Okaz/Saudi Gazette

Jeddah — Women found driving before June 24 will be fined SR500 to SR900, according to traffic department sources.

Such women will also be penalized under Article 77 of the traffic law which stipulates a maximum fine of SR900 for a vehicle owner if he gives the wheel to another person who does not have a driver’s license.

The owner of a vehicle will bear financial liabilities if his car meets with an accident while being driven by a person without a driver’s license, according to Article 77 of the traffic law.

Two days from now women in Saudi Arabia will be able to drive after Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman issued a decree last September allowing women to drive in the Kingdom.

The Interior Ministry held meetings to prepare for the remarkable task, opening driving schools for Saudi women in the process and providing training courses.

Saudi women who already had international driving licenses were offered to exchange these with Saudi license through a process that kick-started on June 4.

Women of 18 years of age and above are eligible to obtain private and public driving licenses. However, there is a possibility of issuing temporary driving documents for those who are 17 years of age.

The Interior Ministry and the Ministry of Labor and Social Development agreed to use women care facilities as temporary detention centers for female violators. The facilities will be run and operated by female staff.