Article 26 of the Saudi Traffic Law
المادة 26 من نظام المرور · الباب الثالث: أوزان المركبات وأبعادها وفحصها
The article subjects all vehicles of all types to a periodic technical inspection to confirm their fitness for use, and refers its special conditions to the Regulations.
Official text (Arabic)
This article has not been amended since the law was issued.
تخضع جميع المركبات - على اختلاف أنواعها - لفحص فني دوري للتأكد من صلاحيتها للاستعمال، وتحدد اللائحة الشروط الخاصة لذلك.
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 26 explained in plain English
This article sets the principle of the periodic technical inspection of vehicles, which people know as the "periodic inspection". Its provisions as stated in the text are:
- Scope: all vehicles of all types; the inspection is not limited to a certain type, such as trucks or taxis.
- Purpose: to confirm that the vehicle is fit for use.
- Nature: a periodic inspection, meaning one that is repeated at intervals, not a one-time inspection.
- Special conditions: set by the Implementing Regulations.
The article does not state the interval between inspections, the body that carries them out, or what follows if an inspection is not carried out; the article refers part of these details to the Regulations, and they may not be assumed from the text.
The periodic inspection is linked to other provisions in this chapter. Article 25 bans, without prior authorization from the competent body, any modification to a vehicle that changes its color, features or basic equipment, or leads to an increase in its load or prescribed dimensions; both provisions aim to keep the vehicle in a fit and conforming condition. Article 27 allows authorization for transporting indivisible loads whose weights or dimensions exceed those set by law, with the Ministers of Interior and Transport setting the conditions and procedures for this.
In practice, a vehicle owner should comply with the periodic inspection as the Regulations provide. Anyone who has faced a problem with an inspection result or with what follows if it is not carried out may consult a lawyer who specializes in traffic matters.
Practical example
Hind owns a private car in Riyadh and thinks the periodic inspection is required only for transport vehicles. Under this article all vehicles of all types are subject to a periodic technical inspection, so her private car is covered, under the conditions the Regulations set.
Translated from our Arabic explanation with machine assistance. For guidance only; it does not replace advice from a lawyer on your situation.
How we write and review contentA question about Article 26 of Traffic Law?
Describe what happened and specialist lawyers answer. You can write in English.
- Completely free
- Lawyers from the directory answer
- Your name stays hidden
Administrative Law lawyers: ask a specialist about your case
Describe your situation briefly and we'll suggest a lawyer who specialises in this law
Administrative Law (Board of Grievances) lawyers
Lawyers who handle this kind of case
Dr. Ali Al-Rubaie Law Office and Ittihad Al-Asr Legal Company
Active contributor
Unwan Law Firm
Frequently asked questions about Article 26 of the Saudi Traffic Law
Is the periodic inspection mandatory for all cars?
Yes. The article provides that all vehicles of all types are subject to a periodic technical inspection.
What is the purpose of the periodic inspection?
To confirm that the vehicle is fit for use, as the article states.
How often must the periodic inspection be done?
The article does not state this period; it refers the special conditions of the inspection to the Implementing Regulations.
More articles on Vehicle Inspection and Weights
- Article 22
The article requires compliance with the weights and dimensions set by law for vehicles.
يجب التقيد بالأوزان والأبعاد المقررة نظاما للمركبات.
- Article 24
The article subjects all vehicles to the specifications and standards approved by the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization.
تخضع جميع المركبات للمواصفات والمقاييس المعتمدة من الهيئة العربية السعودية للمواصفات والمقاييس .
- Article 25
The article bans, without prior authorization from the competent body, any modification to a vehicle that changes its color, features or basic equipment, or increases its load or prescribed dimensions.
يحظر -دون تصريح سابق من الجهة المختصة- إجراء أي تعديل في المركبة يغير لونها، أو معالمها، أو تجهيزاتها الأساسية، أو يؤدي إلى زيادة حمولتها، أو أبعادها المقررة.
- Article 28
The article makes the driver responsible for all damage to lives or public or private property resulting from carrying loads that violate the prescribed weights and dimensions or from ignoring loading safety rules, unless another's responsibility is proven.
يعد السائق مسئولا عن جميع الأضرار التي تصيب الأرواح أو الممتلكات العامة أو الخاصة ؛ نتيجة لنقل أحمال مخالفة للأوزان والأبعاد المقررة نظاما، أو لعدم مراعاة قواعد
- Article 29
The article bans fitting or using unauthorized sound or light warning devices in vehicles.
يحظر وضع أجهزة تنبيه صوتية أو ضوئية غير مصرح بها أو استعمالها في المركبات.
- Article 30
The article requires a trailer, or a broken-down vehicle when it is towed, to be fitted with rear and side lights or reflectors that allow it to be seen.
يجب تزويد المقطورة ، أو المركبة المتعطلة - عند سحبها - بأنوار أو عاكسات خلفية وجانبية تسمح برؤيتها.
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.