Violations & Fines — Questions & Answers

Exceeding the speed limit by more than 25 km/h results in a fine of SR 500 in addition to 6 demerit points.

Driving more than 25 km/h over the speed limit at a check post results in a SR 300 fine and 4 demerit points.

A traffic violation ticket is written in three copies. One copy is given to the violating driver, while the other two are sent to the competent authorities to register the violation.

One copy of the traffic violation ticket is given to the violating driver, while the other two copies go to the competent authorities.

The fine paper fields must be filled out and the offending driver must sign it. The signature confirms the driver acknowledges the violation.

If the offending driver refuses to sign the violation ticket, this refusal must be written in the violation record. The violation remains valid regardless.

If the driver is not available or has left the scene, the vehicle number plate must be documented and all details in the violation sheet added as closely as possible.

The offending driver is penalized for each separate offense, even if they are all listed on a single violation sheet.

The General Directorate of Traffic (Moroor) handles the violations record, which is assigned a serial number containing all violation details.

Automatically recorded violations (e.g. by Saher cameras) do not require a physical copy to be given to the driver. They are captured electronically and processed by the authorities.

Traffic violations must be dealt with in a unified form — a standardised format used consistently across all violations and all officers.

Overtaking a group of vehicles near traffic lights or security control points using the shoulder or turning lane is a listed traffic violation subject to penalties.

Failure to leave sufficient distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front is a listed traffic violation under Saudi traffic law.

Failing to give priority to the vehicle that has right of way at a junction or intersection is a listed traffic violation under Saudi law, regardless of whether an accident occurs.

Failing to give way to oncoming vehicles when changing direction while turning is a listed traffic violation under Saudi law.

When part of the road is closed, failing to give preference to vehicles in the open section of the road is a listed traffic violation.

A motorist getting attached to another vehicle or pulling it without proper authorisation is a listed traffic violation under Saudi law.

Failure to stop completely at a priority sign when other vehicles are present is a listed traffic violation. A driver must make a complete stop and wait.

Exceeding speed by >25 km/h: SR 500 fine + 6 demerit points.

At a checkpoint: SR 300 fine + 4 demerit points.

Not wearing a seatbelt: SR 150 fine. Compulsory for all occupants.

Each violation is penalised separately — multiple fines and demerit points all apply simultaneously.

Three copies: one for the driver, two retained by traffic authorities.

Refusing to sign does not cancel the violation. The refusal is noted and the violation stands.

Exceeding speed limits and running red lights are the most fatal and common violations in Saudi Arabia.

Saher violations are captured electronically — no physical ticket. Fully valid traffic violations.

All outstanding fines must be settled before a licence can be issued or renewed — a mandatory condition.

Using a mobile phone at a red light is still a violation — the driver must be ready to move.

Fine waived only for force majeure — circumstances completely beyond the driver's control.

Overtaking near signals or checkpoints using the shoulder is a listed traffic violation.

Running a red traffic light carries a fine of SR 3,000 for a first offence, rising to SR 6,000 for repeat violations, plus 6 demerit points — one of the most heavily enforced violations, detected automatically by Saher cameras (#124: corrected from a previously-published SR 500 figure, which was well below what multiple independent sources report).

Using a mobile phone while driving: SR 500 fine + 4 demerit points. Detected automatically by Saher cameras.

Driving without a valid licence is classified as a Category 2 violation, carrying a fine of roughly SR 1,000–2,000 with possible vehicle impoundment — not the higher SR 5,000+ figures that apply to a different, more severe violation (unlicensed commercial passenger transport). Corrected via #124; sourced from converging secondary reporting, not an official ddc.sa/MOI figure — treat as the best available estimate, not a verified fact.

Driving the wrong way on a one-way road: SR 1,000 fine + 6 demerit points.

Parking in a space reserved for people with disabilities without a permit: SR 500 fine.

Drifting penalties escalate with each offence: SR 20,000 (1st), SR 40,000 (2nd), SR 60,000 + possible imprisonment (3rd) — all with 24 demerit points and vehicle impoundment.

Saudi Arabia enforces a strict zero-tolerance policy for alcohol and driving — there is no legal blood alcohol limit. Penalties escalate with severity and can include a fine, demerit points, licence suspension, and imprisonment for repeat offences or accidents causing injury or death (#124: reframed away from a specific fine figure — sources disagree whether the routine traffic-law fine is SR 5,000-10,000 or a more severe criminal-law penalty applies, depending on circumstances not testable in a single multiple-choice answer).

Driving against traffic on a highway: SR 3,000 fine + 12 demerit points — more severe than the wrong-way fine for an ordinary one-way road, due to highway speeds.

Failure to comply with traffic police instructions: SR 500 fine + 8 demerit points.