Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — A total of 1,383 people were arrested for their involvement in unlicensed passenger transport services during one week. Officials from the Transport General Authority (TGA) continued their inspection raids, during which a total of 1,383 violators were apprehended during the period between Saturday, Nov. 8, and Friday, Nov. 14.

These violators were subject to legal procedures, in cooperation with several relevant authorities, for operating unlicensed passenger transport services across various regions of the Kingdom. The penalties for the violators include vehicle impoundment and fines.

The TGA revealed that its inspection teams apprehended 662 individuals who were found hailing people for rides using their private vehicles without a license, and 721 individuals who were transporting passengers in their private vehicles in an unauthorized manner.

The TGA emphasized that these campaigns are part of its ongoing efforts to enhance competitiveness in the transport sector and curb illegal practices that compromise transport quality and passenger safety. It stressed that this step contributes to improving compliance rates in the passenger transport sector, in line with the National Transport and Logistics Strategy.

The authority indicated that the new Land Transport Law emphasized the prohibition of operating transport service without a valid license. Penalties for repeated violations include fines of up to SR11000 and vehicle impoundment for 25 days for those who engage in preparatory work such as hailing people for rides. Penalties for those engaged in unlicensed transportation can reach a fine of SR20,000and vehicle impoundment for up to 60 days. The violating vehicle may be sold at public auction, and non-Saudis may be deported in the event of repeating violations.