Details of the new executive regulations for public transportation in Saudi Arabia
The Public Transport Authority in Saudi Arabia has approved an updated schedule classifying violations and penalties related to ride-hailing services. The new executive regulations for public transport a crucial step in regulating the sector and protecting passenger rights, including deterrent fines of up to five million Saudi riyals, as well as penalties such as vehicle impoundment for up to 60 days and the closure of offending applications.
The development of the land transport sector in the Kingdom
The transportation sector in Saudi Arabia has undergone radical transformations over the past decade, coinciding with rapid technological advancements and the increasing reliance on smart applications for taxi bookings and ride-sharing. Initially, the sector suffered from some disorganization and a lack of precise regulatory frameworks to guarantee the rights of both passengers and drivers. With the launch of Saudi Vision 2030, the urgent need to restructure this vital sector became apparent. The Public Transport Authority has gradually worked to issue successive pieces of legislation to regulate these services, culminating in the approval of this comprehensive regulation, which represents the culmination of ongoing efforts aimed at transforming land transportation into a professional and sustainable industry that meets the aspirations of citizens and residents.
Economic and social dimensions in the new executive regulations for public transport
The impact of these decisions extends beyond the regulatory sphere to encompass broad economic and social dimensions. Locally, these regulations will contribute to creating a fair competitive environment among companies, positively impacting the quality of services provided. Furthermore, enforcing stringent safety standards enhances public confidence in modern transportation and reduces accidents and violations. Regionally and internationally, this regulation solidifies the Kingdom's position as a safe and advanced investment environment, attracting leading global companies in the field of smart transportation and underscoring Saudi Arabia's commitment to implementing the highest international standards in urban transport management.
Immediate fines and graduated penalties
The regulations stipulate that inspectors have the authority to issue warnings and impose immediate fines not exceeding ten thousand riyals, in addition to vehicle impoundment. Conversely, the Committee for Reviewing Grievances and Violations of the Land Transport System is responsible for imposing harsher penalties exceeding this amount, including the full or partial suspension of licenses, or the detention of drivers and vehicles for up to one year. The regulations outline a graduated system of penalties, starting with a minimum fine that gradually increases if the same violation is committed within one year, reaching up to five times its original value. The Authority warned that a sixth offense entitles the Committee to impose the maximum fine stipulated by law, which is five million riyals.
Deterrent measures to protect the sector
The authority added a package of deterrent non-financial penalties, including the immediate deportation of non-Saudi violators, blocking of establishments' applications or websites, closure of offending shops, publication of a summary of the violation at the violator's expense in local newspapers, and, on the fifth offense, confiscation of the vehicle. The regulations stipulate that warnings are limited exclusively to "non-serious" violations for the first offense, with a specific grace period of a few days granted for rectification. They emphasized that "serious" violations, which affect the operational processes of the business or the rights of passengers, are not subject to warnings and will be met with immediate and direct penalties.
Ensuring passenger rights and service quality
The authority highlighted the penalties for those who fail to provide basic safety equipment and supplies, such as fire extinguishers, first-aid kits, and reflective triangles, or who make unauthorized modifications to vehicles. Regarding service quality and passenger rights, the authority warned against service providers refusing to offer trips except in designated cases, drivers failing to adhere to public etiquette, neglecting personal hygiene and the vehicle's exterior and interior appearance, or smoking by themselves or passengers. The authority concluded its regulations by requiring establishments to provide effective communication channels for receiving complaints and reports of lost items, emphasizing that refusing to allow inspectors access or delaying the provision of urgent information constitutes a clear violation warranting the application of the strictest penalties and suspension of service.
