Traffic Violations in Saudi Arabia

Do you know how much traffic violations cost in Saudi Arabia? You may be surprised to learn that fines range from SAR 100 for minor infractions to a maximum of SAR 10,000 for the most serious offenses. The Saudi government utilizes a seven-category system, managed by Muroor (the General Department of Traffic), to ensure road safety and driver accountability.

The costs add up faster than you might expect. Running a red light or tampering with your license plates will result in a fine of between SAR 3,000 and SAR 6,000. Even worse, driving under the influence or street racing falls under Category 7, with penalties ranging from SAR 5,000 to SAR 10,000. On the lower end, simple parking violations are classified as Category 1 offenses, carrying penalties ranging from SAR 100 to SAR 150.

We’ve put together this 2025 guide to help you understand exactly what you’re facing with traffic violations in Saudi Arabia. The government now utilizes camera systems that capture breaches in real-time, with most incidents recorded within 2-5 days. You can check your violations through the “Abshir” platform, which provides clear evidence of any infractions and ensures you are aware of precisely what happened.

The 7 Hidden Traffic Violations That Can Cost You Thousands

Want to avoid massive fines while driving in Saudi Arabia? Many drivers don’t realize certain violations can empty their wallets until it’s too late. These hidden offenses can significantly impact both your finances and your driving record.

1. Driving against traffic (SAR 3000–6000)

Going the wrong way on a road is a Category 6 violation that authorities take extremely seriously. You’ll face a fine between SAR 3,000 and SAR 6,000, plus 5 traffic violation points. The Saudi Traffic Department classifies this as high-risk behavior because it dramatically increases your chance of causing an accident.

2. Running a red light (SAR 3000–6000)

Ignore a red light and you’ll pay SAR 3,000 as a first-time offender, along with 12 traffic points. Repeat the offense, and the fine doubles to SAR 6,000, with the possibility of vehicle impoundment. Remember when turning right at a red light: you must be in the far right lane, signal your turn, and come to a complete stop before moving.

3. Using unauthorized plates (SAR 5000–10000)

This carries the heaviest penalties of all violations. If you’re caught with unauthorized license plates, you’ll pay between SAR 5,000 and SAR 10,000, and authorities will impound your vehicle until you fix the issue. As a Category 7 violation, officials show zero tolerance here.

4. Illegal overtaking in restricted zones (SAR 1000–2000)

Trying to pass other vehicles on curves or uphill roads falls under Category 5 violations. This dangerous move incurs costs between SAR 1,000 and SAR 2,000, as it significantly increases collision risks.

5. Modifying vehicle structure without approval (SAR 1000–2000)

Changed your car’s body, engine, or chassis without permission? You’ll face fines ranging from SAR 1,000 to SAR 2,000. Worse yet, authorities may impound your vehicle until it passes inspection by approved agencies.

6. Driving without proper lighting at night (SAR 500–900)

Failing to use your lights at night or in bad weather is a Category 4 violation. This offense incurs a fine of between SAR 500 and SAR 900, as it significantly compromises your visibility and safety on the road.

7. Covering or tampering with license plates (SAR 3000–6000)

Trying to hide or obscure your license plate details? This Category 6 violation carries fines ranging from SAR 3,000 to SAR 6,000. Your vehicle will also be impounded until the issue is corrected.

Understanding the Saudi Traffic Violation Fine List

Want to know precisely how Saudi Arabia categorizes traffic violations? The traffic system categorizes all violations into seven distinct categories based on their level of danger. An acceptable range accompanies each category to discourage risky driving behaviors.

Category 1: Minor violations (SAR 100–150)

These are your everyday mistakes, such as parking in prohibited areas, crossing streets improperly, or leaving your car running while unattended. Don’t be fooled by the “minor” label – these still cause traffic problems and disorder on the roads.

Category 2: Common mistakes (SAR 150–300)

Here’s where slightly bigger mistakes fall. Forget to use your turn signal? Driving with an expired inspection? Not keeping safe distance between vehicles? These will cost you between SAR 150 and 300. First-time offenders usually get the minimum fine.

Category 3: Moderate risks (SAR 300–500)

These violations pose genuine safety risks on the road. They include:

• Throwing objects from moving vehicles
• Sudden unnecessary braking
• Leaving children under 10 alone in vehicles
• Not wearing a helmet on a motorcycle

Category 4: Serious offenses (SAR 500–900)

These violations mean business. Following emergency vehicles without reason, using unauthorized window tints, and blocking priority routes all fall under this category. If you’re caught driving without brakes or other essential equipment, your vehicle will be impounded until the problem is fixed.

Category 5: High-risk behavior (SAR 1000–2000)

Are you driving a vehicle your license doesn’t cover? Parking on railway tracks? Overtaking in dangerous zones like curves? You’re looking at fines between SAR 1,000 and 2,000. The Ministry of Interior doubles these fines for repeat offenders.

Category 6: Dangerous violations (SAR 3000–6000)

These serious violations put lives at risk. Running red lights, passing stopped school buses, and weaving between vehicles at high speeds all fall under this category. Most breaches in this category also add points to your driving record.

Category 7: Life-threatening actions (SAR 5000–10000)

The most severe category hits hardest. Driving under the influence, using fake plates, and engaging in illegal street racing carry fines ranging from SAR 5,000 to SAR 10,000. These violations often result in your license being suspended or revoked completely.

