No, eating while driving in Saudi Arabia is prohibited under traffic safety regulations enforced by the Traffic Department of the Ministry of Interior (MOI). Violators face fines up to SAR 150 (USD 40) and potential demerit points, as distracted driving is classified under reckless behavior. Recent 2026 compliance updates emphasize stricter enforcement to align with Vision 2030 road safety targets.
Key Regulations for Eating While Driving in Saudi Arabia
- Distraction Prohibition: Article 5 of the Saudi Traffic Law (Royal Decree M/178, 1439H) explicitly bans any activity diverting attention from driving, including eating, drinking, or using mobile devices. The MOI’s National Center for Traffic Safety (NCTS) interprets this broadly to cover food consumption.
- Fines and Penalties: Violations incur a SAR 150 fine (USD 40) and 2 demerit points, per the Traffic Violations Manual (2024 Edition). Repeat offenses may escalate to license suspension under NCTS’s Risk-Based Penalty System.
- Enforcement Priorities: The Saudi Traffic Police (STP) prioritizes enforcement in high-risk zones (e.g., Riyadh, Jeddah) and during peak hours (7–10 AM, 4–7 PM), using dashcams and mobile patrols to monitor compliance.