Saudi Arabia Cracks Down on Unlicensed Taxi Services with Heavy Fines and Deportation

  • 23/11/2025

Saudi Arabia has launched a stringent crackdown on unlicensed taxi operations, resulting in the arrest of 1,349 individuals during a week-long enforcement campaign. The Transport General Authority apprehended three categories of violators: those operating taxis without licenses, passengers who hailed these illegal cabs, and vehicle owners who permitted their cars to be used for unauthorized transport services.

The penalties for violations are severe and escalate with repeated offenses:

  • Operating without a license: 11,000 riyal fine and 25-day vehicle impoundment

  • Transporting passengers illegally: Up to 20,000 riyal fine and 60-day vehicle impoundment

  • Repeat offenders face vehicle auctions

  • Foreign vehicle owners risk deportation

The comprehensive enforcement action demonstrates Saudi Arabia's commitment to regulating its transportation sector and ensuring passenger safety through legal channels. The crackdown specifically targets the entire ecosystem supporting unlicensed taxi services, from operators to customers and vehicle owners.

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