How Traffic Violation Points Work in Saudi Arabia

Did you know Saudi Arabia uses more than just fines to keep drivers in check? They have a point system that tracks your driving behavior and hits repeat offenders with serious consequences. This system makes sure you think twice before breaking traffic laws.

Point system explained

Here’s how the Saudi traffic violation points system works for you:

Points stick to your driving record based on how severe your violation was. These points remain visible on your license for one full Hijri year from the date of the violation. The system doesn’t just punish bad drivers – it rewards good ones too! If you manage to drive safely without violations for a full Hijri year, you’ll earn two positive points on your record.

When you commit a violation, points automatically appear in the Ministry of Interior’s database. You can check your current points through the Absher platform or by visiting your local traffic department.

How many points lead to a license suspension

Watch out! Once you hit 24 points within a single Hijri year, you’ll face these progressive penalties:

• First time reaching 24 points: Your license gets suspended for 3 months
• Second time reaching 24 points: License suspension jumps to 6 months
• Third time reaching 24 points: A whole year without your license
• Fourth time reaching 24 points: Your license is permanently revoked

For non-Saudi residents, the stakes are even higher. After three times hitting the 24-point mark, authorities might not only take your license forever but also recommend canceling your residence permit (Iqama) and deport you.

Thinking about driving while your license is suspended? Think again. You may face additional fines and jail time, ranging from one to three weeks, depending on the duration of your suspension.

Which violations carry the most points

The most dangerous violations will load your license with points faster:

• Driving under the influence: Maximum 24 points + SAR 10,000 fine
• Drifting (stunt driving): 24 points + SAR 20,000 fine
• Running red lights: 12 points + SAR 3,000 fine
• Driving against traffic: 12 points + SAR 3,000 fine
• Speed dodging between vehicles: 8 points + SAR 500 fine
• Ignoring traffic police signals: 8 points
• Driving without brake lights: 8 points

Medium violations typically add 4-6 points to your record. Even small mistakes, such as not wearing your seatbelt (2 points) or using your phone while driving (2 points), add up quickly over time.

How to Check and Contest Traffic Fines in 2025

Want to avoid surprises on your driving record? Knowing how to check and dispute your traffic fines is essential for every driver in Saudi Arabia. The government has made this process easier with digital services as of 2025.

Using the Absher platform

Checking your traffic violations is simple with the Absher platform. Here’s how:

1. Log in to your Absher account using your national ID or residency permit
2. Navigate to “E-services” and select “Traffic”
3. Click “Query Traffic Violations.”
4. Enter your identification number again with the CAPTCHA code

The system immediately displays all your pending violations, complete with details including location, time, and fine amount.

Don’t have Absher access? No problem. You can also use the Ministry of Interior website. Just go to e-Services, select “Traffic Violations” and enter your National ID or Iqama number to see your record.

Viewing violation images

One of the best features of the Saudi traffic system is the ability to see actual photographic evidence of violations. After checking your violations list on Absher, you can view the images captured by SAHER cameras. These photos clearly show your vehicle at the exact moment of the infraction, giving you complete transparency about what happened.

Steps to file a dispute

Did you receive a violation you believe is incorrect? You can contest it by following these steps:

1. Log in to Absher and select “My Services.”
2. Choose “Traffic Services” then “Objection to Traffic Violations”
3. Select the specific violation you want to dispute
4. Provide a valid reason for your objection
5. Submit the form and wait for confirmation via SMS

Remember: You must file disputes within 30 days of the date the violation occurred.

Deadlines and grace periods

Good news for drivers with outstanding fines! The Saudi government currently offers a 50% discount on all traffic violations recorded before April 18, 2024. This grace period ends on April 18, 2025, so take advantage of it while you can. After this date, fines will return to their full amounts.

For disputes, you can file unlimited objections, unless you’ve had five rejected disputes within the same Hijri year. The system tracks these carefully, so make sure you only contest violations with legitimate reasons.

FAQs

Q1. What are the most expensive traffic violations in Saudi Arabia?

The most expensive traffic violations in Saudi Arabia include using unauthorized plates (SAR 5,000-10,000), driving against the flow of traffic (SAR 3,000-6,000), and running a red light (SAR 3,000-6,000). These fall under the highest categories of violations and carry significant fines.

Q2. How does the traffic violation point system work in Saudi Arabia? 

Saudi Arabia uses a point system where violations accumulate demerit points on a driver’s license. Accumulating 24 points within a Hijri year leads to license suspension, with repeat offenses resulting in longer suspensions or even permanent revocation. Points remain on the record for one Hijri year from the date of the violation.

Q3. Can I contest a traffic violation in Saudi Arabia? 

Yes, you can contest a traffic violation in Saudi Arabia through the Absher platform. You need to select the specific violation you wish to dispute, provide a valid reason for your objection, and submit the form within 30 days of the violation date. You’ll receive confirmation via SMS once your dispute is filed.

Q4. Are there any discounts available for paying traffic fines in Saudi Arabia? 

Currently, there’s a 50% discount on all traffic violations recorded before April 18, 2024. This grace period ends on April 18, 2025. After this date, fines will revert to their full amounts, so it’s advisable to clear any outstanding fines before the deadline.

Q5. How can I check my traffic violations in Saudi Arabia? 

You can check your traffic violations in Saudi Arabia through the Absher platform or the Ministry of Interior website. On Absher, log in, go to “E-services,” select “Traffic,” then “Query Traffic Violations.” Enter your identification number and CAPTCHA code to view all pending violations, including details like location, time, and fine amount.