New regulations for auto repair shops: one-year grace period and strict technical requirements
The Saudi Ministry of Municipalities and Housing announced the approval of a comprehensive set of new regulatory and technical requirements for vehicle repair and maintenance workshops, in a move aimed at restructuring this vital sector. The Ministry granted existing establishments a 365-day (one-year) grace period to comply with the new standards, mandating that licenses be obtained through the "Baladi" platform and linked to commercial registrations and Civil Defense approvals.
The context of Vision 2030 and improving the urban landscape
This strategic step aligns with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, specifically within the Quality of Life Program and initiatives to improve the urban landscape. The new regulations aim to eliminate the haphazard development that characterized some industrial workshop areas and transform them into professional and environmentally friendly work environments. The Ministry has been working for some time to update municipal regulations to ensure that services provided within cities meet international standards, thereby enhancing the attractiveness of Saudi cities for living and investment.
Precise classifications and transparency requirements
Under the new regulations, workshops have been categorized into five main sections to ensure specialization, including comprehensive maintenance centers, quick service workshops, tire and battery centers, and others. For the first time, the Ministry has imposed strict standards to enhance transparency and build trust between service providers and customers. Workshops are required to provide glass-enclosed waiting areas that allow customers to observe the repair process of their vehicles. In cases where this is not technically feasible, the facility owner is required to install surveillance cameras and live streaming screens within the waiting area, thus limiting manipulation and ensuring service quality.
Expected economic and environmental impact
This regulation is expected to have a tangible economic and environmental impact. Economically, it will contribute to promoting fair competition and removing unregulated or unskilled labor from the market, thereby increasing operational efficiency. Environmentally, the regulations require establishments to install oil separation systems to prevent leakage into sewage networks and to contract with accredited waste recycling companies, which will significantly reduce environmental pollution caused by oil waste and spare parts.
Site and Operation Controls
In its new regulations, the ministry took spatial considerations into account, allowing light and quick maintenance workshops within commercial streets to facilitate access for residents, while restricting heavy and noisy activities such as bodywork and painting to designated industrial areas and authorized service centers. This was done to protect residential neighborhoods from noise and chemical odors. The ministry also established precise operational space limits, such as allocating 35 square meters per crane in mechanical workshops, and completely prohibiting work on sidewalks to preserve the city's aesthetic appeal.
Human resource development and digital payments
The regulations also addressed the human element, requiring technical staff to possess accredited professional certifications and adhere to a uniform dress code to ensure the provision of professional service. The ministry also emphasized the necessity of offering electronic payment options and displaying a QR code on the establishment's facade, enabling customers and regulatory bodies to verify the establishment's legitimacy and licensing details with a single click.
