Saudi Traffic Directorate sets 6 conditions for heavy trucks on roads

The General Directorate of Traffic in Saudi Arabia has announced a new set of six mandatory conditions for drivers of heavy trucks and heavy equipment operating on the Kingdom's road network. These regulations are part of an ongoing effort to enhance road safety, reduce traffic accidents, and ensure the efficient flow of logistics across the country. According to the directorate, compliance with these rules is essential for all commercial vehicle operators to avoid legal penalties and contribute to a safer driving environment for all road users.

Under the new guidelines, truck drivers are strictly required to utilize the rightmost lane on multi-lane roads to minimize disruption to passenger vehicle traffic. Furthermore, operators must adhere to designated time windows for entering or exiting urban areas, a measure designed to alleviate congestion during peak hours. The directorate also emphasized the importance of cargo safety, mandating that all transported loads be securely covered and fastened to prevent debris from falling onto the road, which poses a significant hazard to other motorists.

Additional safety requirements include a prohibition on transporting passengers in vehicles not specifically designed for that purpose. When a truck is forced to stop on the roadside at night, drivers are now required to place a triangular warning sign or reflector at a sufficient distance behind the vehicle to alert approaching traffic. Finally, the directorate reiterated that all drivers must strictly comply with permitted dimensions and weight limits for their loads. Authorities have signaled that they will be monitoring compliance closely, and failure to adhere to these standards will result in traffic violations.