Obstructing Roads Could Now Lead to SAR 100,000 Penalty

The Law of Protection of Public Facilities has introduced fines for anyone who damages or obstructs Saudi Arabia’s public infrastructure, such as roads and flood drainage systems.

The law, which was approved by the Minister of Municipalities and Housing, imposes fines of up to 75% of the repair costs, with a maximum of SAR 100,000, and requires violators to cover the full cost of repairs. In any case where a group is responsible, the penalty will be then divided among the individuals responsible, and the case may be referred to court.

Additionally, damaging or disrupting a road or drainage channel without the proper license or coordination will result in a fine of 10% of the repair costs, up to SAR 100,000. If the work is revealed to be authorised, the fine would be reduced to 5%. Moreover, causing illegal cuts or encroachments on public roads or drainage channels will incur a fine of up to SAR 50,000 to restore the area to its original state.

Additional violations include flooding roads with petroleum or dropping debris, which can result in fines up to SAR 3,000. Those who tamper with utilities like water or electricity meters, or damage railways and public roads, will also face fines up to SAR 3,000.

The law stipulates that any repeated violations will result in the fine being doubled, up to twice the maximum limit.