Saudi Arabia Announces 50% Discount on Unpaid Traffic Fines – Here’s How to Benefit
During the blessed month of Ramadan, there is yet another good news for residents and citizens of Saudi Arabia. Acting on the instructions of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the Ministry of Interior has announced a 50% discount on unpaid traffic fines.
Who Can Benefit from the Discount?
According to the official Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the Ministry of Interior stated that this relief applies to individuals whose traffic violation fines were recorded before 18 April 2024. This means that if you have unpaid fines issued before this date, you are eligible to get them reduced by half.
The Ministry further clarified that this 50% discount will be available for a period of six months, starting from 18 April 2024. This initiative is part of the government’s efforts to encourage citizens and expatriates to settle their fines and clear their records.
How to Pay and Get the 50% Discount
The Ministry has provided two ways to pay fines while still enjoying the discount:
- Lump-Sum Payment: Pay the full remaining amount of all your fines in one go, and get the 50% discount applied to the total.
- Individual Payment: Pay each fine separately, with each one receiving the same 50% reduction.
Whichever method you choose, the discount applies equally. The Ministry urges people to take advantage of this offer and clear their records. By doing so, you can avoid potential issues with your iqama (residency permit) renewals or when applying for exit/re-entry visas.
For more details on paying fines, you can visit the official Absher platform, which is the government’s online portal for traffic and residency services.
Strict Action Against Illegal Passenger Transport
In another traffic-related update, the General Transport Authority has once again warned against using private cars to transport passengers, especially from airports. Authorities have been cracking down heavily on such violations.
Between 17 Ramadan and 23 Ramadan, 648 individuals were arrested for illegally picking up passengers from airports without proper authorization. Additionally, 582 vehicles were confiscated during this period, according to Sabq News.
The authority stated that anyone caught transporting passengers without a license from the airport faces a fine of 5,000 Saudi Riyals and the possible confiscation of their vehicle.
To ensure passenger safety and proper regulation, the General Transport Authority has licensed specific companies to operate airport taxi services. Only these authorized operators are allowed to pick up passengers from airports. Gone are the days when anyone could simply drive to the airport and offer rides — now, strict compliance is required.
New E-Gates at King Khalid International Airport, Riyadh
Speaking of airports, there is also a major improvement in travel services at Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport. The airport has launched its new E-Gate service to speed up passenger processing and reduce the need for manual document checks.
Initially, E-Gates have been installed at Travel Halls 3 and 4. According to the Director of Passports, Brigadier Sulaiman Al-Yahya, these gates will allow travelers to process their travel documents independently without the need for human interaction.
The aim is to provide more digital services for passengers, saving them time and making the travel experience smoother. This upgrade is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader Vision 2030 goal to modernize infrastructure and embrace advanced technology in all sectors.
More details about airport services can be found on the official King Khalid International Airport website.
Why This Matters for Residents and Expats
The combination of a traffic fine discount, strict regulation on unauthorized passenger transport, and technological upgrades at airports shows that Saudi Arabia is taking a balanced approach — offering relief to citizens and expatriates while also enforcing rules for public safety and efficiency.
- For drivers: This is the perfect time to clear your record and avoid legal or administrative issues in the future.
- For travelers: E-Gates will make airport experiences faster and more convenient, especially during peak travel seasons like Ramadan and Hajj.
- For the public: The crackdown on illegal taxi services ensures safer, regulated transport from airports.
Current Saudi Riyal Exchange Rate
As of today, the exchange rates for the Saudi Riyal (SAR) are as follows (rates may vary daily):
- 1 SAR ≈ 0.27 USD
- 1 SAR ≈ 0.25 EUR
- 1 SAR ≈ 75.5 PKR
- 1 SAR ≈ 22.4 INR
For the latest and most accurate exchange rates, check the XE Currency Converter.
Final Thoughts
This Ramadan, Saudi Arabia is offering not only spiritual blessings but also practical relief for its residents. Whether it’s saving money on traffic fines, enjoying smoother airport processes, or ensuring safer travel regulations, these updates are a step forward in improving daily life for both citizens and expatriates.
If you have outstanding traffic fines, mark your calendar for 18 April 2024 and take advantage of the six-month discount window. Pay through Absher or visit your nearest traffic department before the deadline. And if you’re traveling soon, look forward to faster check-ins through the new E-Gates at King Khalid International Airport.
Stay informed, drive safe, and enjoy the benefits of these new changes.
