Penalty for driving a deceased person's vehicle: a fine of 900 riyals and vehicle impoundment
The Saudi Arabian General Directorate of Public Security announced significant amendments to the traffic law aimed at enhancing road safety and curbing violations. Among the most prominent of these amendments is the imposition of strict penalties for driving the vehicles of deceased individuals without official authorization. This step comes as part of ongoing efforts to regulate the transportation sector and ensure that all drivers comply with applicable regulations and laws, thus contributing to the protection of lives and property.
Details of the penalty for driving deceased persons' vehicles under the new system
According to recent amendments to Article 68 of the Traffic Law, a new violation has been added to Schedule of Violations No. (4). This violation stipulates that driving a deceased person's vehicle by heirs or others without legal or official authorization is punishable by a fine ranging from a minimum of 500 riyals to a maximum of 900 riyals. The penalty is not limited to a fine; the explanatory memorandum for the amendment to paragraph four of the same article also emphasizes the immediate impoundment of the offending vehicle, which will not be released until the violation is rectified and its legal status is fully corrected.
The historical context of the development of traffic systems in the Kingdom
Over the past decades, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has witnessed a remarkable evolution in its traffic system structure. Historically, traffic management relied on traditional mechanisms for tracking vehicle ownership and violations. However, with the launch of Saudi Vision 2030 and the comprehensive digital transformation through advanced electronic platforms such as Absher, it became essential to update legislation to keep pace with this technological leap. In the past, there were procedural gaps concerning vehicles whose owners had passed away. These vehicles would remain registered in their names and used for years without renewal of registration or insurance, hindering the process of tracing legal liability in the event of accidents. This amendment, based on Article 22 of the Council of Ministers Law, definitively closes this procedural gap, following recommendations from a specialized working group formed under the direction of the Ministry of Interior.
Security and economic dimensions of vehicle status correction
This strategic decision is of paramount importance and has a multifaceted positive impact at the local level. From a security standpoint, it prevents the evasion of criminal and civil liability in traffic accidents and ensures that these vehicles are not used in any activities that could disrupt public order. Economically and organizationally, it reduces the burden on government agencies in tracking violations and incentivizes heirs or their legal representatives to promptly have vehicles undergo periodic technical inspections and obtain mandatory insurance. Furthermore, the decision contributes to mitigating visual pollution in Saudi cities by preventing the neglect and abandonment of vehicles in streets and public squares after the death of their owners.
The Saudi amendments are in line with international traffic standards
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has not been isolated from successful international practices in this field. Relevant authorities have reviewed similar international and regional experiences that have demonstrated the effectiveness of this regulatory approach. For example, Omani law requires that vehicle ownership be transferred within 60 days of the owner's death to ensure the vehicle's continued legal operation. Internationally, the United Kingdom automatically cancels vehicle registrations belonging to deceased individuals, and these vehicles cannot be used again until insurance policies are renewed and all outstanding taxes are paid. This alignment with global standards underscores the General Directorate of Traffic's commitment to implementing best practices that guarantee the safety and security of road users.
