Article 39 of the Saudi Weapons and Ammunition Law
المادة 39 من نظام الأسلحة والذخائر
The article punishes with imprisonment of up to two years and a fine of up to SAR 7,000, or either, anyone who buys a personal firearm or ammunition without a license, or sells either.
Official text (Arabic)
This article has not been amended since the law was issued.
يعاقب بالسجن مدة لا تتجاوز سنتين وبغرامة لا تتجاوز سبعة آلاف ريال، أو بإحدى هاتين العقوبتين كل من ثبت شراؤه سلاحا ناريا فرديا أو ذخيرة دون ترخيص أو بيعه أيا من ذلك.
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 39 explained in plain English
This article deals with selling and buying personal firearms and their ammunition without a license. Under Article 1, personal firearms are those intended for use by one person, such as pistols and rifles, as determined by the Implementing Regulations.
The penalty is imprisonment for a period not exceeding two years and a fine not exceeding SAR 7,000, or either of these two penalties, and it applies to:
- Anyone proven to have bought a personal firearm or ammunition without a license.
- Anyone proven to have sold either of them.
The phrase "or sold any of that" is joined to buying without a license, so both selling and buying are subject to the penalty once the act is proven.
This article differs from:
- Article 38, which punishes smuggling personal weapons for personal use by imprisonment of up to five years.
- Article 40, which punishes mere possession of a personal firearm or ammunition without a license by imprisonment of up to eighteen months and a fine of not more than SAR 6,000, or either.
Anyone facing an accusation in this matter may consult a lawyer who specializes in criminal matters.
Practical example
Khalid bought a pistol from a person he knows through social media without obtaining a license to buy. This act exposes Khalid to imprisonment for a period not exceeding two years and a fine not exceeding SAR 7,000, or either, and also exposes the seller to the same penalty.
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 39 of the Saudi Weapons and Ammunition Law
What is the penalty for buying a pistol without a license in Saudi Arabia?
Imprisonment for a period not exceeding two years and a fine not exceeding SAR 7,000, or either of these two penalties.
Is the seller also punished?
Yes. The article covers anyone proven to have sold a personal firearm or ammunition.
Is buying ammunition alone without a license a violation?
Yes. The text covers buying a personal firearm or ammunition without a license.
More articles on Penalty for Possessing a Weapon Without a License
- Article 36
The article punishes with imprisonment of up to fifteen years and a fine of up to SAR 150,000, or either, anyone who carries, acquires, sells, or buys a military weapon or its ammunition.
يعاقب بالسجن مدة لا تتجاوز خمس عشرة سنة وبغرامة لا تتجاوز مائة وخمسين ألف ريال، أو بإحدى هاتين العقوبتين، كل من ثبت حمله سلاحا حربيا أو ذخيرته أو اقتنى أيا من ذ
- Article 37
The article punishes with imprisonment of up to ten years and a fine of up to SAR 100,000, or either, anyone who manufactures personal weapons, their parts or ammunition, or smuggles them into the Kingdom with the intent of trade.
يعاقب بالسجن مدة لا تتجاوز عشر سنوات وبغرامة لا تتجاوز مائة ألف ريال، أو بإحدى هاتين العقوبتين، كل من ثبت قيامه بصنع أسلحة فردية أو قطع منها أو ذخائرها، أو ثبت
- Article 40
The article punishes with imprisonment of up to eighteen months and a fine of not more than SAR 6,000, or either, anyone proven to possess a personal firearm or ammunition without a license.
يعاقب بالسجن مدة لا تتجاوز ثمانية عشر شهرا وبغرامة لا تزيد على ستة آلاف ريال، أو بإحدى هاتين العقوبتين كل من تثبت حيازته لسلاح ناري فردي أو ذخيرة دون ترخيص.
- Article 56
The article allows the Minister to suspend accountability proceedings against anyone who voluntarily and promptly reports the unlicensed weapons and ammunition he has and shows readiness to hand them over before they are seized.
يجوز للوزير إيقاف الإجراءات المتعلقة بمساءلة كل من يتطوع ويبادر بالإبلاغ عما لديه من أسلحة وذخائر غير مرخصة، ويبدي رغبته واستعداده لتسليمها قبل ضبطها لديه.
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.