Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing has approved the updated executive rules for the regulation of municipal violations penalties. The ministry emphasized that the updated rules classify violations into serious and non-serious, specifying appropriate penalties for each, including financial fines, temporary closure, and license revocation. It also adopts an automatic escalation of penalties for recurrence.

The ministry clarified that fines may reach up to SR2 million for some serious violations, and up to SR1 million for other violations. These fines are calculated based on the type of violation, the classification of the municipality, and the size of the erring facility. Perpetrators of minor violations will be granted a grace period to correct the status before the imposition of penalties.

This update provides a unified regulatory framework for the application of municipal penalties and regulates monitoring, assessment, and fine mechanisms, contributing to increased compliance efficiency across the Kingdom. The ministry stated that the updated rules stipulate that violations will be monitored and recorded electronically through the Momtathl and Efaa platforms to ensure quick processing, accurate documentation, and transparent handling.

The ministry indicated that the rules grant the municipalities the authority to seize vehicles or equipment abandoned in public places and sell them through public auctions. The rules also enable municipalities to disconnect electricity service from sites that fail to correct serious violations in accordance with the applicable rules.

The adoption of the executive rules is part of the ministry’s efforts to develop the oversight system in the municipal sector, as well as to improve compliance efficiency, enhance quality of life, and protect public facilities, in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.