Saudi Arabia Moves to Strengthen Enforcement Against Unauthorized Passenger Transport
Saudi Arabia is taking decisive steps to tighten regulatory enforcement against unauthorized passenger transport activities across the kingdom. The Transport General Authority has proposed significant amendments to the schedule of violations and penalties under the executive regulations governing taxi and passenger transport brokerage operations.
Revised Fine Structure Targets Unlicensed Operations
At the center of these regulatory changes is a proposed fine of SR2,600 for individuals operating private vehicles without the required transport licence. This penalty specifically applies to two key areas: public transportation activities and airport fare operations. The move targets individuals who are either preparing to transport passengers or actively transporting passengers in private vehicles without obtaining proper authorization from regulatory authorities.
According to reports from Saudi Gazette, these draft amendments represent a broader effort to strengthen deterrent penalties under the existing Land Transport Law framework. The proposed changes aim to reinforce oversight mechanisms for both taxi services and passenger transport brokerage activities throughout Saudi Arabia.
Stronger Deterrence Mechanisms Under Land Transport Law
The amendments are designed to activate and enhance the deterrent penalties already stipulated in the executive regulations. These enforcement measures fall under the jurisdiction of the Committee for Reviewing Grievances and Violations of the Land Transport Law, which will be responsible for imposing penalties in several specific cases.
The committee's expanded authority includes imposing fines exceeding SR10,000 for serious violations, addressing violations related to public taxi operations, and handling cases involving airport taxi operations. The draft amendment makes clear that the committee will specifically target individuals transporting passengers in private vehicles without licences, with particular focus on non-Saudi violators in airport operations.
Enhanced Penalties and Enforcement Mechanisms
The proposed regulatory framework introduces several additional enforcement mechanisms to ensure compliance with transport regulations:
- Suspension of transport licences, either partially or completely, for periods not exceeding one year
- Suspension of drivers, vehicles, or both for durations not exceeding one year
- Deportation procedures for non-Saudi drivers who violate provisions of the Land Transport Law
- Public disclosure requirements for repeat offenders through local media at the offender's expense
The draft legislation formally grants the Transport General Authority the power to impose these penalties through the established committee structure, thereby reinforcing regulatory control over unlicensed transport activities across Saudi Arabia.
Broader Implications for Transport Regulation
If adopted, these amendments would introduce clearer enforcement thresholds and significantly strengthen financial penalties for illegal passenger transport operations. The changes particularly target public taxi services and airport transport operations, where unauthorized activities have been most prevalent.
The proposed measures represent a comprehensive approach to transportation regulation, combining financial penalties with operational restrictions and public accountability measures. This regulatory strengthening comes as Saudi Arabia continues to modernize its transportation infrastructure and services as part of broader economic and social transformation initiatives under Vision 2030.
The Transport General Authority's proposal reflects growing concerns about passenger safety, fair competition in the transport sector, and the need for standardized service quality across all transportation modes. By establishing clearer penalties and enforcement mechanisms, Saudi authorities aim to create a more regulated and safer transportation environment for both residents and visitors to the kingdom.
