Vehicle Registration Plate or Number Plate
Vehicle registration plates, commonly known as number plates, are metal or plastic plates attached to motor vehicles for official identification purposes. Every country has its own system and design for these plates, and Saudi Arabia is no exception. In the Kingdom, these plates not only display a unique combination of numbers and letters but also carry specific details that comply with the country’s regulations.
Types of Vehicle Registration Plates
There are five main types of number plates in Saudi Arabia: white plates for private cars, yellow plates for public transport, blue plates for commercial vehicles, green plates for diplomatic vehicles and grey for temporary registration vehicles. The plates also feature symbols like circles or triangles at the bottom. The current plates were introduced in 2006, replacing older plates that used only 3 letters and 3 numbers without translation.
The plates consist of three letters and up to four numbers in Arabic. Both letters and numbers are also translated into the Latin alphabet and into the Arabic numerals, respectively. On the rightmost side, the plate contains the Saudi Arabia coat of arms and the international code “KSA” letters written vertically. The lower sticker is the official seal.
Understanding the Language of Saudi Plates
The numerals and letters utilized on Saudi registration plates are as follows:
| Arabic Numerals | Western Numerals | Arabic Letters | Latin Letters | Phonetic Transliteration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ٠ | 0 | ا | A | a |
| ١ | 1 | ب | B | b |
| ٢ | 2 | ح | J | ḥ |
| ٣ | 3 | د | D | d |
| ٤ | 4 | ر | R | r |
| ٥ | 5 | س | S | s |
| ٦ | 6 | ص | X | ṣ |
| ٧ | 7 | ط | T | ṭ |
| ٨ | 8 | ع | E | ʿ |
| ٩ | 9 | ق | G | q |
| – | – | ك | K | k |
| – | – | ل | L | l |
| – | – | م | Z | m |
| – | – | ن | N | n |
| – | – | هـ | H | h |
| – | – | و | U | u |
| – | – | ى | V | á / ỳ |
The Registration Process
Registering a vehicle in Saudi Arabia involves several steps, ensuring that all vehicles on the road are documented and meet the required safety and environmental standards. Here’s a simplified overview of the process:
- Documentation: Vehicle owners must provide necessary documents, including proof of ownership, valid insurance, and a vehicle inspection report.
- Fees: Payment of registration fees is an essential step in the process. The fees may vary depending on the type of vehicle and its intended use.
- Plate Issuance: Once the documentation and fees are sorted, the vehicle is assigned a unique registration number, and the plates are issued. These plates must be displayed on the front and back of the vehicle.
In summary, vehicle number plates in Saudi Arabia, offer a unique blend of design and functionality, reflecting the country’s regulatory standards. These plates differentiate various vehicle types through color-coding and include both Arabic and Latin scripts, symbolizing a fusion of tradition and modernity in the Kingdom’s approach to vehicle identification and management.
Also Read: Updated List of Traffic Violations and Penalties in KSA
