Article 12 of the Saudi Security Guard Law
المادة 12 من نظام الحراسة الأمنية المدنية الخاصة
The article sets the penalties for violating the Law or its Regulations: a warning, temporary closure of up to one month, a fine of up to SAR 50,000 doubled for repeat violations, and license cancellation by a Board of Grievances judgment.
Official text (Arabic)
This article has not been amended since the law was issued.
يعاقب من يخالف أي حكم من أحكام هذا النظام ولائحته بعقوبة أو أكثر من العقوبات الآتية:
أ - الإنذار.
ب - إغلاق مقر الشركة أو المؤسسة محل المخالفة مؤقتا لمدة لا تزيد على شهر.
ج - غرامة مالية لا تتجاوز خمسين ألف ريال، وفي حالة العود تضاعف الغرامة.
د - إلغاء الترخيص، ولا يتم إلغاؤه إلا بحكم صادر من ديوان المظالم.
This is the official Arabic wording, the only legally binding version. We do not translate the law itself; the explanation below is ours. Official source: Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers
Article 12 explained in plain English
This article sets out the penalties to which anyone who violates any provision of the Law or its Regulations is exposed. One or more of the following penalties may be imposed:
- A warning.
- Temporary closure of the premises of the company or establishment that committed the violation, for a period not exceeding one month.
- A fine not exceeding SAR 50,000, which is doubled in the case of repeat violation.
- License cancellation, which may be done only by a judgment of the Board of Grievances.
The article shows that the penalties are graduated, and that the competent authority may combine more than one penalty depending on the violation. Hearing violations and deciding the penalty is for the committees provided for in Article 11, with the possibility of a grievance against their decisions before the Board of Grievances within 60 days of notification. License cancellation, however, is reserved by the text for a judgment of the Board of Grievances, so it cannot be done by the committee's decision alone.
The article does not set the amount of the fine for any specific violation but sets a maximum. Nor does it define "repeat violation" in detail.
If you have a specific case, it is best to consult a lawyer who specializes in administrative matters and security licensing laws.
Practical example
An inspection found that a guard establishment in Tabuk was violating the provisions of the Regulations, and the committee decided to fine it. The same violation then recurred, so the establishment became a repeat violator and the fine is doubled. If its license is to be cancelled, that may be done only by a judgment of the Board of Grievances.
Translated from our Arabic explanation with machine assistance. For guidance only; it does not replace advice from a lawyer on your situation.
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Dr. Ali Al-Rubaie Law Office and Ittihad Al-Asr Legal Company
Al-Safwa Law Office and Legal Consultancy
Frequently asked questions about Article 12 of the Saudi Security Guard Law
What is the fine for violating the Security Guard Law?
A fine not exceeding SAR 50,000, which is doubled in the case of repeat violation.
Can a guard company be closed?
Yes. The premises of the company or establishment that committed the violation may be closed temporarily for a period not exceeding one month.
Who cancels the license of a security guard company?
A license may be cancelled only by a judgment of the Board of Grievances.
More articles on Inspection and Security Guard Violations
- Article 7
The article empowers the security authorities to inspect guard establishments, companies and security guards to verify their compliance with the Law and its Regulations.
سلطات الأمن مخولة بالتفتيش على مؤسسات وشركات الحراسة والحراس الأمنيين؛ للتأكد من التزامهم بأحكام هذا النظام ولائحته.
- Article 10
The article assigns investigation and prosecution of violations of the Private Civil Security Guard Law to the Bureau of Investigation and Public Prosecution.
تتولى هيئة التحقيق والادعاء العام ، التحقيق والادعاء في مخالفات هذا النظام.
- Article 11
The article creates three-member committees by decision of the Minister of Interior to hear violations and decide penalties, and allows a grievance before the Board of Grievances within 60 days of notification.
أ - تكون بقرار من وزير الداخلية لجان – بحسب الحاجة – من ثلاثة أعضاء يكون من بينهم مستشار شرعي أو نظامي؛ للنظر في مخالفات أحكام هذا النظام وتقرير العقوبة المناس
The texts are reproduced from the official website of the Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers for reference; where they differ, the officially published Arabic text prevails. This content is not legal advice.

