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 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.
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.
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.
Regardless of manufacturer compliance, certain vehicle categories cannot be imported:
Flood-damaged, fire-damaged, or structurally compromised cars
Vehicles with tampered VINs or chassis numbers
Former total-loss insurance vehicles
Ex-police vehicles
Former taxis or ride-share fleet cars
Rental company vehicles (unless properly re-titled and inspected)
Only left-hand drive vehicles allowed for standard registration
RHD prohibited except rare classic exemptions (30+ years with special approval)
Vehicles converted from RHD to LHD post-manufacture
Cars with non-factory steering configurations
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
Saudi Arabia permits modified vehicles with strict limitations. Understanding which modifications are acceptable—and which trigger rejection—prevents expensive port detentions.
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
Aftermarket wheels/rims (if maintaining safe specifications)
Performance exhaust systems (meeting noise regulations)
Suspension upgrades (not altering ride height beyond safety limits)
Saudi traffic law strictly regulates window tinting:
Rear and side windows: Maximum 30% tint (70% light transmission minimum)
Clear, non-reflective film only
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.
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
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.
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.
Electric vehicles subject to same 5-year age limit as conventional cars
Manufactured within 5 years of import year (2020+ models for 2025 imports)
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
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.
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
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
Charging networks concentrated in Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam
Rural/remote areas have minimal public charging availability
Range anxiety remains concern outside major urban corridors
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).
Currently suspended due to manufacturer non-compliance with CAFE supply plans. Check SEEP portal for updated approval status.
Yes, except extremely rare classic exemptions (30+ years, discretionary approval, typically no road use).
Customs may flag it; registration will be denied until corrected to 30% maximum. Pre-shipping adjustment recommended.
No—EVs pay standard 5% duty + 15% VAT with no current tax incentive (unlike UAE or Norway).
No—salvage, rebuilt, flood-damaged, or structurally compromised vehicles prohibited regardless of repair status.
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.