Saudi Traffic Dept Clarifies Right Turn on Red Rules

Saudi traffic authorities have issued a clarification on the rules governing right turns at red traffic lights, stressing that drivers must come to a complete stop and yield before proceeding. The clarification confirms there is no blanket ban on turning right on red, but the manoeuvre is only permitted when specific conditions are met.

Under the guidance, turning right at a red light is allowed provided there is no “No Right Turn” sign, no red right-arrow signal, and the intersection layout does not prohibit it. Before turning, the driver must fully stop at the stop line, check that the intersection is clear, and give way to vehicles coming from other directions as well as to pedestrians. Drivers are advised to pause briefly — commonly referenced as about two seconds — and then complete the turn only at low speed, typically not exceeding 15 km/h.

Key conditions to avoid a violation

The vehicle must be in the far right lane before turning; turning while partly in a middle lane is treated as a red-signal violation. Where a triangular island or triangle marking exists at the corner, the turn must be made before the triangle — turning after it on red counts as running the red light. On roads with a parallel service road, the right turn must be made via the service road while staying in the right lane.

Turning right is completely prohibited when a red right-arrow (flashing or steady) or a “No Right Turn” sign is displayed. Any turn in these conditions is classified as running the red signal.

The penalties are significant. Running a red light, including an improper right turn on red, carries a fine ranging from SAR 3,000 to SAR 6,000, with higher amounts and possible vehicle impoundment for repeat offences, along with traffic points on the driver’s record. Surveillance systems record the violation when a vehicle moves through a red signal without a full stop, making it important for residents and drivers across the Kingdom to understand exactly when a right turn on red is legal.

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