Overview of Saudi Arabia's Traffic Fines System
Saudi Arabia's traffic law is administered by the General Directorate of Traffic (Muroor), a division of the Ministry of Interior (MOI). Violations are categorised into four tiers based on severity, each carrying a specific fine range and black points on the driver's record.
Enforcement happens in two ways: traffic police officers on the road, and the automated Saher camera network β which covers all major highways, intersections, and urban roads across the Kingdom. Camera violations are automatically linked to your vehicle registration and notified via SMS through Absher within minutes.
There is no personal income tax in Saudi Arabia, but traffic fines are treated seriously. Unpaid fines can block your Iqama renewal, prevent car registration renewal (Istimara), and stop you from leaving the country at the airport.
2026 Major Fine Increases β What Changed
Saudi Arabia significantly escalated several fine categories in 2026 under the Vision 2030 road safety programme, which targets a 50% reduction in road accidents and fatalities by 2030. The changes took effect from January 2026 and are strictly enforced by both traffic police and Saher cameras.
β Before 2026
- Red light: SAR 500β900
- Orange light: SAR 500β900
- Phone driving: SAR 300β600
- Shoulder overtake: SAR 2,000
- Yellow lane overtake: SAR 2,000
- Black points for red light: 4 pts
β 2026 New Fines
- Red light: SAR 6,000 πΊ
- Orange light: SAR 3,000β6,000 πΊ
- Phone driving: SAR 900 πΊ
- Shoulder overtake: SAR 6,000 πΊ
- Yellow lane overtake: SAR 6,000 πΊ
- Black points for red light: 8 pts πΊ
Category 1 β Major Violations (SAR 900 to SAR 6,000)
These are the most serious traffic offences in Saudi Arabia. Penalties include large fines, black points, and often vehicle impoundment. In serious cases, criminal charges may be filed alongside the traffic fine.
| Violation | Fine (SAR) | Black Pts | Additional |
|---|---|---|---|
| π΄ Running Red Light | 6,000 | 8 | Impound 7β30 days |
| π‘ Crossing Orange/Yellow Light | 3,000β6,000 | 8 | Impound |
| π± Mobile Phone While Driving | 900 | 4 | β |
| π¨ Extreme Speeding (>25 km/h over) | 900β4,500 | 6 | Impound possible |
| πΊ Driving Under Influence | 900 | 8 | Impound + licence pull |
| β©οΈ Wrong-Way / Against Traffic | 900 | 6 | β |
| ποΈ Reckless / Dangerous Driving | 900 | 6 | Impound possible |
| π No Valid Driving Licence | 900 | 4 | Impound |
| π£οΈ Shoulder Lane Overtaking | 6,000 | 8 | 30-day impound |
| γ°οΈ Yellow Lane Overtaking | 6,000 | 8 | Impound possible |
| π Drifting / Tafheet (ΨͺΩΨΩΨ·) | 1,000β5,000 | 6 | Vehicle seizure |
The Orange Light Rule β Saudi Arabia's Most Misunderstood Fine
This is where most drivers get caught. Many drivers treat an orange (amber) signal as "speed up to get through." In Saudi Arabia, the law requires you to slow down and stop before the stop line when the light turns orange β exactly as you would for a red light.
Saher cameras monitor both the signal state and your tyre position relative to the stop line. If your front tyres cross the stop line after the signal turns orange, the camera records it as a violation. The fine is SAR 3,000β6,000 + 8 black points. The only safe rule: when the light turns orange, brake.
Category 2, 3 & 4 β Moderate to Minor Violations
| Violation | Category | Fine (SAR) | Black Pts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moderate Speeding (10β25 km/h over) | Cat 2 | 300β500 | 4 |
| Expired Driving Licence | Cat 2 | 300 | 2 |
| Ignoring Traffic Signs | Cat 2 | 300 | 2 |
| Overloading Passengers | Cat 2 | 300 | 2 |
| Not Stopping at Security Checkpoint | Cat 2 | 500 | 4 |
| No Seatbelt β Driver | Cat 3 | 150 | 1 |
| No Seatbelt β Each Passenger | Cat 3 | 150 each | 1 |
| No Child Safety Seat | Cat 3 | 150 | 1 |
| No Licence on Person | Cat 3 | 150 | 0 |
| Failed Fahas Inspection | Cat 3 | 150β300 | 0 |
| Illegal Parking | Cat 4 | 100β150 | 0 |
| No Valid Insurance | Cat 4 | 100β500 | 0 |
| Throwing Objects from Vehicle | Cat 4 | 100β150 | 0 |
π Not Sure About Your Fine?
Use our free calculator β select your violation, see the exact fine, black points, and early payment discount instantly.
