This is how the new Saudi driving rules affect you
Drive safe
Saudi Arabia’s General Directorate of Traffic has just issued several new rules when it comes to driving in the country. New clarifications have been introduced regarding foreign driving licenses and other matters. Here’s everything you need to know about the new Saudi driving rules.
Drivers can no longer drive on the shoulders of the road, on sidewalks, or on paths where driving is prohibited; otherwise, they can face fines of up to SAR1,000 to SAR2,000.
That’s not all, though; foreign visitors may drive using international or foreign driving licenses for only up to a year from their date of entry or until the license expires.
GCC drivers can drive freely without acquiring a temporary Saudi license. They can continue to use the license issued in their home country for its full validity period. All foreign licenses must be translated by an accredited body to ensure the accuracy and clarity of information, according to Gulf News.
How to convert your license
Most expats driving in Saudi Arabia tend to exchange their international driving licenses for Saudi ones, and the procedure is quite straightforward. First, you register for an Absher account, then you pay the SR40 license fee on the Sadad, after which you head to an approved hospital to get eye and blood tests done; and then you will get the license translated into Arabic by an accredited institute.
When you’re done with those, you can take your iqama, your international license, the translated copy, the receipt, and the medical reports to a nearby driving school, and a traffic officer (muroor) will issue a license on the spot.
Visit: moi.gov.sa
Images: Getty
