25 days.

Operating as an illegal taxi service, described as practicing unlicensed passenger transport, can lead to fines of up to 20,000 SAR and vehicle impoundment for up to 60 days. In serious or repeated cases, the impounded vehicle may be sold at public auction.

Recent cases

In recent 2026 cases, three expatriates caught transporting passengers in private vehicles without a license were fined a combined total of 35,000 SAR and ordered deported. Two drivers were fined 12,000 SAR each, while a third was fined 11,000 SAR for attempting to transport passengers without a license. All three were referred for deportation in addition to the monetary fines.

For non-Saudi violators, sanctions may include deportation after administrative and judicial procedures are completed, particularly for repeated offenses. In some cases, authorities may also publish the violation in local media at the violator's expense as part of escalated penalties. Additional measures can include suspension of the driver, vehicle, or license for up to one year.

The Authority's message to residents is clear: transporting passengers for a fee requires proper licensing. Drivers who rely on private vehicles as informal taxis face heavy financial penalties, loss of their vehicle, and possible deportation.

---

Stay updated with the latest news, events, sports updates, business insights, real estate and lifestyle stories on Saudi Living — the leading online platform for residents, expats, and visitors in Saudi Arabia.

Follow Saudi Living for daily updates:

• Instagram - @saudiliving
• X - @saudiliving
• Facebook - @saudiliving
• YouTube - @saudiliving