The Public Transport Authority's inspection teams in Saudi Arabia continued their intensive inspection campaigns across the Kingdom as part of their ongoing efforts to regulate the land transport sector and curb unregulated practices. These efforts, conducted between Saturday, December 20th and Friday, December 26th, resulted in the apprehension of 1,508 violators of transport regulations. The necessary legal measures were taken against them, including vehicle impoundment and the imposition of deterrent fines.
Details of the violations detected
The authority explained in its statistical report that the violations ranged from actively engaging in the activity to preparing for it. (834) violators were apprehended for soliciting passengers using their private vehicles without the necessary licenses, a practice known locally as "Kaddada." Conversely, (674) violators were apprehended for transporting passengers in their private vehicles in an unregulated manner, endangering passenger safety and violating the sector's regulations.
Context of the campaign and the national transport strategy
These intensified monitoring campaigns are an integral part of the objectives of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy, launched by the Saudi Crown Prince as part of the Kingdom's Vision 2030. This strategy aims to enhance the efficiency of the transport sector and promote fair competition among licensed operators, whether taxi companies or ride-hailing apps. The Authority is working to eliminate unlicensed transport to ensure an attractive and safe investment environment, as unregulated transport causes economic harm to investors who adhere to regulations and requirements.
Deterrent penalties in the new system
The new land transport regulations have introduced strict penalties to ensure compliance. The authority confirmed that repeat offenders face hefty fines. For example, engaging in preparatory work (such as soliciting passengers for hire) incurs a fine of up to 11,000 riyals and vehicle impoundment for 25 days. For actual illegal transport operations, the penalty increases to a fine of up to 20,000 riyals and vehicle impoundment for up to 60 days. Furthermore, the regulations stipulate the possibility of selling the offending vehicle at public auction, in addition to deportation for non-Saudi offenders who repeat the violation.
The importance of compliance and its impact on public safety
The importance of these regulations extends beyond mere organizational and economic considerations to encompass security and passenger safety. Using licensed transportation ensures that drivers and vehicles undergo regular inspections and security checks, thus providing a safe and reliable journey for passengers. The Public Transport Authority urges all citizens and residents to utilize authorized transportation methods and licensed ride-hailing apps to safeguard their rights and safety, and to contribute to eliminating negative practices that detract from the city's urban landscape and compromise the quality of services provided.
