Right Turn on Red After Triangle Marking Is a Violation

The traffic authority has clarified an important detail for drivers across the Kingdom: turning right after passing the painted triangular road marking at an intersection while the main signal is red is treated as running a red light, and is subject to penalties.

a right turn on red must be completed before the triangular island or marking. If a driver passes the triangle and turns while the signal remains red, the manoeuvre is recorded as a red-light violation.

When a right turn on red is allowed

Drivers may turn right at a red signal only under specific conditions: coming to a full and complete stop before turning, ensuring the intersection is clear, and giving priority to vehicles approaching from the opposite direction. Motorists must stay in the right lane before turning on a main road that has no service road. Where a service road exists, the right turn must be made onto the service road while remaining in the right lane.

Turning right on red is prohibited — and treated as running the red light — when a flashing red arrow is active alongside the main red signal, or when a "No Right Turn" sign is posted while the signal is red.

Fines and detection

Under the current traffic violations schedule, running a red light — including breaching the right-turn rules on red — carries a financial penalty in the range of 3,000 to 6,000 SAR Many guides list 3,000 SAR as the typical base amount, with up to 6,000 SAR for aggravated or repeated offences, alongside possible traffic points and vehicle impoundment in more serious cases. Older lists showing around 500 SAR are outdated and no longer aligned with the current band.

These violations are commonly captured by intersection camera systems (Saher) and registered automatically. Drivers can review and pay fines through the Ministry of Interior e-services platform using their ID or iqama and vehicle details, where each entry shows the code, location, time, amount and payment status.

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