Arab News gives an updated story on the new Saudi traffic regulations. Nothing new on the fact that the laws do not, in their language, preclude female drivers, though. The piece does detail some of the regulations and the consequences of their being violated. On the surface, these look good. Those pertaining to ‘stunt driving’ in particular seem appropriate. Of note is the fact that the punishments are codified to remove ambiguity and randomness from the courts.

The big question, of course, is whether the laws will be enforced and enforced fairly. In Madinah, we know that the police are strict with all. In other places, well experience suggests not so much…

More details of new traffic rules released

RIYADH: More details have been revealed in the new Kingdomwide traffic rules that went into effect on Monday, rules that include a point-based system and codified punishments for the crime of joy riding.

Under the new system, each traffic violation is assigned a point value. If a driver accumulates more than 96 points worth of violations within a lunar (Hijri) year, he would lose his license for at least two years and be required to enroll and pass driving school before petitioning for license reinstatement.

Furthermore, drivers who reach a certain number of points will receive temporary suspensions. For example, when a driver incurs 24 points his license will be suspended for three months.

To answer the growing problem of young Saudi men engaging in dangerous stunt-driving maneuvers — as well as the arbitrary nature by which this crime has been punished due to the lack of any codified punishment — joy riding will now automatically result in up to one year in prison and/or a minimum SR1,000 fine. This is in addition to any of the so-called “private rights” that victims can seek.

Private rights can include reimbursement for damages all the way up to blood money if any deaths were involved.
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