RIYADH, 29 June 2004 — The Traffic Department has set up an automated hot line for motorists to check whether they owe any traffic fines.
Drivers can ring 01 292 8888, and enter details including, for expatriates, their iqama number.
Immigration authorities do not allow passengers with outstanding traffic fines to leave the Kingdom. “A good number of people are denied exit by the immigration authorities at the airport if they have not paid their traffic fines,” says Mohammed Zarook, an expatriate in Riyadh. Often drivers are not even aware that they have been given a ticket.
Violators can pay their fines with Riyad Bank and Al Rajhi Investment Corporation.
In 2001-02 more than SR8 million was collected in traffic fines, or SR22,000 per day, mostly for speeding and running red lights.
Meanwhile plans are under way to introduce a new points system on the model of several Western countries on Oct. 15.
Points are deducted based on the seriousness of the violation, with such offenses as joyriding, overtaking illegally, driving while intoxicated and running a red light carrying six points.
