Saudi Arabia’s Transport General Authority announced new taxi regulations on October 25, 2025, introducing strict penalties for violations, including fines up to SR8,000, license suspension, and deportation for non-Saudi drivers. The move aims to improve service quality, safety, and accountability in the Kingdom’s public and airport taxi sectors.
New era for Saudi taxi service
The Transport General Authority (TGA) in Saudi Arabia has approved a comprehensive set of new regulations for individual drivers operating public and airport taxis. This move, sanctioned by TGA President Rumaih Al-Rumaih, is designed to drastically improve service quality, boost safety standards, and ensure passenger protection across the kingdom. The framework signals a clear, zero-tolerance approach to misconduct, making quality and professionalism mandatory.
Fines, suspension, and deportation
The new rules introduce serious financial and operational consequences, with penalties classified as “major” or “minor” offenses.
- Financial Penalties: Fines can reach up to SR1,600 (Saudi Riyals) for a single offense. This fine can be multiplied up to five times for repeated violations. Daily fines may also be imposed for continued non-compliance after a final ruling, capped at 10% of the maximum penalty.
- Operational Sanctions: Drivers face license suspensions for up to five months. Vehicles can be impounded for 20 to 60 days, or even face permanent confiscation by court order. Non-compliant ride-hailing apps may also be blocked, and offending establishments can be closed.
- The Toughest Punishment: For non-Saudi violators, the enhanced sanctions include mandatory deportation. Additionally, rulings for serious violations can be published in local newspapers.
Taxi driver do’s and don’ts
The TGA regulations divide offenses into two categories: Major (punished immediately) and Minor (with a grace period for correction).
| Do’s (Essential for Operation) | Don’ts (Guaranteed Penalty) | Consequences |
|---|---|---|
| Charge passengers according to approved fare rates | Refuse service to a passenger | Fines up to SR1,600 (multiplied up to 5x for repeat offenses), license suspension up to 5 months, vehicle impoundment |
| Maintain high standards of personal and vehicle cleanliness | Allow driver card to expire or be canceled | Fines up to SR1,600 (multiplied up to 5x), vehicle confiscation |
| Wear the official uniform while on duty | Engage in acts that disrupt service quality, market entry, or public safety | Fines up to SR1,600 (multiplied up to 5x), potential deportation (non-Saudis) |
| Hold and use a valid professional driver card | — | Fines up to SR1,600 (multiplied up to 5x), deportation for non-Saudis |
Minor offenses: Fix it or face the fine
For less severe minor violations, the TGA offers a chance to correct the issue before penalties are applied.
- 7-Day Grace Period: Violators will generally receive a seven-day corrective grace period to fix the issue before the financial penalties kick in.
- Minor Examples: These include delays in renewing a driver card, failing to provide required data to the authority, not displaying official documents, or not installing “No Smoking” signs.
- Passenger Care: Minor violations also include failing to return lost passenger items or not assisting passengers with disabilities.
The bottom line is that Saudi Arabia’s Transport General Authority (TGA) has ushered in a strict new era for the taxi and airport service sector. By clearly defining the mandatory Do’s, like charging approved fares, wearing the uniform, and maintaining cleanliness and the forbidden Don’ts especially service refusal the TGA has eliminated ambiguity.For drivers, compliance is now non-negotiable; ignoring the rules can lead to hefty SR1,600 fines (multiplied for repeat offenses), vehicle confiscation, and even deportation for non-Saudis. This aggressive enforcement strategy signals that the Kingdom is serious about delivering a world-class passenger experience. Ultimately, the new regulations are a firm commitment to both citizens and visitors that poor service and safety risks in public transport are a thing of the past.
