Saudi Arabia has established comprehensive public decency laws that apply to all residents and visitors in public places. These regulations cover everything from dress codes and behavior standards to specific penalties for violations. Understanding these rules is essential for anyone living in or visiting the Kingdom, as penalties can range from SAR 50 to SAR 6,000 depending on the violation.
General laws and etiquette requirements
All visitors to public places in Saudi Arabia must respect the country’s common values, customs, and traditions. These fundamental principles guide all other specific regulations and form the foundation of acceptable public behavior in the Kingdom.
Dress code requirements
Basic dress standards
All visitors to public places in Saudi Arabia must dress modestly and appropriately. The dress code specifically prohibits clothing with photos, figures, signs, or phrases that violate common decency standards.
Specific clothing restrictions
For women:
- Revealing clothing is prohibited
- Shorts above the knee are not allowed
- Clothing should provide appropriate coverage
For men:
- Revealing clothing (such as exposed chest) is prohibited
- Shorts should provide appropriate coverage
Prohibited clothing items
The following clothing violations carry specific penalties:
- Improper clothing in public places: SAR 100 (first offense), SAR 200 (repeat)
- Wearing underwear and sleepwear in public: SAR 100 (first offense), SAR 200 (repeat)
- Clothing with profane language or obscene images: SAR 100 (first offense), SAR 200 (repeat)
- Clothing promoting discrimination, racism, pornography, or drug use: SAR 500 (first offense), SAR 1,000 (repeat)
Public behavior regulations
Prohibited activities
Several activities are strictly forbidden in public places:
- Graffiti, paintings, or similar markings on walls or transportation facilities without proper authorization
- Indecent verbal or physical acts that might cause fear, harm, or endanger other visitors
- Any behavior involving alcohol or illegal substances
Music and noise regulations
- Playing loud music in residential areas (with complaints): SAR 500 (first offense), SAR 1,000 (repeat)
- Playing music during prayer times: SAR 1,000 (first offense), SAR 2,000 (repeat)
Complete penalty matrix for violations
Severe violations (SAR 1,000+)
- Indecent behavior of sexual nature: SAR 3,000 (first offense), SAR 6,000 (repeat) – applies to each person involved
- Taking unauthorized photos/videos of people, accidents, or crimes: SAR 1,000 (first offense), SAR 2,000 (repeat) – content must be deleted
- Playing music during prayer times: SAR 1,000 (first offense), SAR 2,000 (repeat)
Moderate violations (SAR 100-500)
- Littering and spitting in non-designated areas: SAR 500 (first offense), SAR 1,000 (repeat)
- Bypassing barriers to access public places: SAR 500 (first offense), SAR 1,000 (repeat)
- Clothing promoting discrimination or illegal content: SAR 500 (first offense), SAR 1,000 (repeat)
- Occupying disabled/elderly designated seats: SAR 200 (first offense), SAR 400 (repeat)
- Various dress code violations: SAR 100 (first offense), SAR 200 (repeat)
- Unauthorized commercial activities: SAR 100 (first offense), SAR 200 (repeat)
- Igniting fires in non-designated areas: SAR 100 (first offense), SAR 200 (repeat)
- Harmful or threatening acts: SAR 100 (first offense), SAR 200 (repeat)
- Harmful lighting exposure (laser beams): SAR 100 (first offense), SAR 200 (repeat)
Minor violations (under SAR 100)
- Skipping waiting lines: SAR 50 (first offense), SAR 100 (repeat)
- Not cleaning up pet waste: SAR 100 (first offense), SAR 200 (repeat)
Enforcement and appeals process
Who enforces these laws
Police officers are authorized to identify violations, record incidents, and impose fines according to these regulations.
Important legal provisions
- Penalties only apply to violations specifically listed in the official table
- Each violator pays individual fines when multiple people are involved
- Multiple violations result in separate fines for each offense
- Violators must cover the costs of rectifying their violations
- People harmed by violations can file lawsuits
Appeals process
Anyone issued a penalty can file a grievance before the Public Decency Circuit at the Specialized Administrative Court (Board of Grievances). This provides a formal appeals mechanism for those who believe they were wrongly penalized.
Summary
Understanding these regulations helps ensure trouble-free experiences in Saudi Arabia’s public spaces. The penalty structure shows that repeat violations result in doubled fines, emphasizing the importance of learning from any initial mistakes. Visitors and residents should pay particular attention to dress codes, respectful behavior, and noise levels to avoid violations.
For the most current information on public decency laws and any updates to penalties, residents should consult official Saudi government sources or legal advisors when in doubt about specific situations.