Article 13 of the Saudi Municipal Penalties Regulations

Article 13 places a limit on destroying what is seized in municipal violations:

• The rule: seizing the materials and tools used in the violation does not lead to their destruction.
• The exception: destruction is permitted if they are shown to be unfit for use.
• The details: the implementing decisions set the necessary provisions and procedures.

So the mere use of an item in a violation does not justify destroying it; it must be shown to be unfit for use. The Article does not state what happens to sound materials after seizure, or how unfitness is to be proven, and refers this to the implementing decisions.

This Article complements Article 12, which allows the Amanah or the municipality, where there is strong suspicion of a serious violation, to secure or impound materials or tools or close the shop for a period not exceeding three days, and makes the violator bear the damage and costs if the violation is proven, while the municipality compensates the person concerned for them if it is not proven. Article 12 deals with damage that occurs because of impounding, while this Article prevents deliberate destruction except for unfit materials.

It is followed by Article 14, which allows supervision and inspection to be assigned to the private sector. Anyone whose materials were destroyed even though they were fit for use may consult a specialized lawyer in administrative matters (the Board of Grievances).