Car Modification in Saudi Arabia: What's Allowed, What Needs Permission, and What's a Violation

The core rule: Article 25 of the Traffic Law

Article 25 of the Traffic Law prohibits — without prior authorization from the competent authority — modifications that change any of the following. Understanding this list is the starting point before any modification:

• The vehicle's color (noting that repainting in the original color differs from changing the registered color).

• The vehicle's features (its distinctive external appearance).

• Essential equipment.

• Load capacity, if increased beyond the specified limit.

• Dimensions, if increased beyond the specified limit.

An important distinction: Article 25 governs the vehicle owner's responsibility for modifications, while other provisions of the Traffic Law (including Article 64) address the obligations of repair and modification workshops. A workshop is bound not to carry out unauthorized modifications, but that does not remove the owner's own responsibility to regularize the vehicle's status.

Common modifications: where does each stand?

There is no single ruling covering all modifications; what matters is the modification's actual effect on the vehicle, not the part's name. The table below shows the general picture for the main categories:

Modification	General status	What to watch for
Color change	Needs authorization + data update	Color-change authorization and registration update with Traffic
Window tinting	Restricted by Traffic conditions	Don't rely on percentages circulating in shops/online
Wheels & tires	No blanket size-increase rule	Affects dimensions, clearance, speed & load ratings
Suspension (lift/lower)	Depends on the change	Structural change can affect inspection eligibility
Sport exhaust	No absolute ruling	Road pollution is a violation; don't tamper emissions
Lights & warning devices	Unauthorized ones banned	Especially anything resembling emergency vehicles
Stickers & markings	Need approval	Covered by the violations schedule without approval
Body kits & bumpers	Need procedures	Structural change without procedures is a violation
Engine & turbo	No absolute ruling	Some work is restricted without a valid permit

SASO's modified-vehicle inspection service

The Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) offers an official inspection service for modified vehicles referred by the Traffic General Directorate or the periodic inspection system. SASO also publishes the 'Technical Regulation for Modified Vehicles and Limited-Production Models' — noting that its existence does not mean every modification is automatically approved.

Service	Fee
Inspection for a vehicle whose characteristics will change	SAR 500
Inspection without changing characteristics	SAR 300

Source: SASO — Periodic Technical Inspection of Vehicles

• Requirements: referral letter from the referring authority, vehicle registration, and other SASO requirements.

• Process: book, inspect at a SASO unit, and results are sent to the referring authority.

Changing your car's color: the legal procedure

Changing the registered color is one of the most common modifications. Its legal essence is obtaining authorization to change the color and updating the vehicle's data with Traffic, so the actual color matches what's registered. The separate 'repair permit' in Absher is a distinct service for workshop repair work and should not be confused with the color-change authorization. Because the procedural details can change, confirm the current path through official channels:

• Check the color-change requirements and authorization via Absher or the Traffic Department before starting.

• Do the work at a registered, approved workshop.

• Prepare the vehicle documents (original registration) and your ID/Iqama.

• Present the vehicle to Traffic to inspect and update the color in the registration and system.

Note: fees and procedures vary and may be updated; confirm the current requirements and fees via Absher or the Traffic Department before starting — and don't rely on circulating, unofficial paths.

When is a vehicle excluded from periodic inspection? (Article 37)

The Executive Regulations list when a vehicle is excluded from periodic inspection, including cases tied directly to modification:

• Its data does not match the vehicle registration license.

• It has a defect or major modification to its structure.

• It was converted to another category without approval.

• It was adapted for a use different from its manufacturing purpose without official approval.

• Its plate category does not match its actual category.

An excluded vehicle does not receive an inspection certificate, and standard re-inspection procedures do not apply — making it essential to regularize the modification to get back on track.

The reality of violations: there is no single 'modification fine'

There is no single violation called 'car modification'. The Ministry of Interior's violations schedule covers separate cases, each with its own ruling. Key ones include: unauthorized structural/body modification (the vehicle may be impounded until the violation is removed), non-compliant tinting, illegal equipment, and road pollution. So the right question is: which specific modification, and which provision applies? — rather than assuming one fine for all modifications.

The correct legal modification steps

• Define the exact modification you want.

• Determine its effect on the vehicle's specifications (color, dimensions, load, features...).

• Check the related Traffic requirements.

• Obtain the required approvals and permits in advance.

• Carry out the work technically at an approved provider.

• Complete the required inspection or approval (SASO when referred).

• Confirm the vehicle's condition and data match in the system.

Small accessories generally don't need this full process; the focus here is on major modifications.

A smarter option: choose the right car from the start

Many modifications are pursued to get a certain performance, look or equipment — which can often be reached safely and legally by choosing the right model and trim from the start. Browse all new cars at Alromaih Cars with clear specs and prices, and compare

different brands and trims to fit your need.

Check the latest offers, or contact us on 920031202 to help you pick the most suitable car without complex modifications.

Frequently asked questions

Is car modification banned in Saudi Arabia?

Not absolutely. But modifications that change a vehicle's color, features, essential equipment, dimensions or load capacity need prior authorization from the competent authority under Article 25 of the Traffic Law.

How much is SASO's modified-vehicle inspection?

SAR 500 for a vehicle whose characteristics will change, and SAR 300 without changing characteristics, for vehicles referred by Traffic or the periodic inspection system.

How do I change my car's color legally?

The core step is obtaining authorization to change the color and updating the vehicle's data with Traffic after the work is done at an approved workshop, so the actual color matches the registered one. Confirm current requirements via Absher or the Traffic Department, and don't confuse the color-change authorization with the repair-permit service.

Does modification affect periodic inspection?

Yes. Major structural modification or mismatched data can cause the vehicle to be excluded from periodic inspection until its status is regularized.

Sources

Source: SASO — Periodic Technical Inspection & Technical Regulation for Modified Vehicles

Source: Absher — Vehicle services

Source: Ministry of Interior — Traffic Law & violations schedule

Note: this content is for general awareness; regulations and fees may be updated. The final reference is the official authorities.

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