Saudi Arabia Enforces Strict 90-Day Limit on GCC-Registered Vehicles
In a significant regulatory move, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has implemented new restrictions on vehicles bearing license plates from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member countries. The Saudi Council of Ministers has approved regulations that impose a firm 90-day limit on how long these vehicles can remain within Saudi borders during any 365-day period.
Comprehensive Regulations for GCC Vehicles
The new rules establish that vehicles registered in any GCC country—including Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates—cannot stay in Saudi Arabia for more than 90 days within a single year. This time limit applies regardless of whether the stay is continuous or broken into multiple visits across the year.
The 90-day countdown begins immediately upon the vehicle's entry into Saudi Arabia through any official customs port. Authorities have designed this system to create a structured approach to monitoring foreign-registered vehicles and preventing extended stays without proper compliance with local regulations.
Who Falls Under These New Rules?
The regulations specifically apply to:
- Vehicles registered in GCC countries
- Cars owned by Saudi citizens, expatriates, or individuals authorized to drive them within the Kingdom
Important exception: Vehicles rented from licensed rental establishments in GCC member states are excluded from these restrictions, providing some flexibility for temporary visitors.
Extension Possibilities and Required Procedures
Vehicle owners or authorized drivers may request an extension before their 90-day period expires. However, such extensions are not guaranteed and must be formally applied for through the Ministry of Interior.
The Ministry will review each extension request individually at its discretion, outlining specific required procedures and documentation for applicants. Implementation of these regulations involves coordinated efforts between multiple government bodies, with the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority providing necessary vehicle data to the Ministry of Interior.
Upon entry into Saudi Arabia, vehicle owners or authorized drivers must register their vehicle details at the customs port in accordance with the authority's requirements, ensuring proper tracking from the beginning of their stay.
Penalties for Violating the Time Limit
The regulations clearly state that exceeding the permitted 90-day stay will trigger penalties under Article 68, Paragraph 5 of the Saudi Traffic Law. Overstaying constitutes a formal traffic violation, subject to the full enforcement of Saudi traffic regulations.
The governor of the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority is expected to issue the executive decisions needed to fully activate this regulatory framework, working in coordination with the Ministry of Interior to ensure smooth implementation.
Purpose Behind the New Regulations
Authorities indicate the primary objectives of these measures are to:
- Regulate vehicle usage within the Kingdom more effectively
- Curb violations associated with vehicles remaining in Saudi Arabia for extended periods without proper local registration
- Create a more structured system for monitoring foreign-registered vehicles
This represents a formalization of Saudi Arabia's approach to vehicle regulation, particularly concerning vehicles registered in neighboring Gulf countries. The move aligns with broader efforts to maintain orderly traffic systems and ensure compliance with national regulations across all vehicle categories operating within the Kingdom.
