Can you ride taxis for free in Saudi Arabia? Meter laws explained

Passengers in Saudi Arabia are entitled to a free taxi ride if the driver fails to activate the fare meter, according to the Transport General Authority (TGA). This move aims to ensure fair pricing and prevent overcharging, aligning with the kingdom’s broader efforts to regulate the transport sector.

The TGA mandates that all taxi drivers turn on the meter at the start of every trip. If they don’t, passengers can complete their journey without paying, according to a Saudi Gazette report. The initiative is especially relevant for pilgrims, residents, and tourists, ensuring a transparent and reliable transport experience.

Authorities have urged passengers to report violations through official channels. Additionally, the Pilgrims Awareness Center is working to educate visitors—particularly those travelling to Mecca and Medina—about their rights when using taxis.

During Ramadan, the TGA ramped up inspections to ensure the quality of transport services for worshipers and Umrah performers in Mecca and Medina.

During the first week of Ramadan, inspection teams conducted more than 72,000 field checks, identifying 12,540 violations, according to a SPA report. The inspections targeted compliance with transport regulations, including license verification, vehicle maintenance, irregular transport violations, and proper use of taxi meters. Authorities also monitored adherence to safety and quality standards among operators and vehicles.

Acting President of the Transport General Authority (TGA), Dr Rumaih bin Mohammed Al-Rumaih said that during Ramadan, the authority achieved outstanding performance indicators across public transportation services. These include the Haramain High-Speed Railway, ride-hailing apps, delivery services, and postal shipments.

“During Ramadan, we provided integrated transport services that met the significant increase in demand, achieving record figures that reflect the sector’s readiness and operational efficiency across various activities,” Al-Rumaih said.

He indicated that the Haramain High-Speed Railway transported over 1.2 million passengers during the holy month, marking a 21 per cent increase compared to the previous year. Additionally, public transport buses within cities carried over 10 million passengers. In the ride-hailing sector, more than 7.8 million trips were completed. Meanwhile, car rental contracts exceeded 400,000, marking a 26 per cent growth.