DAMMAM: Over 90% of violators of traffic rules in the Kingdom are Saudis with speeding topping the list of violations, an official source from the General Traffic Directorate has said.

The Saher system has failed to curb the number of accidents, especially on highways, because of a lack of respect for the rules by citizens, the source was quoted by local media as saying on Sunday.

The other violations are hidng number plates and exceeding the pedestrian crossing. Running the red light is at the bottom of the list because of the cameras and fines that could reach up to SR500.

The offenders are mostly aged between 20 and 40 years, said the source. “If it wasn’t for changing locations of Saher cars, speed violations would have doubled. Non-Saudis are generally committed to the traffic laws. Most of their violations involve driving the wrong way and parking in no-parking areas. Non-Saudis pay their fines promptly unlike some Saudi youths, which only doubles the amount of fine.”

The source acknowledged that violations by young men, especially college and university students, have doubled because they don’t need to visit the Passport Department or Civil Status or other government bodies linked to the traffic directorate.

If drivers exceed 160 k/ph speed, licenses are suspended and they are taken to court. Punishments include detention and even withdrawal of license in case of repeat offenses, the source added.