Are you planning to visit Saudi Arabia in the coming days? If your answer is yes, then you will be pleased to know that new regulations have been introduced in Saudi Arabia, which could affect your experience of car rental in the kingdom. Authorised by Saleh Al-Jasser, the Saudi Arabia Minister of Transport and Logistics, here’s all you need to know about it.
New Regulations Regarding Renting A Taxi In Saudi Arabia
Recently, the Minister of Transport and Logistics, Saleh Al-Jasser, authorised major changes in the rules of managing automobile rental agencies. As revealed in a report by Saudi Gazette, it was mentioned that these significant amendments pertaining to car rental and rental brokers in Saudi Arabia have been approved. The regulations introduced important changes, which aim to enhance transparency, ensure compliance with industry standards, and improve service quality.
As revealed in the report, one of the important amendments clarifies a defamation of reservation. This has been done in Article 1, which specifies that it refers to the process of booking a car and selecting additional services. This can be done through electronic platforms before finalising the rental contract. Moreover, the adjustment also aligns with the growing reliance on digital services, even in the car rental industry.
Also Read: flydubai Just Announced That It Will Soon Be Flying To These Destinations In Iran, March Onwards
You Can Now Rent A Car With A Driver
Coming to the financial requirements for rental companies, these have also been revised. Paragraph 5 of Clause 1 in Article 4 now instructs that a financial guarantee of SAR 100,000 must be made in favour of the Transport General Authority. But entrepreneurial establishments will be granted a one-time exemption from this requirement. As a result, it was bound to support small businesses and foster industry growth. A major regulatory shift includes the removal of restrictions that previously prohibited renting cars with drivers. This is now possible, however, it must be for at least six hours to ensure there is a more structured and standardised rental agreement. Moreover, the amendment also introduces new penalties and violations that strengthen oversight and enforce compliance.
Another important change is to stolen rental vehicles. Reporting a stolen car to the authorities is considered the termination point of the dental contract, and failure to comply with this rule can result in a SAR3000 fine. These regulatory measures ensure that rental companies and brokers must operate with a valid license, and practising such activities through an expired license cannot result in a fine of SAR5000. Not to mention, rental companies are also prohibited from requiring the tenant to sign additional documents that are beyond the official rental contract. Violations of this kind can result in a fine of SAR 3,000.
So, with these new regulations in place, renting a car in Saudi Arabia just became a lot more seamless for people.
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva (Images are for representative purposes only)
For more such snackable content, interesting discoveries and the latest updates on food, travel and experiences in your city, download the Curly Tales App. Download HERE.