No, driving with interior lights on is not explicitly prohibited under Saudi traffic law, but it violates Article 20 of the Road Traffic Regulations (2022) by obstructing visibility and distracting other drivers. The Saudi Traffic Police (STP) and National Center for Traffic Safety (NCTS) interpret such actions as potential traffic violations under Article 14 (distraction-related offenses). Recent 2026 compliance shifts prioritize “zero-distraction” enforcement, increasing fines for non-compliant lighting.
Key Regulations for Driving With Interior Lights On in Saudi Arabia
- Visibility Obstruction: Interior lights must not impair the driver’s or other road users’ vision, per Article 20 of the Road Traffic Regulations (2022). The Saudi Traffic Police (STP) may cite this as a distraction-related offense.
- Distraction Prohibition: The National Center for Traffic Safety (NCTS) enforces Article 14, which bans actions causing driver distraction. Interior lights are treated as a potential hazard under this clause.
- Local Enforcement Trends: Since 2024, Riyadh and Jeddah traffic units have intensified checks for non-compliant lighting, issuing warnings or fines (up to SAR 300) under Article 14 for “unnecessary distractions.”