Expat Guide to Driving in Saudi Arabia: Traffic Laws, Driver Mentality, and Cultural Tips
Driving in Saudi Arabia has become increasingly challenging in recent times. The state of the roads and safety regulations is rapidly improving. Even though driving is still challenging for foreigners living in Saudi Arabia, persistence, patience, and common sense go a long way. You’ll be able to surpass expectations with our driving guide to Saudi Arabia as well.
Owning a car is convenient for reasons other than the everyday commute. It’s a lot of fun to explore the Kingdom with four wheels. In addition to touring the opulent Tahlia Street in Riyadh and the chic Corniche in Jeddah, visitors may take in Saudi Arabia’s breathtaking beaches and exhilarating family theme parks. Use https://layboard.in/vacancies/jobs-in-saudi-arabia/speciality/light-driver to expedite the job search if you recently relocated to Saudi Arabia. Additionally, use job search websites like Layboard if you already possess a license and are seeking for work.
Who in Saudi Arabia is able to drive?
Driving in the Kingdom requires you to be at least eighteen years old. For a period of three months, drivers with licenses from the EU, US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the GCC’s bordering states—Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and the UAE—may use them. A one-year foreign driving permit is valid. You then need to change your license to a Saudi one. Saudi Arabia started permitting female drivers in the middle of 2018.
Saudi Arabian Driver’s Licenses
The driver’s name, birthdate, photo, and expiration date are all included on the Saudi Arabian driver’s license, which fits nicely in your wallet.
How to Obtain a Driver’s License in Saudi Arabia
You will need to take a test if you do not yet have a license or if you have a license from another country that cannot be instantly converted to a Saudi license. Locating a local driving school home is necessary to do this; Dallah Driving Schools are a reliable option and are well-known across the nation.
The SR400 licensing fee must be paid in full at the bank in order to proceed. Keep the receipt. Next, make sure you bring the following to the driving school (you don’t need an appointment, but arrive as soon as you can):
- Original residency permit, or Iqama.
- Photocopy of Iqama.
- A passport photocopy.
- Four passport-sized photos
You will have to fill out a document at the driving school, which is in Arabic, so you might require assistance. In addition, an eye test and a medical report with your blood type will be provided. A three-hour course and a computer test come next. You’ll take a basic driving test if you pass. A 10-year license will be instantly granted if you pass.
In Saudi Arabia, exchanging a foreign driver’s license
Numerous foreign drivers in Saudi Arabia obtain local licenses after converting their foreign ones. To get a Saudi Arabian license, holders of licenses issued in the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the EU, and nearby Gulf nations are exempt from taking the test.
Making an account with Absher e-Services is the first step. After that, you’ll have to use the Sadad platform to pay the SR40 license price. After undergoing blood and eye examinations at an authorized hospital, you will obtain your license translated into Arabic (by an authorized translation agency).
The closest driving school can then get your iqama (along with a photocopy), foreign license, translated license, medical report, and receipt. The well-known Dallah driving schools are a reliable choice. The driving school’s traffic police officer will gather the necessary paperwork and immediately issue the license.
Saudi Arabian Drivers with Disabilities
Disabled drivers can park in specific spots in Saudi cities. Oftentimes, cars without disabled signs end up being towed. Subsidies are available to Saudi nationals with impairments so they can modify their cars to suit their needs.
Saudi Arabian traffic regulations and penalties
There exist traffic laws in Saudi Arabia, despite the fact that many drivers appear to disregard them. Because breaking them could result in a fine, points on your license, or even a driving ban, assume they will be cited. Drivers and passengers in the front seat must wear seat belts. Kids under 10 have to ride in car seats. The preceding car needs to come to a stop from the left in order to pass. If there are two distinct lines in the middle of the road, you are not allowed to overtake. You have to make room for oncoming traffic when you enter a roundabout.
Penalties and Exclusions
If traffic police stop you, they may ask to see your driver’s license, registration documents (istimara), insurance information, and a copy of your Iqama. In terms of fines, if you accrue 24 points, your license will be suspended. Operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol can earn you 24 points, which can lead to an instant driving suspension as well as more severe legal repercussions. Driving headfirst into a traffic lane and running a red light both result in 12 points.
Driving a car without brakes or lights is worth eight points, as does disobeying traffic police directives. On a roundabout, neglecting to stop for approaching traffic is worth six points. Additionally, using a cell phone and without fastening your seat belt are both worth two points. After a year with no moving infractions, the points will be removed from the driver’s log.
Limits on Speed in Saudi Arabia
In Saudi Arabia, speeding is the cause of both accidents and fatalities. 50 km/h in built-up regions, 70 km/h on urban highways, and 120 km/h on national highways are the various speed restrictions. If you go over the speed limit by more than 25 km/h, you will be fined at least SR900 and will have six points added to your license. Every major roadway in the nation has speed cameras deployed.
Driving after intoxication in Saudi Arabia
Drugs and alcohol are strictly prohibited in Saudi Arabia. The least of your problems will probably be the fines for driving while intoxicated, which can range from 5,000 to 10,000 points or higher. There will be a long prison term and probably deportation after it.
Saudi Arabia’s Inattentive Driving Regulations
Saudi Arabia prohibits using a mobile phone while operating a vehicle. If you are pulled over by traffic police, you will likely be fined between SR500 and SR900 in addition to receiving two points on your license.
Driving in Saudi Arabia without a permit
When driving without a valid license in Saudi Arabia and an officer asks to see your license, you will be fined. Whether you were driving while ineligible or just not wearing a license on the day of the inspection will determine how much of a fine you receive.
Parking in Saudi Arabia
Cities are the only places where you are likely to have to find and pay for parking. With patience (and if you don’t mind a bit of walking), you can probably find free parking, even in the city center. All major cities have paid car parks, as well as some metered street parking.
Parking in Saudi Arabian cities is, by world standards, quite cheap. An hour is unlikely to be more than SR10, even in central areas of the city. There are generally no parking restrictions in residential areas (the obvious exception being gated communities with security). If you get a parking fine (which can be up to SR1,000), you can at least conveniently pay it through Sadad, the national portal for paying bills and fines.
