Jeddah Adds Smart School-Zone Cameras for Safety

Traffic authorities in Jeddah are expanding smart traffic cameras and awareness campaigns near schools to improve road safety in areas heavily used by students and parents. The cameras form part of the national Saher automated monitoring system managed by the General Directorate of Traffic.

Posted speed limits near schools are typically 30–40 km/h, and Saher cameras enforce these limits by issuing digital violations automatically. Common school-zone offences include lower-range speeding (10–20 km/h over the limit) at SAR 150–300, and exceeding the limit by more than 25 km/h at SAR 500–900. Failing to yield to pedestrians at school crossings and improper parking that blocks school gates each carry SAR 100–150, while not wearing a seat belt draws SAR 150–300 and using a handheld phone while driving SAR 500–900.

High-risk violations and the 2026 framework

Serious offences carry far heavier penalties. Running a red light near school intersections can reach SAR 3,000–6,000, and passing a stopped school bus where marked also falls in that range, both with high demerit points. Under the 2026 fine framework, national traffic fines are grouped into eight categories, from SAR 100 for minor breaches up to SAR 10,000 for severe ones, with extreme repeat violations such as drifting reaching up to SAR 60,000. Running red or amber lights now carries up to SAR 6,000, 8 black points, and possible vehicle impound of 7–30 days in serious cases.

How to check and pay

Camera violations are issued electronically and sent by SMS to the vehicle owner's registered mobile. Drivers can review and settle them through أبشر (Services → Traffic → Query Traffic Violations) or via bank apps using SADAD biller code 071 (Ministry of Interior – Traffic Violations). A 25% discount applies if a newly issued violation is paid within 30 days of notification; after that, the full amount is due.

The measures matter because school zones see peak foot traffic during drop-off and pick-up hours, when children are most vulnerable. Following posted limits, yielding to pedestrians, and parking responsibly help keep these areas safe.

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