Open Traffic Fine Calculator βThe Black Points System β Saudi Arabia 2026
Every traffic violation carries black points that accumulate on your driving record. The system is designed to escalate consequences for repeat offenders. A critical fact many drivers miss: points reset to zero every January 1st, so accumulating 48 points in a single year has different consequences than accumulating them over multiple years.
| Total Points Accumulated | Consequence |
|---|---|
| 12 points | Mandatory 8-hour traffic safety training course |
| 24 points | Driving licence suspended for 30 days |
| 36 points | Licence suspended 3 months + training course |
| 48+ points | Permanent licence revocation β must re-apply |
The Saher Automated Camera System
Saudi Arabia operates one of the most extensive automated traffic enforcement systems in the world. The Saher system (Ψ³ΩΨ±) currently covers more than 5,000 camera locations across the Kingdom, with Vision 2030 targets expanding this to 10,000+ by year end. These cameras operate 24/7 and use radar, infrared, and AI-based image analysis.
What Saher Cameras Detect
- Speed violations β using radar on highways and urban roads at posted speed limits
- Red and orange light crossing β multiple cameras per intersection track front tyre position
- Mobile phone use β AI-powered cameras at intersections detect handheld phone use
- No seatbelt β camera systems at certain points check seatbelt compliance
- Shoulder and wrong-lane driving β highway cameras detect lane violations
When a violation is captured, the system automatically links it to the vehicle's Istimara registration and the registered owner receives an SMS notification through Absher within minutes. The fine appears on their Absher account for payment.
How to Check Your Traffic Fines via Absher
The fastest and most reliable way to check all outstanding traffic violations is through the official Saudi government Absher platform. It is available as a web portal and mobile app (iOS and Android) in both Arabic and English.
- Go to Absher.sa or open the Absher app on your phone
- Log in with your National ID (Saudi) or Iqama number (expat) and password
- From the main dashboard, tap "My Services"
- Select "Inquiries" from the service list
- Choose "Comprehensive Traffic Violation Inquiry"
- All outstanding violations, fine amounts, and black points will appear. You can pay directly within the app.
Other Ways to Check and Pay Fines
- Najiz.sa β Official MOJ portal, also used for fine appeals
- SADAD via your bank app β Al Rajhi, SNB, Riyad Bank, etc.
- STC Pay / Urpay β Digital wallet payment options
- ATMs β Most Saudi bank ATMs support traffic fine payment via SADAD
- Traffic department offices β Available in Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam and all major cities
How to Get 25% Discount on Your Fine
Saudi traffic law explicitly allows a 25% reduction on the minimum fine amount if you pay promptly. This is one of the most important things to know β yet many residents miss it because they don't act quickly enough.
| Action | Time Window | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Pay in full | Within 15 days of SMS notification | 25% discount applied to minimum fine |
| Submit appeal | Within 30 days of notification | Fine reviewed β may be reduced or cancelled |
| Request payment extension | Within first 30 days | Up to 90 days to pay, no discount |
| Pay in instalments (Absher) | Fines under SAR 5,000 | 4 interest-free instalments available |
| No action taken | After 45 days | No discount. Fine becomes final. Interest may apply. |
How to Appeal a Saudi Traffic Fine
You have the right to appeal any traffic fine within 30 days of the notification date. Appeals are submitted through the official Najiz portal or via the Traffic Court. Common grounds for a successful appeal include:
- The violation was recorded on the wrong vehicle plate number
- The camera image is unclear or incorrect
- The vehicle was stolen at the time of the violation
- The speed limit sign was damaged or missing
- A medical emergency caused the violation
Submit your appeal at Najiz.sa with supporting evidence (photos, police reports, medical certificates as applicable). Appeals are typically reviewed within 15 business days. If rejected, you must pay the original fine. If accepted, the fine is cancelled or reduced.
Traffic Fines for Expats with Iqama
Expatriates living in Saudi Arabia on Iqama residency are subject to exactly the same traffic laws and fine schedule as Saudi nationals. There is no separate fine system for expats. Key things to know:
- Fines linked to vehicle registration β most camera fines go against the registered vehicle, not the driver personally. If you drive a company car, the company's Iqama may be affected.
- Iqama renewal blocked β outstanding traffic fines will prevent you from renewing your Iqama. Clear them first at Absher.
- Exit visa blocked β in some cases, significant unpaid fines can block your exit visa. Pay before travel.
- International licence holders β if you drive in KSA on an international licence, fines still apply. You need a valid Saudi licence or IDP for stays over 90 days.
- Check fines by Iqama number β go to Absher β My Services β Inquiries β Traffic Violation Inquiry and enter your Iqama number.