Saudi Arabia announces strict fines for drivers caught using mobile phones

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s authorities announced strict fines ranging from 500 Saudi Rial (SAR) to 900 SAR for motorists using mobile phones while driving, local media reported.

The General Department of Traffic issued a warning, stating that drivers who use their phones while operating a motor vehicle would face fines ranging from SR500 to SR900.

The agency stressed that using a cell phone while driving constitutes a traffic infraction in a statement posted on its X account.

“This is a reckless act that exposes the vehicle owner and those around him to the risk of accidents,” the statement read.

The General Department of Traffic previously reported that in certain parts of the Kingdom, using handheld mobile devices while operating a motor vehicle was the leading cause of traffic accidents.

It asked all drivers in the Kingdom to always abide by traffic laws and road safety rules.

Earlier, Saudi Arabia’s authorities identified three primary reasons for road accidents in the Madinah Region in 2023.

According to the General Department of Traffic, the primary cause of traffic accidents in the area is using handheld mobile devices while operating a motor vehicle. This is followed by abrupt lane changes and failing to keep a safe space between cars.

All drivers in the Kingdom have been reminded by the department to adhere to traffic rules and road safety standards at all times.

last week, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior introduced an advanced drone—with a totally electric engine that enables smooth operations and a maximum height of 6,000 meters— in its road security system.

The Road Security Sector, on behalf of the Ministry of Interior, announced the addition of a cutting-edge drone to its security system. This drone can fly up to 6,000 meters and has a totally electric motor that guarantees seamless operations.

According to Special Forces for Road Security spokesman Col. Adel Al-Mutairi, the drone has sensors and radars to help with landing and prevent collisions. This is in addition to a dual camera that can identify and analyse things within a 50 km range with great precision thanks to a combination of optical and infrared imaging and a zoom of up to 30x.