Article 6 of the Saudi Public Decency Regulations
المادة 6 من لائحة المحافظة على الذوق العام
The article prohibits in public places any word or act that harms those who visit them, damages them, frightens them or exposes them to danger.
Official text (Arabic)
This article has not been amended since the law was issued.
لا يسمح في الأماكن العامة بأي قول أو فعل فيه إيذاء لمرتاديها، أو إضرار بهم، أو يؤدي إلى إخافتهم أو تعريضهم للخطر.
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 6 explained in plain English
Article 6 protects those who visit public places themselves, providing that no word or act is permitted in these places:
- That harms those who visit them, or
- That damages them, or
- That leads to frightening them, or
- That leads to exposing them to danger.
The text covers words as well as acts, so harmful or frightening expressions fall within the prohibition like conduct. The text also does not require actual damage in every case, since it is enough that the act leads to frightening visitors or exposing them to danger.
The article lists no specific examples; the rule is general and applies to any conduct in a public place that has one of these characteristics.
The article follows Article 5, which prohibits writing or drawing on the walls, components or contents of public places or on means of transport unless licensed by the relevant authority. It is followed by Article 7, which gives the Minister of Interior, in coordination with the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage and the other relevant bodies, the power to determine the administrative enforcement bodies and the mechanisms for imposing penalties.
Anyone who has suffered harm or damage in a public place and wants to know his rights, or against whom a violation under this article has been issued, can consult a specialized lawyer in administrative cases (the Board of Grievances).
Practical example
A group of young men in a public park in Riyadh set off fireworks near families, frightening the children and exposing visitors to danger. This act falls within the prohibition in this article.
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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Frequently asked questions about Article 6 of the Saudi Public Decency Regulations
Is frightening people in public places a violation?
Yes. No word or act that leads to frightening those who visit public places or exposing them to danger is permitted in them.
Do harmful words count as public decency violations?
Yes. The article covers words as well as acts if they harm, or damage, those who visit the public place.
More articles on Offensive Dress and Writing on Walls
- Article 4
The article prohibits appearing in a public place in indecent dress, or wearing dress that carries pictures, shapes, signs or phrases that offend public decency.
لا يجوز الظهور في مكان عام بزي أو لباس غير محتشم أو ارتداء زي أو لباس يحمل صوراً أو أشكالاً أو علامات أو عبارات تسئ إلى الذوق العام.
- Article 5
The article prohibits writing, drawing or the like on the walls, components or contents of a public place or on means of transport, unless licensed by the relevant authority.
لا تجوز الكتابة أو الرسم أو ما في حكمهما على جدران مكان عام، أو أي من مكوناته، أو موجوداته، أو أي من وسائل النقل؛ ما لم يكن مرخصاً بذلك من الجهة المعنية.
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.