Article 457 of the Saudi Civil Transactions Law
المادة 457 من نظام المعاملات المدنية · الفرع الثاني: آثار عقد الإعارة
The article sets how the borrower may use the thing lent: in the customary way if the loan is unrestricted, and within the restrictions if it is limited by time, place or kind of use.
Official text (Arabic)
This article has not been amended since the law was issued.
1- إذا كانت الإعارة غير مقيدة بزمانٍ أو بمكانٍ أو بنوع من الانتفاع؛ فللمستعير أن ينتفع بالشيء المعار على الوجه المعتاد.
2- إذا كانت الإعارة مقيدة بزمانٍ أو بمكانٍ التزم المستعير بهذا القيد، وليس له عند تعيين نوع الانتفاع أن يجاوز قدره المماثل.
This is the official Arabic wording, the only legally binding version. We do not translate the law itself; the explanation below is ours. Official source: Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers
Article 457 explained in plain English
This article regulates the limits of the borrower's use of the thing lent, and distinguishes an unrestricted loan from a restricted one:
- An unrestricted loan: if the loan is not restricted by time, place or kind of use, the borrower may use the thing in the customary way. An unrestricted loan does not mean use in any manner, but in the customary manner for such a thing.
- A loan restricted by time or place: the borrower is bound by that restriction.
- Specifying the kind of use: if the kind of use is specified, the borrower may not go beyond its equivalent measure; that is, the borrower may not use the thing in a way that exceeds in extent the agreed use.
This article completes the preceding rules on the effects of a loan for use. Article 456 puts ordinary expenses and the cost of return on the borrower unless otherwise agreed, and Article 458 follows to prevent the borrower from dealing with the thing lent in a way that creates a right in it or in its use for anyone, except with the lender's permission.
The text does not itself state the consequence of going beyond the restrictions in each case, and determining the "customary way" and the "equivalent measure" depends on the nature of the thing and the agreement. In a dispute it is advisable to consult a lawyer specializing in civil matters.
Practical example
Youssef lent his friend a small truck for two days on condition that it be used within Riyadh to move his household furniture. Here the loan is restricted by time and place, so the friend is bound by the two days and by use within Riyadh, and may not exceed the specified extent of use, moving his household furniture. Had Youssef lent him the truck with no restriction, he could use it in the customary way for such a truck.
Translated from our Arabic explanation with machine assistance. For guidance only; it does not replace advice from a lawyer on your situation.
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Frequently asked questions about Article 457 of the Saudi Civil Transactions Law
How may a borrower use the thing if no conditions were set for the loan?
The borrower may use it in the customary way if the loan is not restricted by time, place or kind of use.
Is the borrower bound by the place and time set in the loan?
Yes. If the loan is restricted by time or place, the borrower is bound by that restriction.
May the borrower use the thing more than was agreed?
If the kind of use is specified, the borrower may not go beyond its equivalent measure.
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The texts are reproduced from the official website of the Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers for reference; where they differ, the officially published Arabic text prevails. This content is not legal advice.