365-day grace period to rectify the situation of auto repair shops: The complete guide

In a significant regulatory step aimed at improving the quality of services provided in the vehicle maintenance sector, the relevant authorities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have announced a 365-day for owners of auto repair shops and technical centers to rectify their operations in accordance with the new technical and municipal requirements. This decision comes as part of the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing's ongoing efforts to regulate commercial and industrial activities and ensure their compliance with international standards.

Context of the decision and its strategic objectives

This decision is not an isolated measure, but rather an integral part of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 aimed at improving the urban landscape and eliminating visual pollution. Historically, the auto repair sector in some areas has suffered from haphazard organization, whether in terms of external appearance, waste disposal, or even occupational safety standards. Therefore, the new regulations seek to transform this sector from a chaotic environment to a professional and organized one befitting the urban development witnessed in the Kingdom's cities.

Key features of the new organization

The new regulations include a set of requirements that workshop owners must adhere to during the one-year grace period. These requirements include:

• Improving the facades: Unifying the signs and paying attention to the external appearance of the workshop in a way that is consistent with the general taste.
• Environmental requirements: Adherence to sound mechanisms for disposing of damaged oils and tires to ensure environmental protection.
• Occupational safety: Providing safety equipment and fire-fighting systems to protect workers and visitors.
• Internal organization: Allocating specific work areas and preventing the accumulation of broken-down cars outside the workshop boundaries, which used to cause traffic congestion and distort the general view.

Expected economic and social impact

This regulation is expected to bring about a qualitative shift in the Kingdom's car maintenance market. Economically, it will contribute to fostering fair competition among licensed establishments, as non-compliant facilities that offered substandard services at low prices due to their failure to adhere to standards will be eliminated. Socially, citizens and residents will experience a noticeable improvement in service quality, in addition to the peace of mind resulting from cleaner and more organized industrial areas.

In conclusion, the competent authorities urge all investors in this sector to quickly begin corrective procedures through approved digital platforms such as the "Baladi" platform, taking advantage of the grace period granted and avoiding the regulatory penalties that will be applied after the expiry of the 365 days.