Yes, lane splitting is illegally prohibited under Saudi traffic law, with enforcement tightening under Vision 2030’s road safety reforms.
Lane splitting—maneuvering between vehicles in adjacent lanes—violates Article 45 of the Road Traffic Law (Royal Decree No. M/113/1436H), which mandates strict lane discipline. The Saudi Traffic Police (STP), under the Ministry of Interior (MOI), actively penalizes offenders with fines up to SAR 1,000 and potential license suspension. Recent 2026 compliance directives emphasize motorcycle-specific enforcement, aligning with the National Road Safety Strategy to reduce accidents by 50% by 2030. Local jurisdictions, such as the Riyadh Traffic Department, deploy AI-powered surveillance to detect violations, particularly in high-density corridors like King Fahd Road.
Key Regulations for Lane Splitting in Saudi Arabia
- Absolute Prohibition: Article 45 explicitly bans lane splitting, classifying it as a reckless maneuver under Article 52 of the traffic law.
- Motorcycle-Specific Rules: Riders must occupy a single lane and avoid lateral movement unless signaling a turn (Article 46).
- Enforcement Escalation: Since 2024, the Saudi Authority for Data and Artificial Intelligence (SDAIA) collaborates with the STP to deploy automated detection systems in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam.