When Must You Inspect Your Vehicle?

The Motor Vehicle Periodic Inspection (MVPI) — known in Saudi Arabia as “Fahes” — is a mandatory technical check that keeps your car safe and road-legal. This complete guide explains when vehicle inspection is required in Saudi Arabia, the 2026 fees, the documents you need, what is inspected, and how to book, with official sources throughout.

Official information / Inspection schedule

Saudi regulations set the periodic inspection timing according to the 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
Pickups (light load)	After 3 years	Annually
Private motorcycles	After 3 years	Annually

Important note: Inspection stations accept any vehicle whose owner wishes to have it inspected 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 Afrad platform.

Source: MVPI Periodic Inspection Center — When a vehicle inspection is required

Cases That Require a Periodic Inspection

In addition to the mandatory annual inspection, there are other cases in which the vehicle must be presented for inspection:

• Before travelling outside the Kingdom

• Before completing any traffic procedure, such as renewing the vehicle registration (istimara)

• When transferring vehicle ownership (sale or purchase)

• When there is any technical fault in the vehicle

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

• After repairing the vehicle following a traffic accident

• For used vehicles registered in another country when Saudi plates are requested

• When foreign vehicles enter the Kingdom through customs ports

Source: The executive regulation for organising the periodic technical inspection of vehicles

Periodic Technical Inspection Fees 2026

Official fees / VAT included

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

Vehicle Type	Inspection Fee	Re-inspection
Private car (passenger transport)	SAR 115	SAR 37.95
Pickup (light load)	SAR 115	SAR 37.95
Private motorcycle	SAR 51.75	SAR 17.25

Note on re-inspection: The vehicle owner is entitled to two re-inspection chances within 14 working days from the date and time of the first inspection. When re-inspecting within this window, only the items the vehicle failed are re-checked, at a reduced fee. After the 14-day window ends or both chances are used, the inspection is charged again in full with all items.

Source: Vehicle Safety Center / MVPI / Official FAQ

Documents Required for the Inspection

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

• The pre-booked appointment

• The ID of the vehicle owner, a first-degree relative, or the authorised driver

• The vehicle registration (istimara), a traffic print-out, or the original customs card for imported cars

The vehicle must be presented by its owner, a first-degree relative, a sponsor, or an authorised driver, after it has been washed and cleaned.

Source: MVPI Periodic Inspection Center — Required documents

Parts That Are Inspected

The periodic technical inspection covers several core vehicle systems using specialised electromechanical testing equipment, in line with Saudi standard specifications. The main inspected parts are:

• The braking system and its efficiency

• The steering system and wheel alignment (side slip)

• Tyres, their condition, and tread depth

• Front and rear lighting and signals

• Emissions and exhaust levels (to limit environmental pollution)

• The suspension and shock-absorption system

• The overall body and its freedom from deformation

• The vehicle’s basic safety systems

Parts That Cause the Inspection to Fail

A vehicle fails the inspection when it has major faults that affect safety, such as damaged brakes or tyres, faulty lighting systems, or emissions exceeding the permitted limit. Vehicles that pose a direct safety risk are also removed from the inspection site in specific cases:

• A leak in the fuel system

• Engine overheating

• Sparking from electrical parts

• A leak of vehicle fluids

Source: The executive regulation for technical inspection / SASO

Steps to Book and Complete the Periodic Inspection

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

1. Book an appointment in advance through the unified periodic technical inspection appointments platform or the Vehicle Safety Center website, choosing the region, vehicle type, date, and time.

2. Arrive at the station at the scheduled time, register the vehicle details, and pay the required fees.

3. The vehicle is inspected by the specialised periodic inspection team using approved equipment.

4. Receive the inspection result; if it passes, the inspection sticker is fixed to the windshield.

You can log in to book using your national ID number or through the unified National Single Sign-On (Nafath). Booking is also available through the Absher platform, or by requesting the mobile inspection station in some cases.

The Inspection Sticker and Fines

After passing the inspection, the inspection officer fixes the inspection sticker to the vehicle’s windshield. This sticker is important to avoid the traffic fine that results 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 of the inspection for a fee of SAR 50 (excluding VAT) by visiting the inspection station, or carry out a new inspection with new fees and a new one-year validity.

Warning: Failing to carry out the periodic inspection on time may expose the vehicle owner to a financial fine, and the inspection is also a basic requirement for renewing the vehicle registration. It is advisable to track the inspection expiry date through Absher and renew it in good time.

Source: MVPI Periodic Inspection Center / Saudi Traffic System

Practical Tips to Pass the Inspection First Time

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

• Check the brakes and make sure there is no noise or vibration when braking

• Make sure all tyres are sound, with adequate tread depth and correct air pressure

• Test all lights: front, rear, brake, and indicators

• Make sure there are no oil or engine-fluid leaks

• Ensure the warning triangle and fire extinguisher are present in the vehicle

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

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

• Book your appointment in advance to avoid waiting and crowding

Why Periodic Inspection Matters to You as a Car Owner

The periodic inspection is not just a mandatory government procedure — it is a tool that protects your investment in your car. Detecting faults early saves you the cost of bigger repairs later and preserves your car’s value at resale. An inspected, safe car also protects your life and your family’s life on the road.

When you buy a new car from Alromaih Cars, you benefit from the first 3-year period that does not require a periodic inspection, in addition to the manufacturer warranty that covers technical faults. This gives you complete peace of mind in the first years of ownership.

Alromaih Tip

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

Contact Alromaih Cars

Phone: 9200 31 202

WhatsApp: 9200 31 202

Email: info@alromaihcars.com

Our branches: Riyadh • Arar • Sakaka