The General Directorate of Traffic announced the enforcement of fines for using a mobile phone by hand while driving and for the failure to wear a seat belt.

It also clarified that the seat belt violation is not limited to the driver only; it also includes the front-seat passenger in addition to the driver. Violations will be recorded against vehicle owners or authorized drivers, and they will be notified via text messages.

The Traffic Department further explained that the devices used to detect seat belt and handheld mobile phone violations are different from the “Saher” cameras used to detect speeding violations, and these devices do not produce a flash when recording violations, unlike speed cameras.

It also specified the fines: the seat belt violation is 150 SAR, while using a mobile phone while driving is fined between 150 SAR and up to 300 SAR for the first offense. In case of repetition within 30 days, the fine is increased to its maximum limit, or the driver may face a 24-hour suspension, or both penalties.