Saudi’s 50% fines discount: Here’s how drivers can benefit

Saudi Arabia’s General Directorate of Traffic has initiated the implementation of a royal decree that mandates a 50 per cent reduction in accumulated traffic fines, effective from Thursday, April 18.

This directive, in line with the directives of Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed Bin Salman, aims to ease the financial burden on citizens, expatriates, visitors, and GCC nationals by reducing penalties for all violations recorded up to the day before the reduction period begins.

The reduction covers all violations committed before April 18, 2024, and requires that all accumulated traffic fines be settled within six months, starting from April 18 until October 18, 2024, to benefit from this reduction.

Payment of fines can be made either in one lump sum or separately for each violation.

Follow these steps to take advantage of the 50 per cent reduction in traffic fines offered by the General Directorate of Traffic in Saudi Arabia:

Step 1: Check your traffic violations

Start by reviewing your traffic violations to determine the fines you need to settle.
Access your violation records through the official channels provided by the General Directorate of Traffic.

Step 2: Ensure eligibility

Confirm that your violations occurred before April 18, 2024, to qualify for the 50% reduction initiative.
Be aware of the specific violations that disqualify you from receiving the discount, such as reckless driving, driving under the influence, and excessive speeding.

Step 3: Settle your fines

Make arrangements to settle your fines within the designated six-month window, which begins on April 18 and ends on October 18, 2024.
Choose between paying the fines in one lump sum or separately for each violation.

Step 4: Payment methods

Utilize the SADAD payment system or the National Violations Platform (Efaa) to process your fine payments.
Ensure that you only engage with official payment channels provided by the authorities and avoid dealing with any suspicious links, phone calls, or websites.

Step 5: Follow legal procedures

Adhere to the legal procedures outlined for violations committed after April 18, 2024, which may entail a standard 25% reduction in fines under Article 75 of the Traffic Law.
Be prepared to face imprisonment and enforcement if fines are not paid within the specified timeframe.

Step 6: Stay informed

Stay updated on any developments or changes related to the 50 per cent reduction initiative through official announcements from the General Directorate of Traffic.

Remain vigilant against misinformation or fraudulent schemes that may attempt to exploit the reduction initiative.

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