Saudi Arabia has approved stricter traffic laws with jail, deportation, and blacklisting for offenders. The Council of Ministers of Saudi Arabia has approved a significant amendment to Article 74 of the Kingdom’s traffic regulations, introducing tougher penalties for violations deemed a threat to public safety. The move reflects the government’s growing emphasis on road safety and accountability in response to rising traffic-related incidents.
According to Akhbar 24, Saudi Cabinet endorsed the amendment during a recent session. Under the revised law, individuals found guilty of committing serious traffic violations could face imprisonment of up to one year.
For expatriates, the consequences are even more severe. The amended law empowers the Ministry of Interior to deport any foreign national convicted of a traffic offense that endangers public safety, following a final court ruling. In addition, such individuals will be permanently blacklisted and barred from re-entering the Kingdom.
The Saudi Cabinet’s order
The cabinet has instructed the Ministry of Interior, in coordination with the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Justice, and the Public Prosecution, to draft the regulatory framework necessary for implementing these provisions. This collaborative approach will ensure enforcement of the law across the Kingdom.
The amendment also addresses repeat offenders. Under the new framework, fines for second violations within the same year will be doubled. If an individual commits a third violation, the case will be referred to the courts, which will determine penalties and fines based on the gravity of the offense and surrounding circumstances.
Saudi Arabia has been actively working to enhance road safety and reduce traffic accidents, which remain a leading cause of injury and fatalities in the country. By enacting these stricter measures, the government aims to deter reckless driving and reinforce the importance of compliance with traffic rules, particularly among its large expatriate community. Saudi Arabia is taking every possible measure to improve traffic laws, discipline and appropriate action against offenders.
