Article 29 of the Saudi Traffic Law

المادة 29 من نظام المرور · الباب الثالث: أوزان المركبات وأبعادها وفحصها

The article bans fitting or using unauthorized sound or light warning devices in vehicles.

Official text (Arabic)

This article has not been amended since the law was issued.

يحظر وضع أجهزة تنبيه صوتية أو ضوئية غير مصرح بها أو استعمالها في المركبات.

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 29 explained in plain English

This article bars a specific kind of addition to vehicles: unauthorized sound or light warning devices. The ban covers two separate acts:

Fitting: that is, installing the device in the vehicle, even if it is not used.
Using: that is, operating the device.

The text bans each one separately; for a violation to occur it is not required that installation and use both take place. The criterion the text sets is lack of authorization: the ban falls on unauthorized devices, and authorized ones are not covered by the prohibition.

Examples of what may fall within this are colored flashing lights, sound devices resembling emergency sirens, or added unauthorized horns. The article does not give a list of authorized devices, state who authorizes them, or state the penalty for a violation.

This article is part of the provisions on vehicle equipment and safety. It is linked to Article 30, which requires a trailer, or a broken-down vehicle when it is towed, to be fitted with rear and side lights or reflectors that allow it to be seen; the Law requires certain lights for safety and bans other lights and sounds if they are not authorized. It is also linked to Article 28, which makes the driver responsible for damage resulting from loads that violate the weights and dimensions or from failing to observe loading safety rules, unless another's responsibility is proven.

Anyone who has been cited for a violation concerning warning devices in their vehicle may consult a lawyer who specializes in traffic matters.

Practical example

Faisal fitted red and blue flashing lights in his private car in Riyadh without authorization, though he rarely turned them on. Under this article fitting unauthorized light warning devices in a vehicle is banned, even if they are not used.

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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