Saudi Arabia Tightens Fines for Dangerous Driving

As Saudi Arabia's delivery and courier sector continues its rapid expansion, authorities have sharpened their focus on road safety through tougher penalties for dangerous and reckless driving behaviours across the Kingdom.

Under the current framework, traffic violations are graded by severity, with the most serious offences carrying steep fines. Reckless driving is penalised with a fine of 5,000 SAR alongside vehicle impoundment. Zigzagging between vehicles at high speed — classified as a grave offence — draws fines between 3,000 and 6,000 SAR, 8 traffic points, a 30-day licence suspension, and up to three months' imprisonment in severe cases.

The top violation category, covering racing on public roads, driving under the influence, and tampering with vehicle or licence data, carries fines in the 5,000–10,000 SAR band. A nationwide penalty-point system adds points for each serious violation; passing certain thresholds can lead to licence suspension, while repeated high-point records for foreign drivers may result in residency cancellation and deportation.

Speeding, seatbelts and phones

Speeding fines scale with the excess speed: 150–300 SAR for 10–20 km/h over the limit, rising to 1,500–2,000 SAR plus points for exceeding by more than 50 km/h. Using a handheld mobile phone while driving is fined 500–900 SAR with 2 black points, and not wearing a seat belt costs 150–300 SAR per occupant — each unbelted person counted as a separate violation.

Road cameras now electronically monitor seatbelt and mobile-phone use, posting fines automatically to the driver's record. For the Kingdom's growing community of delivery riders and residents alike, the message is clear: safer driving habits are both a legal requirement and a practical way to avoid mounting penalties.

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