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GCC-Plated Cars Can Stay in Saudi Arabia Only 90 Days Annually

New rules limit GCC-plated cars to a maximum 90-day stay within any 12-month period, with penalties for overstays.

  • Publish date: Friday، 27 February 2026 Reading time: 1 min read
GCC-Plated Cars Can Stay in Saudi Arabia Only 90 Days Annually
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Thinking of keeping your Gulf-registered car in Saudi for the long haul? Not anymore. Saudi Arabia has introduced a new rule that limits GCC-plated vehicles to 90 days within any 365-day period — whether that’s consecutive or spread out.

The clock starts ticking the moment the car enters through any customs port.

What the New Rule Means

Under the updated regulations approved by the Council of Ministers, vehicles registered in Gulf countries can only stay in the Kingdom for a total of 90 days per year. That includes vehicles owned by Saudi citizens, expatriates, or driven by authorized users.

If the vehicle is rented from a licensed company in a GCC country, it’s exempt from the rule.

Why the Change?

Authorities say the move is aimed at tightening oversight and reducing traffic violations. Some vehicles have reportedly remained in the country for extended periods without proper registration, making enforcement more complicated.

This rule is meant to streamline monitoring and ensure all vehicles on the road comply with local regulations.

Extensions and Penalties

Need more time? Owners or authorized drivers can apply for an extension before the 90-day limit expires. The Ministry of Interior will review requests individually and decide what documents are required.

Vehicle data will be shared between the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority and the Ministry of Interior to support enforcement. Drivers must also register vehicle details at customs ports upon entry.

Overstaying the 90-day limit will be treated as a traffic violation, and penalties will apply under Saudi traffic law.

If you regularly drive in and out of the Kingdom with a GCC-plated car, this is one rule you’ll want to track closely.

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