The Saudi government has enacted a new policy that places a strict time limit on vehicles registered in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Effective immediately, cars bearing GCC plates will be allowed to remain in Saudi Arabia for a maximum of 90 days within a 365-day period.

This decision was formalized by the Saudi Council of Ministers and aims to regulate the duration of stay for these vehicles to avoid extended periods of unregistered use. The 90-day limit applies irrespective of whether the stay is continuous or divided into several visits, with the time frame commencing upon entering through any customs port in the Kingdom.

Eligibility Criteria for the Rule

This regulation targets vehicles registered in GCC nations that are owned by Saudi citizens, expatriates, or individuals duly authorized to operate these vehicles within Saudi Arabia.

Notably, vehicles rented from licensed rental services in GCC member states are excluded from this regulation, allowing for greater flexibility for tourists and business travelers. The implementation of these guidelines is part of broader efforts to manage vehicle usage and ensure compliance with local regulations.

Coordination Between Government Authorities

The successful implementation of this new framework necessitates collaboration among various government agencies. The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority will play a pivotal role by providing the Ministry of Interior with essential vehicle information to facilitate compliance.

It will be the responsibility of vehicle owners or authorized personnel to ensure that vehicle details are registered at the customs port upon entry, abiding by the requirements set forth by the relevant authorities.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

Under these new regulations, violations related to overstaying the permitted duration will invoke penalties as stipulated under Article 68, Paragraph 5 of the Saudi Traffic Law, categorizing such overstays as traffic infractions.

The governor of the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority is anticipated to issue additional executive decisions to operationalize this new regulatory structure, in partnership with the Ministry of Interior. These measures are deemed crucial in ensuring that foreign-registered vehicles are monitored effectively and prevent lengthy stays without appropriate adherence to regulations.

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