Article 4 of the Saudi Public Transport Users Regulation
المادة 4 من لائحة حقوق والتزامات مستخدمي وسائل النقل العام
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.
Official text (Arabic)
This article has not been amended since the law was issued.
أولياء الأمور والأوصياء مسؤولون عن سلوك أبنائهم القصَّر أو من هم تحت وصايتهم.
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 4 explained in plain English
This article establishes the responsibility of parents and guardians for the conduct of two groups:
- Their minor children.
- Those under their guardianship.
The meaning is that if a minor behaves in a way that violates the rules on a means of transport or its facilities, the minor's parent or guardian is the one responsible for that conduct. The text does not detail the type of responsibility or its consequences; it only establishes it.
This article connects to Article 3, which allows a minor to use the service alone from the age of eight within cities or thirteen between cities. Even if the minor rides alone, responsibility for the minor's conduct stays with the parent or guardian.
Article 5 deals with the carrier's obligation to equip the means of transport that the Authority specifies with the tools and equipment needed to serve persons with disabilities and persons with limited mobility.
For this reason, parents and guardians would do well to teach their children the conduct expected on public transport before using it.
Anyone facing a claim because of a son's conduct on a means of transport would be well advised to consult a lawyer specializing in civil cases and compensation.
Practical example
Sami, who is eleven years old, rode the bus alone in Jeddah and damaged one of the seats. Under this article, his father, as his guardian, is responsible for the conduct of his minor son.
Translated from our Arabic explanation with machine assistance. For guidance only; it does not replace advice from a lawyer on your situation.
How we write and review contentCivil Litigation & Compensation lawyers: ask a specialist about your case
Describe your situation briefly and we'll suggest a lawyer who specialises in this law
Civil Litigation & Compensation lawyers
Lawyers who handle this kind of case
Dr. Ali Al-Rubaie Law Office and Ittihad Al-Asr Legal Company
Abdullah Al-Saleh Law Office for Law and Legal Consultancy
Frequently asked questions about Article 4 of the Saudi Public Transport Users Regulation
Is a parent responsible for a child's behavior on the bus?
Yes. The article provides that parents and guardians are responsible for the conduct of their minor children or those under their guardianship.
Does the responsibility lapse if the child rides alone?
The text establishes the responsibility of the parent or guardian for the minor's conduct without excepting the case where the minor rides alone.
More articles on Passenger Rights
- Article 2
The article requires public transport service to be provided to anyone who requests it without discrimination.
تُقدّم الخدمة لمن يطلبها دون تمييز.
- Article 3
The article requires a passenger to be at least 13 to use intercity service alone, and at least 8 to use service within a city alone.
يجب ألا يقل عمر الراكب عن (ثلاث عشرة) سنة للحصول منفردًا على الخدمة بين المدن، وألا يقل عن (ثماني) سنوات للحصول منفردًا على الخدمة داخل المدن.
- Article 8
The article sets out ten rights of every passenger, including safe and timely service, privacy, carrying baggage, strollers and pets on conditions, compensation, medical assistance and knowing the complaint mechanisms.
يحق لكل راكب الآتي: 1- الحصول على الخدمة بجودة عالية، وبشكل آمن، وفي مواعيدها المحددة. 2- التمتع بالخصوصية بالقدر المتعارف عليه في الأماكن العامة. 3- الحصول على
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.