Saudi Car Import 2025: Ban List, LHD Rules, Modified & EV Compliance

Saudi Arabia's automotive import landscape underwent significant regulatory refinement in 2025, reshaping which vehicles can legally enter the Kingdom. Between tightened safety standards, modified engine bans, and evolving EV requirements, understanding what's allowed—and what's prohibited—is essential for avoiding costly rejections at port. This guide clarifies make/model bans, left-hand drive mandates, modification restrictions, and electric vehicle compliance, helping you prepare your shipment correctly.

Saudi Car Import Ban List: Makes, Models, and Modifications Not Allowed in 2025

Saudi Arabia enforces strict vehicle eligibility standards to maintain road safety, environmental compliance, and market integrity. While most vehicles meeting age, drive, and compliance requirements can be imported, several categories and brands face current restrictions.

Temporarily Banned Automakers (2025 Non-Compliance List)

Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) and the Saudi Ports Authority (MAWANI) have temporarily suspended imports from 21 automakers due to failure to submit required 2025 supply plans per Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards. This suspension applies to new light vehicles under 3.5 tons.

Affected Brands Include:

• Luxgen Motor Co., Ltd.

• Hawtai Motor Group

• Zotye International

• Higer Bus Company Limited

• Beijing Borgward Automotive Co., Ltd.

• Qoros Automotive Co., Ltd.

• Koenigsegg Automotive AB

• Lifan Industry (Group) Co., Ltd.

• Brilliance Auto International

• South East (Fujian) Motor Corp., Ltd.

• McLaren

• Tata Motors Ltd.

• CHTC Motor Co., Ltd.

• DFSK Motor Co. Ltd.

• SAIC-GM-Wuling Automobile Co., Ltd.

These suspensions remain in effect until manufacturers submit compliant supply and efficiency plans. Always verify current status on the Saudi Energy Efficiency Program (SEEP) portal before shipping.

Want to learn more about the latest restrictions? Check out our full guide on the 2025 Saudi car import ban list to see which manufacturers, models, and modifications are affected.

Permanently Prohibited Vehicle Types

Regardless of manufacturer compliance, certain vehicle categories cannot be imported:

Salvage, Rebuilt, or Heavily Damaged Vehicles:

• Flood-damaged, fire-damaged, or structurally compromised cars

• Vehicles with tampered VINs or chassis numbers

• Former total-loss insurance vehicles

Former Commercial/Public Service Vehicles:

• Ex-police vehicles

• Former taxis or ride-share fleet cars

• Rental company vehicles (unless properly re-titled and inspected)

Right-Hand Drive (RHD) Vehicles:

• Only left-hand drive vehicles allowed for standard registration

• RHD prohibited except rare classic exemptions (30+ years with special approval)

Modified Steering/Safety Systems:

• Vehicles converted from RHD to LHD post-manufacture

• Cars with non-factory steering configurations

Heavily Modified Non-Compliant Vehicles:

• Vehicles failing to meet Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) specifications

• Cars with major structural modifications affecting safety

For complete eligibility details, see our Saudi 5-year rule and compliance guide.

How Saudi Arabia Handles Left-Hand Drive Imports: Rules & Restrictions in 2025

Saudi Arabia drives on the right side of the road, requiring all registered vehicles to be left-hand drive (LHD). This regulation is absolute and non-negotiable for standard passenger vehicles.

LHD Requirement Fundamentals

Mandatory Configuration:

• All passenger cars, SUVs, and light trucks must be factory-manufactured LHD

• Steering wheel positioned on the left side of vehicle

• Controls, mirrors, and visibility systems designed for right-side driving

Prohibited:

• Right-hand drive vehicles from Japan, UK, Australia, or other RHD markets

• Post-manufacture RHD-to-LHD conversions (considered structurally modified)

• Grey-market RHD imports regardless of value or rarity

Want to dive deeper into regional regulations? Check out our detailed guide on Saudi Arabia’s 2025 left-hand-drive car import rules to understand full compliance requirements.

Classic Vehicle Exception (30+ Years)

Saudi Arabia provides limited exemption for genuine classic/antique vehicles over 30 years old. However:

• Approval is discretionary, not automatic

• Vehicles must meet authentic classic/collector standards

• Road use typically prohibited; display/collection purposes only

• Must pass SASO authentication and condition review

• Still subject to customs duties and registration restrictions

For classic car import details, see our classic car duty exemption guide.

GCC Specification Compliance

Beyond steering configuration, Saudi-imported vehicles must meet Gulf Cooperation Council standards:

• Climate adaptation (enhanced cooling systems for extreme heat)

• Dust filtration and air quality systems

• Region-specific emissions compliance

• Arabic labeling requirements on critical controls

• Safety equipment meeting GSO (Gulf Standardization Organization) standards

Vehicles manufactured for U.S., European, or Asian markets often require certification work costing $500–$2,000 to meet GCC specs. Always confirm compliance before shipping—non-compliant vehicles face port rejection.

Get full documentation requirements at our Saudi shipping documents checklist.

Can You Ship Modified or Performance Cars to Saudi Arabia? [Turbo, Tinted, Tuned]

Saudi Arabia permits modified vehicles with strict limitations. Understanding which modifications are acceptable—and which trigger rejection—prevents expensive port detentions.

