Saudi Arabia is taking action to step up enforcement against unauthorized passenger movement, with regulators recommending fines of SAR 2,600 for individuals operating private cars without a license, including where airport fares are involved. The draft amendment is part of a broader effort to strengthen deterrent penalties under the Land Transport Law and tighten regulation of taxi and passenger transport brokerage activities, Saudi Gazette reported.
Revise the fine structure of unlicensed operations
The General Directorate of Transport has proposed revisions to the schedule of violations and penalties related to the administrative regulations on taxi and passenger brokerage activities.Central to the proposal is changes to fines for individuals driving private vehicles without a license. The authorities have set proposed penalties at SR 2,600 for the following relevant violations:
- public transport activities
- Airport fare operations
The move specifically targets individuals who prepare to transport passengers or actively use their private vehicles to transport passengers without obtaining the required permits.
Land transport laws are more of a deterrent
This revision aims to activate the deterrent penalties already provided for in administrative regulations. These fall under the jurisdiction of the Land Transport Law Complaints and Offenses Review Board.The draft amendment clarifies that the Commission will be responsible for imposing penalties in the following situations:
- Fines exceeding QR10,000
- Offenses related to the operation of public taxis include individuals preparing to transport passengers in private vehicles without a license.
- Violations related to airport taxi operations, including individuals using private vehicles to transport passengers without a license, are particularly targeted against non-Saudi violators.
- Partial or total suspension of the license for a period not exceeding one year.
- Suspension of driver, vehicle or both for a period not to exceed one year.
Deportation and public disclosure of repeat offenders
The draft also reiterates additional enforcement mechanisms designed to ensure compliance.Penalties for non-Saudi drivers who violate the provisions of the Land Transport Law and its implementing regulations regarding taxi and passenger transport brokerage activities include:In the case of a repeated violation for the first time, the penalty may also be:
- Publicity in local media at the offender’s expense
The draft law strengthens regulatory control over unlicensed transport activities by formally giving the authorities the power to impose these penalties through the Commission.If passed, the amendments would introduce clearer enforcement thresholds, strengthen financial penalties and expand consequences for illegal passenger traffic, particularly in relation to public taxis and airport operations.
