Saudi women to be penalised for driving before ban is lifted

Saudi Arabia has warned women who will be caught driving before the end of the driving ban in June 2018 to pay fine, Okaz local newspaper reported on Wednesday.

The penalty would be limited to fines ranging between 133 to 239 U.S. dollars, and women won't be detained after they are spotted driving, according to the report.

The warning was made after recent deaths were reported as a result of women driving without licenses. A woman died in Jeddah, and her husband was injured when he was teaching her driving. In another case, a 15-year-old boy lost his life when a woman was taking him for a ride.

Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud ordered in September to allow women to drive cars after decades of restricting driving only to male citizens and residents.

The period set before lifting the ban will be allocated to carry certain legislation amendments, set roles and find methods for women to receive driving training.

The move is considered as a huge step in the life of every Saudis in the conservative society that segregates male and female in all walks of life.

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)