Drifting on Public Roads Becomes Criminal Offense in Saudi Arabia

Drifting on the wide roads of the Middle East is very popular, and while it may be spectacular to watch when it goes right, it ever so often doesn’t and people die. That’s why the country suffering most, Saudi Arabia, is passing new laws to try and control it, by making it a criminal offense, whereas before it was considered a traffic violation.

According to ArabNews, the finishing touches are now being put on the actual text supporting the new rules, meaning that all who are caught doing it for the first time will face trial and confiscation of the vehicle for a month, plus a fine of around $2,700 (€2,000).

Second-timers’ punishment is naturally more severe and will see their car impounded for three months, the fine doubled and some jail time (for up to 1 year). Let them catch you again and its value doubles yet again, on top of the 1 to 5 years now also thrown in.

Passengers and spectators will not escape blame, and if apprehended will be asked to hand in $400 (€300) or their car for a period of 15 days.

Scroll down and check out the videos below – this is what the new laws are meant to prevent, if you are not familiar…

By Andrei Nedelea

VIDEO

Aaron Paul Tries to Brake Bad at Need For Speed Driving School

Even though it's in Hollywood's nature to create unbelievable scenes for action movies (remember Vin Diesel in the tank stunt in FF6?), movie producers and promoters also want to make you believe, if you know what we mean.

To give some added credibility to Aaron Paul and the character he portrays in the "Need for Speed" film that's scheduled for release this March, Tobey Marshal, producers released a featurette in which the "Breaking Bad" protagonist undergoes some stunt-driving lessons, necessary for when he's on camera.

His teacher is stunt driver Rick Seaman who tries to teach him some drifting, braking and 180 degree turning techniques.

See the clip along with the most recent Need for Speed trailer right below the jump.

VIDEO