About 274 vehicles belonging to drifters and spectators were impounded in Riyadh by traffic police this month.

In a wide-ranging campaign against drifting, traffic police swooped on various locations around the capital. The crackdowns resulted in the arrest of 137 drifters and 196 spectators. Twenty-one are minors.

Police also seized five stolen cars used by thieves to participate in the illegal activity. One thief caused an accident resulting in the death of his companion. The driver and another companion tried to escape, but police caught them after a short chase.

Another thief in a second stolen car was also involved in an accident when he hit and severely injured three bystanders. The alleged car thieves now face legal action.

The General Directorate of Traffic recently imposed strict sanctions on those involved in drifting, stipulating that drivers who cause injuries while carrying out these maneuvers face a minimum sentence of six months in jail and a SR 5,000 fine.

If their actions cause a fatality, penalties include imprisonment of not less than one year, and a fine of not less than SR 10,000, after which the cases are referred to the authorities for further procedures. In addition, the cars of the perpetrators are confiscated.

Drifters often arrange meetings in advance and perform stunts such as drifting and drag racing. The stunts are dangerous and can injure performers as well as bystanders.