Three Expats Fined SR35,000, Deported Over Illegal Rides

The Transport General Authority has fined three expatriates a total of SR35,000 and ordered their deportation after they were found transporting passengers in private vehicles without a valid license, in violation of the Kingdom's land transport regulations.

Under the current rules, unlicensed passenger transport and soliciting passengers in private vehicles are classified as violations. Penalties for operating illegal transport can reach up to SR20,000, along with vehicle impoundment for up to 60 days and the possible auction of the vehicle for repeat offenders.

Activities linked to preparing for or soliciting illegal passenger transport can incur fines of up to SR11,000, with vehicle impoundment of up to 25 days for repeated violations. For non-Saudi offenders, deportation applies in addition to financial fines and impoundment, particularly in cases involving repeated or organized activity.

Why it matters

Operating a private vehicle for passenger transport without an official license is explicitly prohibited. Legal passenger transport activities — including taxis, ride-hailing and scheduled services — require an official transport activity license obtained through the relevant government e-services.

Enforcement is carried out by the Transport General Authority in coordination with public security and border authorities. For expatriates, penalties may include cancellation of residency status and deportation orders once financial and administrative procedures are completed. Residents and citizens can view and pay transport-related fines through national e-government platforms.

Authorities continue to urge residents to use only licensed transport operators, both to avoid penalties and to ensure passenger safety and consumer protection.

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