No, applying makeup while driving in Saudi Arabia violates traffic safety regulations under the Road Traffic Law enforced by the General Directorate of Traffic (GDT). The law prohibits any activity diverting attention from driving, with recent 2026 amendments tightening penalties for distracted driving behaviors.
Key Regulations for Applying Makeup While Driving in Saudi Arabia
- Distraction Prohibition: Article 32 of the Road Traffic Law explicitly bans actions that impair driver focus, including applying cosmetics, as they constitute “distracted driving.”
- Penalties: Violators face fines up to SAR 1,000 and potential license suspension, per GDT enforcement directives. Repeat offenses may trigger harsher penalties under the 2026 amendments.
- Enforcement Focus: Traffic patrols prioritize visible distractions, with dashcams and AI monitoring systems deployed to detect violations in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam.
Local jurisprudence aligns with GCC traffic safety standards, emphasizing driver accountability. Courts have upheld convictions for makeup application cases under “negligent driving” clauses. Motorists should conduct grooming before departure or use passenger assistance to avoid liability.