Saudi Arabia makes drifting a criminal offense

In the wake of an increasing number of deadly accidents, the Saudi Arabian government has passed a law that makes drifting and other popular reckless behavior such as driving on two wheels a criminal offense. Previously, drifting was considered a mere traffic violation.

First-time offenders will have their car confiscated for up to a month and be fined 10,000 Saudi riyals, a sum that converts to roughly $2,600. Repeat offenders will have their car taken away for three months, be asked to pay 20,000 riyals (about $5,300) and risk spending anywhere between six months and a year in jail.

Finally, third-time offenders will pay 40,000 riyals (around $10,600) and wait up to five years to retrieve their car from the impound lot. Interestingly, passengers and spectators will also be fined and could have their car taken away for at least 15 days even if it is not being used for drifting.

Drifters who want to avoid fines and jail time will need to go to a race track or hold an authorized event away from public roads.