Fine and impoundment for driving deceased persons' vehicles without authorization
The Saudi Arabian General Directorate of Public Security announced a decisive step to enhance traffic safety, approving a new amendment concerning the driving of deceased individuals' vehicles without official authorization. This amendment aims to regulate the legal status of inherited vehicles and ensure they are not used in ways that disrupt public safety or evade legal responsibilities.
Details of the new amendment regarding driving vehicles belonging to deceased persons
The amendment to Article 68 of the Saudi Traffic Law includes the addition of a new violation to Schedule No. (4). According to this amendment, a fine of no less than 500 riyals and no more than 900 Saudi riyals will be imposed on anyone caught driving a deceased person's vehicle without legal or official authorization. The penalty is not limited to a fine; the amendments in paragraph four of the same article also include the immediate impoundment of the offending vehicle. The impoundment will not be lifted until the vehicle's legal status is fully rectified and the cause of the violation is eliminated.
The development of traffic systems in the Kingdom
This decision comes as part of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's ongoing efforts to modernize its legislative and traffic systems in line with contemporary developments to ensure the highest levels of road safety. Historically, the General Directorate of Traffic has undergone significant transformations to enhance safety, and this amendment is based on Article 22 of the Council of Ministers Law, which grants ministries the right to propose draft regulations. The decision was made following recommendations from a working group formed under the direct guidance of His Royal Highness the Minister of Interior (via telegram number 296649) to address previous procedural gaps in traffic violation collection and to precisely define responsibilities.
Security and economic dimensions of regulating the use of inherited vehicles
This strategic amendment is of paramount importance and will have a wide-ranging positive impact locally. From a security perspective, the decision ensures that all vehicles on the roads undergo periodic technical inspections and have mandatory insurance, thus reducing traffic accidents and protecting road users. Economically and regulatoryly, the decision alleviates the burden on government agencies in tracking down violators and encourages the heirs of deceased owners or their legal representatives to expedite the transfer of ownership and rectify any issues. Furthermore, this measure plays a pivotal role in preserving the aesthetic appeal of cities by preventing the neglect and abandonment of vehicles on the streets, directly mitigating the phenomenon of visual pollution.
Compliance with regional and international traffic standards
The impact of such decisions is not limited to domestic affairs; it reflects the Kingdom's commitment to implementing global best practices in traffic management. Regionally, neighboring countries are taking similar measures; for example, Oman requires vehicle ownership to be transferred within 60 days of the owner's death. Internationally, the United Kingdom cancels the registrations of vehicles belonging to deceased individuals, and they cannot be used until insurance policies are renewed and outstanding taxes are paid. This international consensus underscores the effectiveness and importance of the Saudi decision in creating a safe and organized traffic environment for all.
