Saudi woman defies driving ban

The husband of a Saudi woman who defied the country's driving ban has been fined, and the couple forced to pledge not to repeat the offence, a report says.

The husband of a Saudi woman who defied the country's driving ban has been fined, a report says. (AAP)

A Saudi woman has defied the kingdom's ban on female driving, getting behind the wheel of her husband's car before police detained the couple and fined the man, a newspaper says.

The 23-year-old woman was caught driving on Thursday in the Qatif district in Eastern Province, the Saudi Gazette said on Sunday, adding that police forced the couple to sign a pledge not to repeat the offence.

Her 28-year-old husband was fined 900 riyals ($A257) and his car impounded for seven days, the newspaper said.

The woman also received a penalty for driving without a licence, a permit that she cannot apply for in the ultra-conservative kingdom.

Women's rights activists frequently challenge the ban, the only one of its kind in the world.

Some of those who do challenge the ban post videos online of themselves driving. Few have been arrested.

In addition to not being allowed to drive, Saudi women must cover themselves from head to toe, and need permission from a male guardian to travel, work and marry.