Saudi Arabia has drawn a line. GCC plate vehicles are no longer allowed to remain in the Kingdom for more than 90 days in a year. That is the new rule, and yes, the clock is set ticking as soon as the car is taken through customs.
90-Day Period For GCC-Registered Cars Entering Saudi Arabia
It is a decision made by the Saudi Council of Ministers which sanctioned the regulations to increase control over the vehicles registered in the GCC. The message is very clear: brief visits are okay, but long ones that are not duly registered locally are not.
The 90-Day Rule, Made Simple
Within the new structure, any motor vehicle registered in a country of the Gulf Cooperation Council can spend not more than 90 days in Saudi Arabia during a year. It does not imply that those 90 days should be consecutive or separate with different trips. When it reaches 90, the vehicle has to leave the Kingdom. The number starts on the day of entry in any customs port.
The regulation covers cars that belong to Saudi citizens, expatriates, or people who are licensed to drive within the country. But there is one major exemption: the cars rented in the licensed rental companies in the GCC member countries do not have this limit.
The measure was implemented by the authorities to control the use of private vehicles and avoid the cases of violations associated with cars spending long durations in Saudi Arabia without transferring to local registration.
The Reason Saudi Arabia Is Cracking Down
This is a structural and compliance action. The authorities desire to see improved monitoring of the vehicles registered in other countries and the reduction of instances of vehicles being in circulation without documentation.
According to the report by Gulf News, the government is seeking to institutionalise control and curb traffic and registration related violation related to overstaying vehicles.
Several agencies are going to collaborate in the enforcement of the regulation. The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority will furnish the data of the vehicles to the Ministry of Interior. The drivers are also expected to submit vehicle information at the customs port on entry in accordance with the official requirements.
Can You Request an Extension?
Yes! The extension may be requested by vehicle owners or an authorised driver before the expired limit of 90 days. The requests will have to be applied to the Ministry of Interior and will be considered individually. It is subject to approval on the conditions and documentation needed.
The most important term here is discretion. They can not be extended usually, but if you’re lucky, then maybe. When you intend to spend more time in a place, you apply early instead of waiting for the 11th hr to place a request.
Also Read: Saudi Arabia Announces Comprehensive Rules For Umrah Pilgrims For Ramadan
What Happens If You Overstay?
Excessive stay leads to fines in Article 68, Paragraph 5 of the Saudi Traffic Law. Simply, being over the authorised number of stays is a traffic offence. Penalties can include fines and others. The governments have indicated that they will enforce it after the executive decisions are made and the structure is fully operationalised.
Cover Image Courtesy: CanvaPro/raularosa from Getty Images