Saudi Arabia has deported two foreign residents caught transporting passengers without a legal license.
The offenders were also fined up to SAR12,000, according to the Saudi Transport General Authority, or TGA.
The announcement is a warning for OFWs and other expatriates who may consider using private vehicles to earn extra money from paid rides.
Two Drivers Caught Operating Without a License
TGA inspection teams caught the two foreigners providing unlicensed land passenger transport.
The activity is locally known as “kadadah,” which usually involves drivers offering unofficial rides for payment.
Authorities deported both offenders and imposed financial penalties under Saudi Arabia’s Land Transport Law and its regulations.
TGA did not identify their nationalities or disclose where the violations happened.
Soliciting Passengers Is Also Prohibited
A driver does not need to have a passenger inside the vehicle before authorities can record a violation.
According to TGA, prohibited actions include calling out to passengers, approaching them, following them or blocking their path to offer transportation.
Gathering in places where passengers wait and inviting them to take unofficial paid rides may also count as a violation.
These rules apply when a person offers passenger transport without the required license.
A Private Car Cannot Operate as a Taxi
Some residents may believe they can use their private cars to provide occasional paid rides as a side job.
However, owning a vehicle and having a Saudi driving license do not automatically allow someone to operate a passenger transport service.
Drivers must have the permits required for the transport activity they perform.
Residents interested in working as drivers should use licensed employers, registered platforms or transport companies authorized by TGA.
The authority provides information about licensed passenger transport services on its website.
Fines Are Not the Only Possible Penalty
TGA said penalties for unlicensed passenger transport may include financial fines and vehicle impoundment.
A non-Saudi offender may also be deported once the violation is proven.
In the reported case, both foreign offenders were deported and received fines reaching SAR12,000.
The exact penalty in another case will depend on the proven violation and the action ordered by Saudi authorities.
What OFWs Should Know Before Offering Rides
OFWs should not use private vehicles to find passengers or accept payment for unofficial rides.
Passengers should also avoid drivers who approach them and offer transport outside a licensed taxi service or registered ride-hailing platform.
Anyone unsure about transport licensing may contact TGA through its official website or call 19929.
The safest choice is to work only through an authorized operator and check that all required permits are valid before accepting passengers.