Fine for Crossing Red Light in Saudi Arabia: Rules & Tips

Crossing a red light is a serious traffic violation in Saudi Arabia, and it can result in a hefty fine. The amount of the fine depends on the severity of the violation. For example, crossing a red light at an intersection with heavy traffic can result in a fine of up to SR3,000.

In addition to the fine, you may also be penalized with points on your driving license. If you accumulate too many points, you may be suspended from driving.

Fine for Crossing Red Light

The Saudi Arabian government has installed Saher cameras at numerous traffic signals. These cameras serve as vigilant watchmen, imposing heavy fines on those who dare to cross red lights.

In the past, crossing a red traffic signal in Saudi Arabia, regardless of whether a camera was present or not, was classified as a Category I violation. The repercussions for this violation were as follows:

• A fine ranging from SR 500 to SR 900.

However, in an effort to ensure stricter adherence to traffic rules and enhance road safety, the government has since revised these penalties.

The Current Penalties

In the present day, the penalties for crossing a red traffic signal, irrespective of the presence of a camera, have been significantly increased. The revised penalties are as follows:

• For the first offence, a fine of SR 3,000 is imposed, along with 12 traffic violation points.
• For repeated violations, the fine doubles to SR 6,000.
• Persistent offenders may also face the seizure of their vehicle, further emphasizing the seriousness of this violation.

The Yellow Signal: A Warning, Not a Fine

Before a traffic signal turns red in Saudi Arabia, it blinks yellow for a few seconds. The purpose of the yellow signal is to warn drivers to stay alert. The good news for drivers is that there is no fine for crossing a yellow signal in Saudi Arabia. If you have received a fine for jumping a yellow signal, you can dispute the traffic violation.

Turning Right on Red Light: The Guidelines

In Saudi Arabia, turning right on a red light is permitted under certain conditions. However, many drivers are unaware of these specific rules, leading to inadvertent violations and fines.

The Five Golden Rules

1. Extreme Right Lane: Ensure your vehicle is on the extreme right side of the road. If any part of your car is in the middle lane while turning right, it will be considered a red signal violation.
2. Right Indicator: Always keep the right indicator on while turning right. Failure to do so can result in a fine.
3. Stop the Vehicle: Before making the right turn, you must fully stop your vehicle. Non-compliance will be treated as a traffic violation.
4. Speed: Your speed while turning right on a red light should not exceed 15 Km/Hour.
5. Designated Route: If there is a designated route for turning right at a traffic signal, you must use it. Turning right from the signal when a separate sideway route is available is prohibited.

Emergency Vehicles and Red Lights

There’s a common misconception that you can cross a red light if an ambulance or another emergency vehicle is behind you. However, this is not the case.

Instead, you should move towards the right to give way to the emergency vehicle. If the road is congested and you can’t move, the emergency vehicle will switch to the road shoulder. Crossing the red light can cause damage to others and potentially lead to a traffic accident.

Tips for Avoiding a Fine for Crossing Red Light

• Be aware of the traffic signals and obey them.
• If you are unsure whether it is safe to cross a red light, it is always best to wait.
• Be mindful of other drivers and pedestrians.
• If you are caught crossing a red light, be polite and cooperative with the traffic authorities.

If you would like to learn more about other traffic fines and violations, we have compiled a list of Saudi traffic fines and penalties.