Full Analysis Summary
Gulf plates 90-day limit
The Saudi Council of Ministers approved new regulations that limit how long vehicles bearing Gulf plates may remain in Saudi Arabia.
Cars registered in any Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) country can no longer stay in the Kingdom beyond 90 days within a 365-day period.
The 90-day cap applies whether the stay is consecutive or split across multiple visits.
The countdown begins from the date the vehicle enters Saudi Arabia through any customs port.
GCC vehicle registration rules
The rules cover vehicles registered in GCC countries and owned by Saudi citizens, expatriates, or individuals authorized to drive them inside the Kingdom.
Cars rented from licensed rental establishments in GCC member states are excluded.
Officials said the move intends to regulate vehicle usage and curb violations linked to cars remaining in Saudi Arabia for extended periods without local registration.
Vehicle stay extension rules
Vehicle owners or authorized drivers may request an extension before the 90-day period expires by applying to the Ministry of Interior, which will review requests at its discretion and outline required procedures and documentation.
The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority will provide the Ministry of Interior with necessary vehicle data.
Owners or authorized drivers must register vehicle details at the customs port upon entry in line with the authority's requirements.
Exceeding the permitted stay will trigger penalties under Article 68, Paragraph 5 of the Saudi Traffic Law, since overstaying constitutes a traffic violation.
The governor of the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority is expected to issue the executive decisions needed to activate the framework in coordination with the Ministry of Interior.
The article does not specify exact penalties, detailed procedures, or a timeline for implementation.