Paying Traffic Fines: Absher, SADAD & Najm Explained

One of the most common questions new residents and even long-time drivers in Saudi Arabia ask is how to actually pay a traffic fine — and whether Najm is the right place to do it. In this Saudi Living guide, we clear up the confusion: Najm handles accidents and insurance claims, not fine payments. Traffic fines (including Saher camera violations) are paid through official government payment channels such as Absher, the national violations platform, SADAD, and your bank. Here is exactly how each one works.

First, what Najm actually does (and does not do)

Najm is an insurance services company. Its role is to document road accidents, determine fault, and coordinate claims between insurance companies. Reporting an accident to Najm is free — any costs are settled through your insurance policy.

• Najm is for accident reports and insurance claims, not for paying fines.
• Traffic camera and Muroor violations (Saher) are still paid separately by the at-fault driver.
• You can reach the Najm call center on 920000560 to report an accident.

So if you're trying to pay a speeding or parking fine, skip Najm and use one of the channels below.

Paying traffic fines through Absher (the main channel)

Absher Individuals — available as a website and mobile app under the Ministry of Interior's General Department of Traffic — is the primary official way for citizens and residents to check and pay traffic fines.

• Log in with your National ID or iqama number and password, then confirm the OTP sent to your phone.
• Go to My Services → Traffic Services → Traffic Violations (comprehensive violations inquiry).
• Review the listed violation(s), select the one(s) you want to settle, and choose Pay Violations.

Inside Absher you can pay with a Mada debit card, Visa, MasterCard, or SADAD / linked bank account. Once payment goes through, the status updates automatically and an electronic receipt number is generated, which you can view directly in your Absher account.

Visitors and non-residents

If you're a visitor without an iqama, you can still settle a fine using Absher's “Query Traffic Violation for Visitor” service.

• You'll need your border number and the violation number.
• Enter the details, then proceed to payment via a linked bank account, SADAD, or a card.

The national violations platform (Efaa)

Efaa is a national platform that brings together traffic fines and other government penalties in one place. It's a good option if you want to see and clear multiple penalties together.

• Log in at efaa.sa and open Pay Violations.
• Choose Traffic Violations, then enter your ID or border number and the violation details.
• Pay using a Mada card, bank transfer, or the SADAD payment gateway.

Paying through SADAD and your bank

If you'd rather use your banking app, most Saudi banks let you pay traffic fines through SADAD. This is often the fastest route if you're already logged into your bank.

• Bank mobile apps (such as Al Rajhi, SNB, Riyad and others).
• ATMs of most Saudi banks.
• Bank branches at the counter.

Typical steps in a banking app: select Government Payments → Traffic Violations, enter your ID/iqama or border number and the violation number, then confirm and pay. Some apps use a biller code for the Ministry of Interior – Traffic (you may see codes such as 007 or 071, which can differ from one bank to another). Always confirm the correct biller within your own bank's app.

Quick tips and confirmation

• Always double-check the violation details before paying, and keep your electronic receipt number.
• Fines usually clear from your record automatically once payment is confirmed — no need to visit a traffic office in most cases.
• Fees, biller codes and exact steps can change, so confirm the latest details on the official portals (Absher, Efaa, or your bank).
• Remember: use Najm for accidents and insurance, and use Absher, Efaa, SADAD or your bank for fines.

By keeping these roles separate, you'll avoid delays, settle fines quickly, and keep your driving record clean while living in Saudi Arabia.

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