The penalty for unlicensed taxi drivers in Saudi Arabia: deportation and a fine of 12,000 riyals

The Public Transport Authority in Saudi Arabia announced that it has taken strict measures against a non-Saudi national caught operating an unlicensed passenger transport service, known locally as "Kaddada." The Authority has ordered his deportation from the Kingdom and imposed a fine of 12,000 Saudi Riyals.

Details of the violation and the legal basis

The authority clarified that these penalties are based on the provisions of the Land Transport by Road System, issued by Royal Decree No. (M/188) dated 24/08/1446 AH, and its implementing regulations. The system strictly prohibits engaging in any activity related to transporting passengers for a fee without a license. This prohibition includes behaviors associated with such unregulated practices, such as soliciting or calling out to passengers on the roads, pursuing them, obstructing their path, and congregating in areas where travelers and passengers are present for the purpose of offering unlicensed transportation services.

Context of regulating the transport sector in the Kingdom

This step comes as part of the Kingdom's ongoing efforts to regulate and improve the quality of the transportation sector. Historically, the transportation sector in many cities has suffered from the phenomenon of "unlicensed" or informal transportation, which has led to visual pollution, traffic congestion, and a lack of safety and reliability standards. Through these strict regulations, the relevant authorities aim to eliminate the black market in the transportation sector and ensure that all vehicles and drivers are subject to rigorous oversight to guarantee passenger safety and rights.

Security and economic dimensions of the decision

The importance of this regulation is not limited to the organizational aspect alone, but extends to include extremely important security and economic dimensions:

• Public safety: Dealing with licensed carriers ensures a clean security record for the driver, the availability of safety equipment in the vehicle, and the possibility of tracking the trip, which is lacking in unlicensed transportation.
• Fair competition: The penalties aim to protect the investments of national companies and investors in the transportation sector and smart routing applications, as illegal transportation leads to unfair competition that harms establishments that comply with regulations.
• Improving the urban landscape: Preventing crowding and harassment of passengers contributes to improving the overall appearance of vital facilities such as airports and transport stations.

Continued monitoring campaigns and vision objectives

The Public Transport Authority affirmed its commitment to continuing field inspection campaigns across all regions of the Kingdom in coordination with relevant security agencies. It emphasized that the deportation of non-Saudis found in violation is a firm measure to deter offenders. The Authority calls upon all those working in the sector to rectify their situations and comply with regulations, in line with the National Transport and Logistics Strategy stemming from the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which aims to make the Kingdom a global logistics hub and a model for quality of life.