A fine of 20,000 riyals and vehicle impoundment: The Transport Authority's campaign against unlicensed taxi drivers
The Public Transport Authority in Saudi Arabia revealed the results of its intensive monitoring campaigns conducted during January, which aimed to regulate passenger transport activities and ensure carriers' compliance with approved regulations. These efforts are part of the Authority's endeavors to eliminate the phenomenon of unlicensed transport, known locally as "Kaddada," which poses a regulatory and security challenge to the land transport sector.
Details of seizures and observed violations
The Authority's inspection teams clarified that, in cooperation with relevant security agencies, they were able to detect and apprehend more than 689 violations related to passenger transport activities across various regions of the Kingdom. These violations ranged from operating without a license to engaging in preparatory activities for such activities. Specifically, 614 violators were apprehended for soliciting passengers from their private vehicles using unlicensed taxis, in addition to 75 violators caught in the act of transporting passengers illegally, resulting in the impounding of 83 vehicles.
Regulatory context and national transport strategy
These campaigns are not merely temporary measures, but rather an integral part of the Kingdom's National Transport and Logistics Strategy, adopted within the framework of Vision 2030. This strategy aims to enhance the efficiency of the transport sector, improve the urban landscape, and ensure the provision of safe and reliable transportation for citizens, residents, and visitors. The Public Transport Authority is working to regulate this vital sector by enforcing strict regulations that prevent haphazard practices, guarantee passenger rights, and promote the competitiveness of licensed companies and applications operating according to quality and safety standards.
Deterrent penalties: fines and deportation
The authority confirmed that the new road transport regulations include strict penalties to ensure compliance. Fines for those engaging in unlicensed "calling" or preparations for transport can reach 11,000 riyals, along with vehicle impoundment for 25 days. In case of repeated violations and continued unregulated transport, the penalty is doubled to a fine of 20,000 riyals, with vehicle impoundment for up to 60 days. The penalty may also extend to confiscation of the vehicle and its sale at public auction. The authority also emphasized that non-Saudi violators face deportation from the Kingdom to uphold the rule of law and protect the labor market.
The economic and social impact of regulating the sector
Regulating the passenger transport sector is of paramount importance, both economically and socially. Economically, eliminating unlicensed transport helps protect legitimate investments in the taxi sector and ride-hailing apps, creating a fair and attractive investment environment. Socially and in terms of security, using regulated transport ensures passenger safety, as vehicles and drivers undergo regular inspections and security checks—something lacking in unregulated transport, which can expose passengers to numerous risks.
The Public Transport Authority called on everyone to abide by the regulations, and urged beneficiaries to use the official means and report any violations via the unified number (19929) or through its official channels on social media platforms, stressing the continuation of its monitoring tours to ensure the highest standards of compliance.
