Why Did the Traffic Department Launch This Service?

NEW OFFICIAL SERVICE / SAUDI TRAFFIC

The traffic department's decision came in response to the design nature of modern sports cars. The main reasons behind the service:

• Compatibility with the design of modern sports cars with low, aerodynamic front ends

• Standard plates may not be mountable on supercars due to limited structural space

• Keeping pace with the standards and specifications requirements of modern vehicles

• Responding to requests submitted by citizens and owners of this category of vehicles

• Enhancing development and improving traffic services within the Ministry of Interior's efforts

المصدر / Source: General Department of Traffic / Saudi Press Agency

Requirements for the Short Plate

To benefit from the service, a set of conditions related to the vehicle and its owner must be met. The core condition is that the vehicle belongs to the category of sports cars with specific factory technical specifications approved by the traffic department.

Vehicle-Related Conditions

• The vehicle must be in the category of sports vehicles with specific factory technical specifications

• The vehicle's specifications must be approved by the General Department of Traffic to qualify for the service

• The vehicle's factory design does not suit the standard long plate

Owner and Vehicle Conditions (General Plate Replacement Conditions)

• The applicant must be the actual owner of the vehicle registered in their name

• No existing prior replacement request for the same vehicle

• No active report of a lost or stolen vehicle plate

• Payment of the prescribed service fees

المصدر / Source: General Department of Traffic / Absher — plate replacement conditions

Steps to Issue the Short Plate via Absher

The service is available entirely electronically through the Absher platform without needing to visit a traffic branch. Follow these steps:

1. Log in to the Ministry of Interior's 'Absher' platform and sign in to your account.

2. Select 'My Services' then 'Vehicle Services'.

3. Go to 'Vehicle Management' then select the desired vehicle.

4. Choose the 'Replace Vehicle Plates' service.

5. Complete all required procedures and pay the service fees.

6. Wait for request approval, then receive the plate per the instructions provided.

Note: All procedures are completed electronically through Absher without needing to visit General Department of Traffic offices, saving time and effort for sports car owners.

المصدر / Source: General Department of Traffic / Absher — service steps

Required Documents and Fees

Element	Details
Service type	Replacing the front plate with a short plate
Provider	General Department of Traffic
Platform	Absher Individuals (fully electronic)
Eligible category	Sports vehicles with specific factory technical specifications
Core requirement	Vehicle ownership + no lost/stolen plate report
Fees	Determined and displayed via Absher upon application
Processing time	After request approval and completing procedures

Regarding fees: Official fees are displayed via the Absher platform when submitting the request. Some media estimates suggest they may be similar to distinctive-plate fees, but we recommend relying on the official figure shown in Absher when using the service, as it is the accurate and up-to-date reference.

المصدر / Source: Absher Platform — official fees displayed upon request

Frequently Asked Questions

Are all sports cars eligible for the service?

No, the service is dedicated to sports vehicles with specific factory technical specifications approved by the traffic department. When submitting a request via Absher, the vehicle's eligibility is automatically verified based on its registered data.

Do I need to visit a traffic branch?

No, the service is entirely electronic through Absher, and the traffic department confirmed it can be used without needing to visit General Department of Traffic offices.

Is the short plate fully legal?

Yes, the short plate is an official service approved by the General Department of Traffic, dedicated to eligible vehicles per approved specifications. This is completely different from mounting non-standard plates, which is a traffic violation.

What about the rear plate?

The announced service specifically concerns the short front plate, to address the design issue of sports car front ends. For precise details about rear plate requirements, please refer to the Absher platform or the General Department of Traffic.

What This Means for Sports Car Enthusiasts

This service is an important step for owners and enthusiasts of sports cars in Saudi Arabia. Many luxury and supercars come with a low, aerodynamic front design that doesn't suit the standard long plate, and mounting the plate either spoiled the front appearance or was technically difficult. The short plate solves this problem officially and legally.

The service also reflects the development of traffic services in the Kingdom and their adaptation to the diversity of modern vehicles, serving a growing segment of sports and luxury car enthusiasts.

AlRomaih Advice

When acquiring any car, always ensure all its regulatory procedures — from plates to periodic inspection to insurance — are complete and proper. Complying with traffic regulations protects you from violations and preserves your car's value. For any inquiry about our available cars, the AlRomaih Cars team is ready to serve you.

Contact AlRomaih Cars

Phone: 9200 31 202

WhatsApp: 9200 31 202

Email: info@alromaihcars.com

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