If you’re considering shipping a car to Saudi Arabia in 2025, understanding the left-hand drive (LHD) policy is crucial for import approval. Saudi Arabia enforces strict LHD-only laws, applying to all standard road vehicles and affecting what can— and can’t—be legally registered and driven in the Kingdom. This article breaks down current LHD requirements, exceptions for classics, import pitfalls, and how to ensure your car clears customs without costly rejections or delays.
Saudi Arabia, like most of the GCC region, drives on the right side of the road. The government requires ALL passenger vehicles be factory-made with left-hand steering—this ensures safety and compatibility for road layouts, signage, and local driving conditions.
Mandatory LHD Configuration: All cars, SUVs, and light trucks for public road use must have the steering wheel on the left side, as built by the original manufacturer.
Factory Spec Only: RHD-to-LHD conversions, even if completed overseas, are not permitted for road registration and will be rejected at port.
Grey Market & Parallel Imports: Vehicles built for RHD markets (Japan, UK, Australia, South Africa, etc.) are inadmissible, even if compliant with US or EU emissions and safety standards.
Saudi Arabia does allow for rare, genuine classics older than 30 years to enter under display-only or museum exemptions:
Classic Car Exemptions: These vehicles may be imported even if RHD, but only for non-road use. All such imports require advance approval, full documentation proving age, authenticity, and collector purpose.
No Driving Allowed: These cars can be displayed, stored, or occasionally paraded under controlled conditions, but can’t be licensed for normal street use.
Special Certification Needed: Only models meeting strict collector definitions get considered for this “disciplinary” status.
For classic registration and legal distinction guidance, see our detailed Saudi car import 2025 ban list, LHD rule, modified & EV compliance article.
Saudi LHD requirements go together with GCC specification mandates. In addition to steering, imported cars must comply with:
Localized climate controls (upgraded cooling system, A/C, and filtration)
Emissions and fuel standards aligned to GCC/SASO guidelines
Arabic labeling for controls and major safety features
Specific safety and lighting equipment to GSO certification
If your vehicle lacks these region-specific features—even if LHD—it may require modification and local re-certification, costing an extra $500–$2,000 and adding weeks to the clearance process.
Full documentation on LHD and GCC standards is available in the main Saudi shipping guide.
Converted steering: If the car was ever RHD and converted to LHD, expect a port rejection.
Missing build documentation: Lack of an original factory build sheet proving LHD status can slow approval or stop registration.
Non-GCC/LHD compliance: Even an LHD car without documented GCC features may require additional retrofit or approval by authorities.
Pro Tip: Only ship vehicles with non-modified, factory-built LHD and keep all original documentation—US, Canadian, and most EU spec cars are eligible when compliant.
Safety and road compatibility for right-hand traffic; official policy is non-negotiable except for approved show or museum cars.
With the right paperwork for a collector/disciplined registration, display-only is possible—no on-road plates or normal use.
No—check HVAC, emissions, labeling, and lights against GCC/SASO requirements to avoid post-arrival headaches.
Work only with cars factory-built as LHD, verify region-ready specs, and consult your agent on complete GCC certification before shipping.
West Coast Shipping ensures your LHD vehicle meets Saudi and GCC requirements, with brand eligibility checks, GCC spec validation, and full customs support. For current regulations, compliance detail, and fast rate quotes, visit our Saudi Arabia car shipping page or see our complete 2025 Saudi car import compliance guide.