More than 200,000 traffic violations were recorded in Riyadh over the last 20 days, said Col. Hassan Al-Hassan, director and spokesman of the region’s traffic command and control center.

“Around 6,000 traffic violators have committed what are classified as ‘major crimes’,” said Al-Hassan, explaining that the violators were arrested in accordance with an Interior Ministry decision that stipulates that several road-related offenses merit detention.

Riyadh traffic management had intensified traffic campaigns inside neighborhoods and on side streets, which is what led to the mass discovery of violations, he said.

Common violations involved failing to wear the seat belt, using mobile phones while driving, running the red light and tinting windshields.

Riyadh traffic patrols also arrested people they found to be in possession of firearms, drugs and liquor during the campaign, he said. The violators were referred to relevant authorities for further action.