Saudi Arabia’s Council of Ministers has approved regulations governing the stay of vehicles registered in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states within the Kingdom, aiming to regulate usage and reduce violations linked to extended vehicle stays without registration.
The regulations apply to vehicles owned by Saudi citizens or residents, or those authorized to drive such vehicles inside the Kingdom. Vehicles rented from licensed establishments in any GCC country are exempt from the new rules.
Under the approved framework, GCC-registered vehicles are not permitted to remain in Saudi Arabia for more than 90 days within any 365-day period, whether consecutive or non-consecutive. The duration is calculated from the day the vehicle enters through the customs port.
Vehicle owners or authorized drivers may submit an extension request to the Ministry of Interior before the permitted period expires. The ministry will assess each request at its discretion and will define the required data and procedures.
The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) is responsible for supplying the Ministry of Interior with the vehicle data needed to implement the regulations. Vehicle owners or authorized drivers are required to register their vehicle data at the customs port in accordance with requirements set by ZATCA.
Violations of the permitted stay period will be penalized under Paragraph 5 of Article 68 of the Traffic Law, according to the regulations.
The Governor of the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority is expected to issue the necessary executive decisions to implement the regulations in coordination with the Ministry of Interior.