Driving on roads in any part of the world demands a higher degree of responsible attitude and strong skills to avoid any mishaps causing danger for life and property of yourself and others on the road. However, when it comes to Saudi Arabia in specific; there are some points that you must keep in your mind in better interest of your life as well as your pocket.
Heavy fines for traffic rules violations
Saudi Arabia is a country of strict rules which are meant to be followed by each and every one driving on the road or else face severe consequences in terms of hefty fines and other punishments. You should have a clear understanding of all traffic laws implemented in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia before you push your accelerator.
Don’t even think of going on road if you don’t have a valid driving license for Saudi Arabia (even if you possess a license from some other country). Get a driving license in Saudi Arabia through the proper channel and only then start driving.
Cameras are there on all major roads to keep an eye on your driving and if you commit any violence; e.g. crossing a red signal or over-speeding; you will get penalized with a huge sum of money.
Be careful—Heavy traffic on roads
In most cities of Saudi Arabia including Jeddah, traffic on roads is usually high almost all the times (morning and evening in particular) so you need to drive with extra caution. You will come across drivers with varying skill levels and different levels of road-sense so it is your responsibility to play your part to make your driving experience pleasing and free from any hassles. Even if you drive very patiently, a mistake or negligence of some other road user might cause a panic.
In case of any accident (God forbid); don’t panic and try to deal with the situation sensibly. It is recommended to involve police in any kind of accident rather than a brawl or heated arguments between the parties involved to ascertain whose mistake was.
Another point to keep in your mind is the safety of pedestrians crossing the roads. In most of the roads in Saudi Arabia, you won’t see any over-head bridge for pedestrians crossing. So you should expect some careless folks trying to cross the road despite the traffic. Try to play your part to save any such life as much as you can.
Parking always a worry
Having cheap fuel prices, car prices in range of majority and poor public transportation system; you will find roads as well as parking bays packed majority of the times. Be aware that for any popular spots; parking will always be a problem for you; be it some known shopping mall, a restaurant with tasty foods or any well-known hospital.
Parking is free in most of the places but you may end up getting penalized and your car lifted by the authorities if you park in any no-parking zones. So be careful and park only in designated areas.