Hefty Fines And Impound: Saudi Arabia Intensifies Crackdown On Foreign Trucks Transport Violations

The Transport General Authority (TGA) in Saudi Arabia is stepping up its efforts to ensure compliance with land transport regulations by focusing on foreign trucks, according to SPA. With a series of rigorous inspection campaigns, TGA aims to uphold the standards of the transportation sector. This initiative is not just about enforcing rules but also about promoting fair competition and bolstering the efficiency of the national carrier.

During recent inspections, authorities discovered 25 foreign trucks engaged in unauthorized goods transport within urban areas. The crackdown has led to the imposition of hefty fines and the impoundment of vehicles found in violation of the law. Specifically, in Riyadh, out of 86 checks, 24 trucks were impounded for breaches, and in Jeddah, one truck faced the same consequence following eight inspections.

For a first offense, truck owners are fined SAR10,000 and their vehicles are impounded for 15 days. However, penalties escalate significantly with subsequent violations. A second offense results in a SAR20,000 fine and 30 days of impoundment, a third offense jumps to SAR40,000 and 60 days, a fourth offense to SAR80,000 and 60 days, and a fifth offense to an imposing SAR160,000 fine and 60 days of impoundment. Moreover, trucks with repeated violations face permanent confiscation, illustrating the authority's zero-tolerance policy towards non-compliance.

These inspection campaigns are integral to TGA's broader objectives, which are aligned with the National Transport and Logistics Strategy. This strategy aims not only to enhance the sector's internal efficiency and competitiveness but also to position it strongly on the international stage. Through these efforts, the authority seeks to ensure fair competition, support the national carrier, and align with the objectives of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy.