The Council of Ministers of Saudi Arabia has approved an amendment to Article 74 of the Kingdom’s traffic regulations implementing tougher penalties for violations that pose a threat to public safety.

According to Akhbar 24, the cabinet unanimously endorsed the changes during a recent session, which stipulate that individuals committing serious traffic violations could face imprisonment of up to one year.

For expatriates, such violations may result in deportation and blacklisting from the Kingdom. The amended law empowers the Ministry of Interior to expel any foreign national found guilty of a traffic offense that endangers public safety, following a final court ruling.

Additionally, offenders will be permanently barred from re-entering Saudi Arabia.

The cabinet has tasked the Ministry of Interior, along with the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Justice and the Public Prosecution to collaboratively draft the necessary regulations for implementing these provisions.

The new amendment also specifies that fines for repeat violations within the same year will be doubled and a third offense will be referred to court for further determination of penalties and fines based on the specific circumstances.