When Must You Inspect Your Vehicle?

OFFICIAL INFORMATION / INSPECTION TIMING

Official regulations set inspection timing by vehicle type as follows:

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*Vehicle Type*	*First Inspection*	*Frequency*
New private cars	After 3 years	Annually
Public transport vehicles	After 2 years	Annually
Pickup trucks (light cargo)	After 3 years	Annually
Private motorcycles	After 3 years	Annually

Important note: Stations accept any vehicle the owner wishes to inspect at any time, even before the mandatory date. A successful inspection is valid for one year, and you can check your vehicle's inspection validity through the Absher Individuals platform.

المصدر / Source: MVPI — When vehicle inspection is required

Situations Requiring Periodic Inspection

In addition to the mandatory annual inspection, several other situations require presenting your vehicle for inspection:

• Before traveling outside the Kingdom

• Before any traffic procedure such as renewing the vehicle registration (Istimara)

• When transferring vehicle ownership (buying or selling)

• When there is any technical fault in the vehicle

• After any major modification to the engine, body, or color

• After repairing the vehicle following a traffic accident

• For used vehicles registered in another country when seeking Saudi plates

• When foreign vehicles enter the Kingdom through customs ports

المصدر / Source: Executive Regulation for Motor Vehicle Periodic Inspection

Periodic Inspection Fees 2026

OFFICIAL FEES / VAT INCLUSIVE

The Vehicle Safety Center set the official inspection fees for each vehicle type, all inclusive of VAT:

Vehicle Type	Inspection Fee	Re-Inspection
Private car (passenger)	SAR 115	SAR 37.95
Pickup truck (light cargo)	SAR 115	SAR 37.95
Private motorcycle	SAR 51.75	SAR 17.25

Re-inspection note: Vehicle owners are entitled to two re-inspection opportunities within 14 working days of the first inspection date and time. When re-inspecting within the grace period, only the items the vehicle failed are checked, at a reduced fee. After the 14-day grace period expires or both opportunities are used, the full fee and complete inspection apply again.

المصدر / Source: Vehicle Safety Center / MVPI / Official FAQ

Required Documents for Inspection

When presenting your vehicle for inspection, make sure to bring the following documents:

• The pre-booked appointment

• Vehicle owner's ID, a first-degree relative, or an authorized driver

• Vehicle registration (Istimara), a traffic printout, or the original customs card for imported cars

The vehicle must be presented by its owner, a first-degree relative, a sponsored person, or an authorized driver, after being washed and cleaned.

المصدر / Source: MVPI — Required documents

Parts That Are Inspected

Periodic inspection covers several core vehicle systems using specialized electro-mechanical testing equipment, in accordance with Saudi standards. The main inspected parts include:

• Brake system and its efficiency

• Steering system and wheel alignment (side slip)

• Tires, their condition, and tread depth

• Front, rear, and signal lighting systems

• Emissions and exhaust levels (to reduce environmental pollution)

• Suspension and shock absorption system

• Overall body and its structural integrity

• Core vehicle safety systems

Parts That Cause Inspection Failure

A vehicle fails inspection when there are major faults affecting safety, such as damaged brakes or tires, faulty lighting systems, or emissions exceeding the permitted limit. Vehicles posing a direct safety risk are also excluded from the inspection site in specific cases:

• Fuel system leak

• Engine overheating

• Sparking from electrical parts

• Vehicle fluid leakage

المصدر / Source: Executive Regulation for Technical Inspection / SASO

Steps to Book and Complete Periodic Inspection

The inspection process is simple and takes place in four main steps:

1. Book an appointment in advance through the Unified Platform for Periodic Inspection Appointments or the Vehicle Safety Center website, selecting the region, vehicle type, date, and time.

2. Attend the station at the scheduled time, register the vehicle data, and pay the prescribed fees.

3. The vehicle is inspected by the specialized periodic inspection team using accredited equipment.

4. Receive the inspection result; if passed, the inspection sticker is affixed to the windshield.

You can log in to book via your National ID or through the Unified National Access (Nafath). Booking is also available through the Absher platform, or you can request the mobile inspection station in certain cases.

المصدر / Source: MVPI / Unified Platform for Inspection Appointments

Inspection Sticker and Violations

After passing inspection, the inspection officer affixes the inspection sticker to the vehicle's windshield. This sticker is important to avoid the traffic violation resulting from not presenting the vehicle for inspection on time.

If the sticker is damaged, you can obtain a replacement sticker for the remaining validity period for SAR 50 (excluding VAT) by visiting the inspection station, or conduct a new inspection with new fees and a fresh one-year validity.

Warning: Failing to conduct periodic inspection on time may expose the vehicle owner to a financial fine, and inspection is a prerequisite for renewing the vehicle registration. It's advisable to track your inspection expiry date through Absher and renew it on time.

المصدر / Source: MVPI / Saudi Traffic System

Practical Tips to Pass Inspection the First Time

To save time and extra fees, here are practical tips to pass inspection successfully on the first attempt:

• Check the brakes and ensure no noise or vibration when braking

• Ensure all tires are sound, with adequate tread depth and proper air pressure

• Test all lights: front, rear, brakes, and signals

• Make sure there are no oil or engine fluid leaks

• Ensure the emergency triangle and fire extinguisher are in the vehicle

• Clean the vehicle and remove any non-standard modifications before inspection

• Make sure the vehicle plate matches its category and is compliant

• Book your appointment in advance to avoid waiting and congestion

Why Periodic Inspection Matters to You as a Car Owner

Periodic inspection isn't just a mandatory government procedure — it's a tool that protects your investment in your car. Detecting faults early saves you larger repair costs in the future and preserves your car's resale value. An inspected, safe car also protects your life and your family's on the road.

When you buy a new car from AlRomaih Cars, you benefit from the first 3-year period that doesn't require periodic inspection, plus the manufacturer warranty covering technical faults. This gives you complete peace of mind in the early years of ownership.

AlRomaih Advice

Keep a regular maintenance record for your car from the authorized dealer. Cars that undergo regular maintenance pass periodic inspection more easily, retain their market value, and last longer. Preventive maintenance is always cheaper than emergency repair.

Contact AlRomaih Cars

Phone: 9200 31 202

WhatsApp: 9200 31 202

Email: info@alromaihcars.com

Our Branches: Riyadh • Arar • Sakaka