Saudi to Automate 7 New Traffic Violations

For most motorists in Saudi, Saher radars are synonymous with speeding, red light, or texting-while-driving violations. But, as of June 2023 Saher is going to monitor and fine more than that! Here is the big news: As of June 4, 2023; the General Directorate of Traffic in Saudi Arabia officially started using Saher radars to detect 7 other traffic violations. This new measure seeks to maintain a safe and orderly road environment for all users and hold rule-breaking drivers to account. So, as of now, everyone needs to exercise extra caution to avoid fines and keep their TPL and comprehensive insurance costs in check.

Don’t let Saher radars catch you off guard! Find below a list of the recently automated traffic violations in Saudi, their prices, and most importantly, how they can impact your car insurance costs

Summary: Saudi Arabia’s New Radar-Detected Traffic Violations and Fines

	Traffic Violation	Fine (SAR)
1	Driving on hard shoulders, sidewalks, or pedestrian lanes	1,000 – 2,000
2	Driving without headlights at night and in bad weather	2,000
3	Having damaged or unreadable license plate numbers	2,000
4	Parking in undesignated areas	100-200
5	Disobeying ramp meters signals	300
6	Truck lane violation	2,000
7	Bypassing weigh stations	5,000

* Please keep in mind that these are only the fines for the first offense. For repeat offenses, the fines may be higher.

New Traffic Violations Captured by Saher Radars: Stay Informed!

Starting this week, Saher radars will be keeping a close eye on motorists and issuing fines for the following violations:

1. Driving on hard shoulders, sidewalks, or pedestrian lanes.

Saudi traffic announced that radars will fine driving on hard shoulders, sidewalks, or pedestrian lanes. And while it may seem tempting for some drivers to take the less traveled lane, it’s important to remember that it’s a serious offense and the offender can be slapped with a fine of SAR1,000 – SAR2,000!

2. Driving without headlights at night and in bad weather

Here’s a friendly reminder that Saudi Traffic doesn’t take driving without headlights lightly! What might seem like a simple slip-up to most drivers can actually put your life, as well as the lives of other drivers and pedestrians, at risk. So, when it’s dark or foggy, it’s in your best interest to double-check if your headlights are working. After all, forgetting about your headlights can rack up a SAR 2000 fine.

• When do you need to turn on your headlights in Saudi?

To avoid breaking the law (and the hefty fine), you need to turn your headlights on in the following situations:

1. During the nighttime, especially on unlit roads.
2. In tunnels.
3. When encountering poor visibility conditions, such as heavy rain, dust storms, or thick fog, it is important to switch on your headlights to see and be seen better.

3. Having damaged or unreadable license plate numbers

Take extra care of your car license plate; because radars can now detect damaged and unreadable license plates too! In Saudi, having a damaged or unreadable license plate can result in a fine of up to SAR 2000. But do you know why Saudi traffic police consider this act a traffic violation? It’s because clear and legible license plates visible help police identify cars involved in hit-and-run accidents or illegal activities, making our roads safer for everyone.

Speaking of car license plates, you might also find yourself in trouble if you:

• Drive without license plates
• Use non-Saudi plates
• Fail to install the license plate properly
• Tamper with/ conceal any part of your car’s license plate.

4. Parking in undesignated areas

Additionally, Saudi Traffic announced they will use radars to detect parking violations – which could land drivers with a SAR 100-200 fine. The most obvious way to avoid parking violations in Saudi is to park your car in the designated parking lot. This ensures smooth traffic flow and pedestrian safety.

Here’s a list of places you should avoid parking your car in:

• Anywhere with a no-parking sign.
• Yellow-curbed streets.
• On sidewalks, pavements, or intersections.
• Within 7 meters of fire hydrants.
• Within 20 meters of a bridge or tunnel.

5. Disobey ramp meters signals

Traffic authorities in Saudi also activated radars to detect drivers who ignore ramp meters stop signs. Those drivers can expect a fine of SAR 300 for not obeying traffic signals.

If you are not familiar with ‘ramp meters,’ allow us to explain! In 2021, Saudi Traffic introduced ramp metering devices on a number of highways to prevent congestion and enhance safety. These devices work much like traffic lights, but they change according to current traffic conditions in order to control the number of cars entering a main roadway. This system improves merging, prevents accidents, and keeps traffic flowing smoothly.

6. Truck lane violation

This one is for heavy-duty trucks and equipment drivers, keep right — or you’ll be left with lane violations! In Saudi Arabia, heavy trucks should always stick to the right lane on multi-lane roads. As such, any heavy truck found in different lane will be detected by radars and fined SAR 2,000.

7. Bypassing weigh stations

Finally, the Saudi traffic department issued a warning to truck drivers about bypassing weigh stations. They announced that an automated system will now monitor trucks and equipment vehicles carrying heavy loads that are required to stop at weigh stations. Violators will face a fine of SAR 5,000, and if the violation is repeated within one year, the fine doubles, with a maximum penalty of 100,000 Saudi riyals.

How long does it take for a traffic fine to show up in Saudi?

Saudi roads are continuously monitored by radar for traffic violations. Usually, you will receive an SMS to notify you within a few hours. However, it may take up to 4-5 days for a fine to be fully processed and appear in the system.

How to inquire about traffic violations in Saudi

To inquire about traffic violations in Saudi Arabia, use “E-Traffic Services” on Absher. The system displays recorded violations linked to your ID, showing details such as violation type, date, time, and fine amount.

The link between traffic violations and car insurance rates

Insurance companies consider a driver’s traffic record when determining car insurance rates. Having a record filled with traffic violations is seen as a negative sign. Violations reflect a driver’s behavior and their ability to follow traffic laws and safety rules.

Traffic violations will hit your wallet (big time)

Violations, especially those related to public safety, raise the risk of accidents and injuries. This makes insurance companies more likely to face losses. As a result, they raise the price of car insurance renewals to compensate.

In Saudi Arabia, drivers with clean records receive lower insurance rates compared to those with multiple violations. This is because law-abiding drivers pose less risk. Insurers also offer a “no claims” discount to individuals without past claims.

Traffic violations have long-term effects

The insurance impact of most driving violations is often far more costly than the fine itself, especially when you consider how costs endure for 3-5 years.

Insurance hikes differ from company to company 

While all insurance companies will hike their prices for drivers with traffic violations because each company uses a different formula to calculate their risks and rate. To find affordable car insurance, use an insurance price comparison website to help you shop around.