Riyadh: There is no provision in the new traffic law, which came into force on Monday, that prevents women from driving vehicles, says Maj Gen Fahd Al Bishr, director general of Saudi Traffic Department.
"The new law speaks only about driver of the vehicle, and there is no specification of either man or woman. As far as driving of women are concerned, we are not bothering about it," he said.
Addressing a press conference at the headquarters of Traffic Department on Sunday, which replaces the kingdom's 40-year-old traffic law, he said that the issue of driving right for women has nothing to do with the Traffic Department.
"It is purely an issue concerned with the legislative authorities," he said.
Directives
Replying to queries on death of a woman in an accident while driving illegally in Riyadh last week and arrest of a young Saudi woman while driving in Jeddah a few days ago, Maj Gen Al Bishr said that the traffic officials are just enforcing the directives issued by the higher authorities in this respect.
"There were directives from the [religious] authorities preventing women from driving. Subsequently, the traffic officials have no right to allow them to drive," he said, adding that "we can let them drive vehicles if the directives were issued permitting them to drive".
"In the present scenario, if [the women] violate the directives regarding driving and cause any accident, they will be responsible for the loss of life or injuries or damage to properties," he said, adding that their legal guardians and owners of the vehicles they used illegally must also share responsibilities.
Maj Gen Al Bishr said that a points system for traffic violations will be introduced under the law.
"If the points exceed the limit, the driver's licence would be withdrawn for four months to one year or once and for all and the driver sent to a driving school," he warned.
The new regulations also impose penalties on violations such as throwing garbage or cigarette butts on streets, or using mobile phone while driving.
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