16 July 2011
RIYADH: A senior traffic official in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has called on Saudi nationals visiting the country to respect the local traffic laws.

Saudi drivers are often caught speeding, covering their vehicle license plates, and painting the front of their cars a different color using paint protector, Al-Riyadh newspaper reported on Friday quoting the unnamed official. He said fines for such offenses could reach as high as 20,000 dirhams.

The official said five Saudis were caught recently outside Abu Dhabi and charged with painting the front side of their cars with temporary paint protector. They were also charged with covering their plates. The cars were seized and drivers arrested.

If the Saudis are proved guilty in court, a judge will set a fine and decide whether their vehicles will be confiscated by the state as a punitive measure.

© Arab News 2011