Article 31 of the Saudi Traffic Law

المادة 31 من نظام المرور · الباب الثالث: أوزان المركبات وأبعادها وفحصها

The article requires large vehicles, such as trucks, buses and public works vehicles, and animal-drawn vehicles to be fitted with lights or reflective strips at the rear and on both sides.

Official text (Arabic)

This article has not been amended since the law was issued.

يجب تزويد المركبات الكبيرة، كالشاحنات والحافلات ومركبات الأشغال العامة، وتلك التي تجرها الحيوانات ؛ بأنوار إضاءة أو شرائح عاكسة توضع في المؤخرة وعلى جانبي هذه المركبات والمعدات.

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 31 explained in plain English

This article aims to make large vehicles visible to others on the road, especially from the rear and sides. The vehicles covered by the text are:

Large vehicles, of which the text gives examples: trucks, buses and public works vehicles. The word "such as" shows that these are examples, not an exhaustive list.
Animal-drawn vehicles.

They must be fitted with one of two things:

Lights, or
Reflective strips.

The text specifies where they go: at the rear and on both sides of the vehicle or equipment. Fitting them at the back alone is not enough. The article does not state the specifications or sizes of these lights or strips, or the penalty for failing to comply.

This article complements Article 30, which 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. The two articles deal with vehicles whose size or visibility other drivers find hard to judge, especially at night or in poor visibility.

It is also linked to Article 32, which bans anyone from driving any vehicle before obtaining the necessary driving license in accordance with the Law and its Regulations; the safety of the vehicle and the qualification of its driver are both conditions of using the road. Anyone who owns a fleet of trucks or buses and needs to check compliance with these requirements, or who was involved in an accident with a large vehicle not fitted with them, may consult a lawyer who specializes in traffic matters.

Practical example

A transport company in Dammam owns several buses to carry employees. Under this article each bus must be fitted with lights or reflective strips at its rear and on both sides.

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 content

A question about Article 31 of Traffic Law?

Describe what happened and specialist lawyers answer. You can write in English.