Article 10 of the Saudi Public Utilities Protection Law
المادة 10 من نظام حماية المرافق العامة
The article allows, in case of repeat offense under the Law, a fine above the maximum limit, provided it does not exceed double that limit.
Official text (Arabic)
This article has not been amended since the law was issued.
في حالة العود إلى ارتكاب أي من المخالفات المنصوص عليها في هذا النظام، يجوز أن يحكم بأكثر من الحد الأقصى المقرر للغرامة، على ألا يتجاوز ضعف هذا الحد.
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 sets out a general provision that increases the penalty for anyone who repeats any of the violations provided for in the Law.
Content of the provision:
- A repeat offender may be sentenced to a fine above the maximum fixed for the violation.
- Provided that the fine does not exceed double that maximum.
- The increase is discretionary, not mandatory; the text says "may".
The article concerns the fine specifically and does not mention imprisonment. As an example of its effect, according to the limits stated in the Law's articles:
- A violation of Article 9 (helping others use utilities unlawfully) has a maximum of SAR 2,000, so in case of repeat offense it may reach SAR 4,000.
- By the same logic, the higher the maximum fine for a violation, the higher the ceiling that may be imposed on repeat offense, provided it does not exceed double that limit.
The article does not specify a period between the first and second violation for the offender to be considered a repeat offender, nor does it give a detailed definition of repeat offense. Anyone facing an increased fine because of repetition may consult a lawyer specializing in criminal cases.
Practical example
A shop owner in Tabuk had previously been fined for helping a neighboring shop use electricity unlawfully, and then repeated the same violation. Under the article, he may be sentenced to a fine above its maximum of SAR 2,000, provided it does not exceed SAR 4,000.
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 Utilities Protection Law
Is the fine for public utility violations doubled on repeat offense?
In case of repeat offense, a fine above the maximum fixed for the fine may be imposed, provided it does not exceed double that limit.
Is the increase on repeat offense mandatory?
No. The text uses the word "may", so the increase is discretionary.
More articles on Penalties for Attacking Public Utilities
- Article 5Amended by M/38
The article punishes anyone who deliberately damages, cuts or disables public utility lines or facilities with up to two years' imprisonment and a fine of up to SAR 100,000, or either, with the possible publication of the penalty.
يعاقب بالسجن مدة لا تزيد على سنتين وبغرامة لا تتجاوز مائة ألف ريال، أو بإحدى هاتين العقوبتين؛ كل من تعمد إتلاف أي من تمديدات أو منشآت المرافق العامة، أو تعمد قط
- Article 6
The article punishes anyone who causes damage to, or the cutting or disabling of, public utility lines with a fine of up to SAR 100,000, and allows a contractor responsible to be barred from future contracting.
يعاقب بغرامة لا تتجاوز مائة ألف ريال كل من تسبب في إتلاف أي من تمديدات المرافق العامة أو قطعها أو تعطيلها. فإن كان المتسبب في ذلك مقاولا فإنه يجوز منع التعاقد م
- Article 7
The article punishes with a fine of up to SAR 50,000 anyone who encroaches on public utilities to use their services unlawfully, or who encroaches on public roads and railways or their protected zones.
يعاقب بغرامة لا تتجاوز خمسين ألف ريال كل من يتعدى على منشآت المرافق العامة أو شبكاتها بقصد الاستفادة من خدماتها بطريقة غير مشروعة، وكذا كل من يتعدى على السكك ال
- Article 8
The article punishes with a fine of up to SAR 3,000 anyone who tampers with water or electricity meters or public telephones, or who floods, disables or endangers traffic on roads or railways.
يعاقب بغرامة لا تزيد عن ثلاثة آلاف ريال كل من يعبث بعدادات المياه أو الكهرباء أو أجهزة الهاتف العامة أو تمديداتها بقصد تعطيل وظيفتها أو الإخلال بها، وكذا كل من
- Article 9
The article punishes with a fine of up to SAR 2,000 any beneficiary of public utility services who helps others use them unlawfully.
يعاقب بغرامة لا تزيد عن ألفي ريال كل مستفيد من خدمات المرافق العامة يسهل للغير الاستفادة منها بطريقة غير مشروعة.
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.