Article 44 of the Saudi Weapons and Ammunition Law
المادة 44 من نظام الأسلحة والذخائر
The article punishes with a fine of up to SAR 1,000 anyone who carries his licensed weapon in places and at times where carrying weapons is prohibited, and refers the determination of them to the Regulations.
Official text (Arabic)
This article has not been amended since the law was issued.
يعاقب بغرامة مالية لا تتجاوز ألف ريال كل من حمل سلاحه المرخص في الأماكن والأوقات التي يحظر فيها حمل السلاح. وتحدد اللائحة الأماكن والأوقات التي يحظر فيها حمل السلاح.
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 44 explained in plain English
Even if the weapon is licensed, the license does not mean it may be carried everywhere and at all times. This article punishes with a fine not exceeding SAR 1,000 anyone who carries his licensed weapon in:
- The places in which carrying weapons is prohibited.
- The times at which carrying weapons is prohibited.
The article itself does not specify these places and times, but provides that the Implementing Regulations determine them. Every holder of a licensed weapon should therefore refer to the Regulations to learn the prohibited places and times, rather than relying on personal judgment.
Note that the penalty here is a fine only with no imprisonment, and that the violation concerns the place or time of carrying and not the basic license.
This article comes after Article 43, which sets a fine not exceeding SAR 2,000 for several violations, including failing to report the loss or theft of a weapon. It is followed by Article 45, which punishes with a fine not exceeding SAR 1,000 anyone who loses his weapon by theft or loss as a result of his negligence, together with depriving him of a new license for two years.
Anyone fined who wishes to object may consult a lawyer who specializes in administrative matters.
Practical example
Abdullah holds a lawful license for his pistol and took it to a place where the Regulations prohibit carrying weapons. Although his weapon is licensed, he is liable to a fine not exceeding SAR 1,000 for carrying it in a prohibited place.
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 44 of the Saudi Weapons and Ammunition Law
May a licensed weapon be carried anywhere?
No. Carrying it is prohibited in the places and at the times determined by the Implementing Regulations, and violators are punished by a fine not exceeding SAR 1,000.
Which places prohibit carrying weapons?
The article does not specify them. It provides that the Regulations determine the places and times in which carrying weapons is prohibited.
Does this violation carry imprisonment?
No. The penalty in this article is a fine not exceeding SAR 1,000.
More articles on Violations in Using a Licensed Weapon
- Article 41
The article punishes with imprisonment of up to one year and a fine of not more than SAR 5,000, or either, thirteen violations, including using a weapon for a purpose other than its license, hunting with a firearm, and lending a weapon.
يعاقب بالسجن مدة لا تتجاوز سنة وبغرامة لا تزيد على خمسة آلاف ريال، أو بإحدى هاتين العقوبتين، كل من ثبت قيامه بأي مما يأتي: أ - استعمال السلاح المرخص له بحمله وا
- Article 42
The article punishes with imprisonment of up to six months and a fine of not more than SAR 3,000, or either, anyone who has information about unlicensed trade in weapons or their smuggling and does not inform the competent authorities.
يعاقب بالسجن مدة لا تتجاوز ستة أشهر وبغرامة لا تزيد على ثلاثة آلاف ريال، أو بإحدى هاتين العقوبتين كل من ثبت أن لديه معلومات عن عمليات متاجرة بالأسلحة دون ترخيص
- Article 43Amended (1437 AH)
The article sets a fine of up to SAR 2,000 for violations including late renewal of activity licenses, failing to dispose of a weapon after its license is cancelled, possessing an air rifle without a license, and failing to report its loss.
يعاقب بغرامة مالية لا تتجاوز ألفي ريال: أ - كل من انتهت مدة الرخصة الممنوحة له بالاستيراد أو البيع والشراء أو الإصلاح أو التدريب، واستمر في مزاولة العمل المرخص
- Article 45
The article punishes with a fine of up to SAR 1,000, and a two-year ban on any new weapon license, anyone proven to have lost his weapon by theft or loss as a result of his negligence.
يعاقب بغرامة مالية لا تتجاوز ألف ريال كل من يثبت فقدانه سلاحه بالسرقة أو الضياع نتيجة إهماله، مع حرمانه من الحصول على ترخيص جديد لأي سلاح مدة سنتين من تاريخ تنف
- Article 46
The article punishes with a fine of SAR 100 to 500 for each year of delay anyone who fails to renew an expired carrying or acquisition license, or to report an inherited weapon, within three months.
يعاقب بغرامة مالية لا تقل عن مائة ريال ولا تتجاوز خمسمائة ريال عن كل سنة تأخير: أ - كل من انتهت مدة رخصة حمله للسلاح أو اقتنائه ولم يتقدم بطلب تجديدها خلال ثلاث
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.