A relative caught with a pistol or ammunition without a licence, or firing at a wedding? The Weapons and Ammunition Law punishes unlicensed possession separately from misuse of a licensed weapon.
| Act | Penalty | Article |
|---|---|---|
| Possessing an individual firearm or ammunition without a licence | Up to 18 months and a fine up to SAR 6,000, or either | 40 |
| Using a licensed weapon outside its purpose, letting another use it, or another using it through your negligence | Up to one year and a fine up to SAR 5,000 | 41 |
These penalties are as announced by the Public Prosecution. Firing at celebrations is investigated by the Prosecution, and injury or death adds private claims.
Reviewed by: Khaled ElnaggarDirector of USUS Law FirmLast updated:
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Frequently asked questions
What is the penalty for carrying a weapon without a licence in Saudi Arabia?
Up to 18 months in prison and a fine up to SAR 6,000, or either (Article 40 of the Weapons and Ammunition Law).
See detention periods and our criminal lawyer in Riyadh.
Legal review: the Usus Law Firm team
A select team of lawyers and legal advisers licensed by the Saudi Ministry of Justice, working from Riyadh and Tabuk, with experience before the general, commercial, labor, criminal, personal status and administrative courts. Every article is reviewed before publication and updated when laws or regulations change.
Last reviewed: 28 October 2026
This article is general legal information and is not a substitute for advice on your specific case. Court proceedings in Saudi Arabia are in Arabic; the official Arabic text of each law prevails.
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