Amendment to the Saudi traffic regulations for classic collector vehicles
In a move aimed at supporting classic and vintage car enthusiasts and regulating this growing sector, the Saudi Arabian General Directorate of Public Security has proposed a draft amendment to the executive regulations of the Traffic Law. The draft, presented on the public platform “Istilaa,” aims to regulate the registration procedures for imported vehicles intended for personal use and to establish guidelines for their use on public roads, while balancing the encouragement of this hobby with ensuring the highest standards of traffic safety.
The core of the proposed amendment lies in exempting "acquisition vehicles" from the requirements of periodic technical inspection and mandatory insurance during the initial registration stage. Specifically, the project aims to amend Article (8/7) of the executive regulations to stipulate: "The vehicle intended for acquisition shall be registered after payment of the prescribed fees and shall be exempt from inspection and insurance." This amendment removes a significant bureaucratic obstacle for owners who import these vehicles not for daily use, but rather to preserve them as rare works of art or historical artifacts.
Regulatory context and Vision 2030
This initiative aligns with the comprehensive regulatory reforms underway in the Kingdom as part of Vision 2030. Launching the project through the “Istilaa” platform reflects the government’s commitment to enhancing transparency and engaging the community and private sector in the decision-making process. Furthermore, supporting hobbies such as classic car collecting contributes to improving quality of life and developing the entertainment and tourism sectors, as classic car events and exhibitions have become an integral part of the entertainment landscape in many countries worldwide, including the Gulf region.
Importance and expected impact
This amendment, if passed, is expected to have multiple positive effects. Domestically, it will encourage more enthusiasts to import and own classic cars, potentially stimulating a specialized market that includes restoration workshops, spare parts suppliers, and event and exhibition organizers. This, in turn, will create new economic opportunities and foster a culture of preserving industrial and automotive heritage.
To ensure road safety is not compromised, the project added a new article, numbered (8/9), stipulating that “the registration of an acquisition vehicle may be amended to a vehicle permitted for road use after completing the necessary procedures outlined in this system and its regulations.” This means that an owner who wishes to use their classic car regularly on public roads will still be required to undergo a technical inspection and obtain valid insurance, thus striking a delicate balance between flexibility in acquisition and strict adherence to traffic safety requirements for all.
