The driver, identified as Shayma Jastaniah, was found guilty of driving in Jeddah streets in July. Two other women are scheduled to appear in court later this year on similar charges. No laws prohibit women from driving in the Kingdom.

Arab News contacted Shayma, who expressed dismay at the sentence.

“I am still in shock and I cannot think straight because of everything I have had to go through,” she said.

She told Arab News that she drove only once and it was before high-profile campaigner for women driving Manal Al-Sharif was caught. Shayma said she holds an international driving license.

Najla Hariri, who is also facing court for driving, said she needed to drive to take better care of her children.

The verdict is the first of its kind in the Kingdom. Other women were detained for several days, but had not been sentenced by a court.