Watch: Saudi Motorists Caught Driving Wrong Way During Live TV Broadcast
Several reckless motorists were likely stunned after realizing they had been caught on camera driving in the wrong direction during a live broadcast on a major Saudi television channel.
While a correspondent for Saudi state broadcaster Al Ekhbariya TV was on air delivering a report from a public square in Jazan, southwestern Saudi Arabia, cars were seen in the background violating traffic laws by driving on the opposite side of the road — a serious offence in the kingdom.
عندما كان مراسل #الإخبارية في بث مباشر قصير عند ميدان الشراع في جازان.. الكاميرا ترصد مخالفي السير pic.twitter.com/MdaJFZJPUS — قناة الإخبارية (@alekhbariyatv) January 29, 2025
'The camera captures traffic violators,' Al Ekhbariya commented in an X post, sharing the accidental footage.
Under Saudi traffic law, driving in the wrong direction is punishable by fines ranging from SR 3,000 to SR 6,000, depending on the severity of the violation.
According to Saudi prosecutors, this offense is classified as a major crime requiring arrest if it results in death or the loss of a limb. The same applies to driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, performing dangerous stunts, or running a red light.
Earlier, the kingdom's Public Prosecution emphasized that Article 62 of Saudi traffic law classifies accidents involving criminal penalties as those leading to death, the loss of a limb, or permanent disability. Offenders in such cases face up to four years in prison, a maximum fine of SR 200,000, or both.
Traffic accidents caused by wrong-way driving totaled 14,000 in 2022, up from 12,000 in the previous year, highlighting the ongoing challenge of enforcing road safety.
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