Vehicles with Gulf plates will soon face a fixed time limit within Saudi Arabia. Under new rules approved by the Saudi government, cars registered in any GCC country can no longer remain in the Kingdom for more than 90 days within a 365-day period.The decision was issued by the Saudi Council of Ministers, which established regulations to control how long vehicles registered in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries remain in the country. The 90-day maximum applies whether the stay is consecutive or split across multiple visits. The countdown begins from the date the vehicle enters the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia through any customs port.
To whom the rule applies
The regulation covers vehicles registered in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries and owned by Saudi citizens, expatriates, or individuals authorized to drive them within the Kingdom.
However, cars rented from licensed rental institutions in the GCC countries are excluded from this rule.The authorities say that this step aims to regulate the use of vehicles and reduce violations associated with cars remaining in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for long periods without local registration.
Extension requests are permitted, but not guaranteed
Vehicle owners or certified drivers may request an extension before the expiration of the 90-day period. Applications must be submitted to the Ministry of Interior, which will review each application at its discretion and determine the procedures and documents required.
Implementation will require coordination between government agencies. The Zakat, Taxes and Customs Authority will provide the Ministry of Interior with the necessary data for the vehicles. Owners or authorized drivers must register the vehicle details at the customs port in line with the Authority’s requirements upon entry.
Penalties for overstaying
The regulations clarify that exceeding the permitted period of residence will result in penalties being imposed under Article 68, Paragraph 5 of the Saudi Traffic Law, as exceeding the period of residence constitutes a traffic violation.It is expected that the Governor of the Zakat, Taxes and Customs Authority will issue the necessary executive decisions to activate the framework, in coordination with the Ministry of Interior.The new measures formalize what officials describe as a structured approach to monitoring vehicles registered abroad and preventing long-term stays without proper compliance.
