Hit someone and drove off in panic, or hit by a driver who fled? Leaving the scene of an accident in Saudi Arabia is an offence separate from the accident itself, and far more serious where someone is injured or killed.
Reviewed by: Rakan Jameel Al-DubaisiFounder & CEO of USUS Law FirmLast updated:
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What the driver must do
- Stop immediately in a safe place.
- Help the injured or call an ambulance (997).
- Report to traffic police, or Najm where there are no injuries.
- Stay until the authorities finish.
What sets the penalty
Property damage only: a traffic violation plus compensation. Injury: criminal referral that may lead to prison and a fine depending on recovery time, plus compensation. Death: a criminal case plus diya. We do not quote article numbers or amounts because published sources disagree; check the current official Traffic Law text.
Frequently asked questions
What is the penalty for hit and run in Saudi Arabia?
It depends on the outcome: a traffic violation for damage only, and criminal referral with possible prison and fine where someone is injured or killed, plus private claims.
See car accident claims 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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