Saudi Traffic Department: 2000 Riyal fine for exceeding the passenger limit
The General Directorate of Traffic in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, through its official account on the social media platform “X”, stressed the need to adhere to traffic regulations related to the safety of vehicles and passengers, emphasizing that transporting a number of passengers that exceeds the number specified in the vehicle license is a clear violation of the system that warrants punishment.
The relevant authorities clarified that this violation falls under the traffic violation schedules aimed at ensuring road safety, with fines ranging from a minimum of 1,000 riyals to a maximum of 2,000 riyals. This reminder comes as part of the ongoing awareness campaigns conducted by the department to ensure the safety of road users and reduce the accident rate.
The importance of adhering to the vehicle's seating capacity
The passenger capacity specified in the vehicle registration document is not a routine procedure, but rather a crucial technical and safety standard based on manufacturer specifications and vehicle design. Exceeding this number directly affects vehicle stability, braking efficiency, and tire pressure, increasing the likelihood of accidents, especially when cornering or stopping suddenly.
Furthermore, the greatest danger lies in the lack of adequate protection for excess passengers, specifically seat belts. In the event of an accident – God forbid – passengers not secured with seat belts are more likely to sustain serious injuries or be killed, and they may also pose a risk to other passengers in the cabin due to the impact.
The general context of traffic safety efforts in the Kingdom
These strict measures are part of a comprehensive strategy adopted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to enhance traffic safety, which is in line with the objectives of Vision 2030. Recent years have witnessed a remarkable development in the traffic system, starting with updating regulations and systems, and reaching the use of modern technologies in monitoring and automatically controlling violations.
The authorities concerned seek, through imposing these fines, not to collect revenue, but to deter wrong behaviors and modify the behavior of drivers, which contributes to reducing the rates of deaths and injuries resulting from traffic accidents, which previously constituted a major concern for society and the national economy.
A call for verification and commitment
The General Directorate of Traffic urged all drivers to verify the information on their vehicle registration documents and to strictly adhere to the permitted number of seats. It also highlighted the availability of electronic services through the "Absher" platform for viewing vehicle details and renewing licenses, making it easier for citizens and residents to comply with regulations and avoid fines and physical hazards.
