Article 10 of the Saudi Public Transport Users Regulation
المادة 10 من لائحة حقوق والتزامات مستخدمي وسائل النقل العام
The article requires the passenger to compensate the carrier or the person responsible for the transport facilities for damage resulting from violating the Regulation, unless the passenger proves unavoidable circumstances or force majeure.
Official text (Arabic)
This article has not been amended since the law was issued.
يلتزم الراكب بتعويض الناقل أو المسؤول عن مرافق النقل عن أي ضرر ناجم عن مخالفته لأحكام اللائحة، ما لم يثبت أن ذلك الضرر نجم عن ظروف لم يكن بإمكانه تجنبها أو قوة قاهرة.
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 10 explained in plain English
This article establishes the passenger's responsibility for compensating the damage the passenger causes.
Who is compensated? The carrier or the person responsible for the transport facilities.
For what? Any damage resulting from the passenger's violation of the provisions of the Regulation. The condition is that the damage results from a violation, such as violating the obligations in Article 9, including not tampering with the means of transport and its facilities, not carrying dangerous or prohibited materials, and not using safety equipment except when needed.
When is the passenger relieved? If the passenger proves that the damage resulted from:
- circumstances the passenger could not have avoided, or
- force majeure.
Note that the burden of proof is on the passenger: the text says "unless the passenger proves", meaning it is the passenger who must prove that the damage was beyond the passenger's control.
The article does not specify how compensation is assessed or its procedures.
Article 11 requires the passenger to comply with all laws, regulations and instructions in force in the Kingdom, and with the security and customs requirements of the destination in trips abroad.
Anyone asked for compensation under this article, or wishing to defend against such a claim, would be well advised to consult a lawyer specializing in civil cases and compensation.
Practical example
A passenger on a train between Makkah and Madinah used the emergency brakes without need, and part of the train system was damaged. This violates the passenger's obligation not to use safety equipment except when needed, so the passenger must compensate the carrier for the damage, unless the passenger proves that it resulted from circumstances that could not have been avoided or from force majeure.
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 10 of the Saudi Public Transport Users Regulation
Must a passenger pay compensation for damaging something on the bus?
The passenger must compensate the carrier or the person responsible for the transport facilities for any damage resulting from violating the provisions of the Regulation.
When is a passenger exempt from paying compensation?
If the passenger proves that the damage resulted from circumstances that could not have been avoided or from force majeure.
More articles on Passenger Obligations
- Article 4
The article makes parents and guardians responsible for the conduct of their minor children or those under their guardianship, within the scope of the Public Transport Users Regulation.
أولياء الأمور والأوصياء مسؤولون عن سلوك أبنائهم القصَّر أو من هم تحت وصايتهم.
- Article 9
The article sets out the passenger's obligations, including paying the fare, keeping to the route, maintaining public decorum, giving priority to the elderly and pregnant, not tampering or carrying dangerous materials, and handing in lost items.
يلتزم الراكب بالآتي: 1- سداد أجرة النقل، واتباع أحكام اللائحة وتعليمات الناقل وسياسته بشأن الخدمة. 2- التقيّد بخط السير المحدد في التذكرة والنزول في المحطة المح
- Article 11
The article requires the passenger to comply with all laws, regulations and instructions in force in the Kingdom, and with the security and customs requirements of the destination on trips extending outside the Kingdom.
يلتزم الراكب بجميع الأنظمة واللوائح والتعليمات النافذة في المملكة، ويلتزم كذلك -في الرحلات الممتدة إلى خارج المملكة- بالتقيد بالمتطلبات الأمنية والجمركية لجهة ا
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.