The Transport Authority has recorded 1,378 violations and imposed penalties of up to 20,000 riyals

the Public Transport Authority continued their intensive inspection campaigns, which resulted during the month of January in the detection of 1,378 violators of transport regulations, as part of its continuous efforts to regulate the land transport sector and reduce random practices that negatively affect the quality of services provided to beneficiaries.

Details of violations and inspection campaigns

The authority explained in its statement that the inspection tours, carried out in cooperation with security and relevant agencies, focused heavily on passenger transport activities. More than 689 violations were recorded related to operating passenger transport services without the necessary licenses, a phenomenon known locally as "Kaddada," which is widespread in various regions of the Kingdom, particularly around airports and transport hubs.

In a detailed breakdown of the figures, the authority indicated that its inspection teams apprehended 614 violators engaged in the preparatory activities for transporting passengers, or what is known as "calling out" to attract passengers using their unlicensed private vehicles. Additionally, 75 violators were apprehended for their involvement in the actual transport of passengers through unregulated means, necessitating the application of strict legal measures against them, which included the impounding of 83 vehicles.

The context of regulation and the importance of the national transport strategy

These decisive actions by the Public Transport Authority are in line with the objectives of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy , which aims to improve road safety, enhance the urban landscape, and boost competitiveness in the sector. Combating unlicensed transport is a necessary step to protect the rights of legitimate investors in the taxi and ride-hailing app sector and ensure a fair investment environment.

This regulation also carries an important security and social dimension; as organized transportation ensures the availability of safety requirements in vehicles, verification of drivers’ identities, and tracking of trips, thus providing a safe environment for passengers compared to random transportation that lacks the minimum standards of safety and responsibility.

Deterrent penalties: fines and deportation

The authority confirmed that the regulations governing the new land transport system include stricter penalties to ensure compliance. The regulations stipulate the following:

• Violation of the call (preparatory work): A financial penalty of up to 11,000 riyals with the vehicle being impounded for 25 days if the violation is repeated.
• Violation of unlicensed transportation: A financial penalty of up to 20,000 riyals, and impounding the vehicle for up to 60 days.

The penalties were not limited to financial fines and vehicle impoundment, but included stricter measures in case of repeated violations, up to the possibility of selling the offending vehicle at a public auction, in addition to the penalty of deporting non-Saudis (deportation) for those proven to be involved in practicing these activities in violation of the regulations.

Call for compliance and reporting

The Public Transport Authority called on all citizens, residents, and visitors to use licensed transport providers to ensure their safety and protect their rights. It also urged everyone to review the updated regulations and bylaws on its official website ( tga.gov.sa ) and to report any observations or complaints related to transport activities via the unified number (19929) or through the Authority's official social media channels.