Acceptable Performance Modifications

Factory-Installed Performance Packages:

• Manufacturer-offered sport packages, turbocharged models, and performance trims fully allowed

• Must be documented on original factory build sheet

• Example: BMW M-series, Mercedes-AMG, factory-turbocharged models

Mild Cosmetic Upgrades:

• Aftermarket wheels/rims (if maintaining safe specifications)

• Performance exhaust systems (meeting noise regulations)

• Suspension upgrades (not altering ride height beyond safety limits)

Window Tinting Regulations

Saudi traffic law strictly regulates window tinting:

Permitted:

• Rear and side windows: Maximum 30% tint (70% light transmission minimum)

• Clear, non-reflective film only

Prohibited:

• Front windshield tinting (except narrow sun-strip at top)

• Mirror/reflective tints

• Excessive darkness exceeding 30% rear/side maximum

• Decorative films obstructing visibility

Violations result in SAR 150–500 fines and potential registration denial. Pre-shipping tint removal recommended for non-compliant vehicles.

Want to learn more about what Saudi Arabia allows for tuned vehicles? Check out our full guide on import rules for modified and performance cars to understand what’s compliant and what isn’t.

Prohibited Modifications Requiring Prior Approval

Per Saudi Traffic Law Article 25, modifications changing color, features, equipment, load capacity, or dimensions require prior permit from competent authority. Importing modified vehicles without approval risks:

• SAR 1,000–2,000 fines

• Vehicle impoundment

• Forced modification removal before registration

High-Risk Modifications:

• Engine swaps or non-factory powertrains

• Turbocharger/supercharger additions post-manufacture

• Significant suspension alterations

• Body kit installations changing vehicle dimensions

• Frame/chassis modifications

• Electrical system overhauls

Best Practice: Ship factory-spec vehicles or obtain Saudi modification approval documentation before export. 

Can You Ship Electric Cars to Saudi Arabia? 2025 EV Compliance & Charging Requirements

Saudi Arabia actively promotes electric vehicle adoption as part of Vision 2030, but EV imports face specific technical and compliance requirements distinct from conventional vehicles.

EV Import Eligibility & Standards

Age Requirement:

• Electric vehicles subject to same 5-year age limit as conventional cars

• Manufactured within 5 years of import year (2020+ models for 2025 imports)

Technical Regulation Compliance:

• Must meet SASO Technical Regulations for Electric Vehicles (updated January 2025)

• Covers vehicles under 3,500kg with speeds exceeding 25km/h

• Requires GCC-spec battery systems, charging compatibility, safety protocols

Required Certifications:

• SASO Certificate of Conformity obtained through SABER platform (approximately SAR 1,500 / ~$400)

• Battery safety documentation (UN3480 compliance for lithium-ion systems)

• Thermal management verification for Saudi climate conditions

• Arabic labeling on charging ports and safety systems

Want to understand how EV rules work in the region? Check out our detailed guide on shipping electric cars to Saudi Arabia in 2025 for age limits, compliance requirements, and charging standards.

Charging Infrastructure & Compatibility

Saudi Charging Standards:

• Government targeting 500+ public charging stations by 2025, 5,000 fast chargers by 2030

• CCS (Combined Charging System) and Type 2 connectors most common

• CHAdeMO support limited but available in major cities

Home Charging:

• Saudi Ministry of Energy provides subsidies for private charging installation

• Requires certified electrician and local utility approval

• 6-10 hour charging typical on Level 2 home systems

• Fast-charging (DC) capable of 80% charge in 30-45 minutes at public stations

Infrastructure Limitations:

• Charging networks concentrated in Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam

• Rural/remote areas have minimal public charging availability

• Range anxiety remains concern outside major urban corridors

Import Duties & Registration

• Standard 5% customs duty applies to EVs

• 15% VAT on CIF value (no current EV-specific incentive or exemption, unlike some markets)

• Local registration requires standard technical inspection at MVPI facility

• Mandatory local automotive coverage before license plate issuance

For comprehensive EV compliance and battery transport documentation, see our Norway EV export guide (similar international standards apply).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I import a Koenigsegg or McLaren to Saudi Arabia in 2025?

Currently suspended due to manufacturer non-compliance with CAFE supply plans. Check SEEP portal for updated approval status.

Are all right-hand drive vehicles banned?

Yes, except extremely rare classic exemptions (30+ years, discretionary approval, typically no road use).

What happens if my vehicle has 35% window tint?

Customs may flag it; registration will be denied until corrected to 30% maximum. Pre-shipping adjustment recommended.

Do electric vehicles get duty exemptions in Saudi Arabia?

No—EVs pay standard 5% duty + 15% VAT with no current tax incentive (unlike UAE or Norway).

Can I ship a salvage-title vehicle if I repair it first?

No—salvage, rebuilt, flood-damaged, or structurally compromised vehicles prohibited regardless of repair status.

Ready to Ship Your Vehicle to Saudi Arabia?

West Coast Shipping provides expert guidance on Saudi compliance, documentation, and eligibility verification for 2025 imports. For detailed cost breakdowns, port options, and instant quotes, visit our Saudi Arabia shipping hub or explore our complete 2025 Saudi import guide.