Article 42 of the Saudi Traffic Law

المادة 42 من نظام المرور · الباب الرابع: رخص القيادة

The article sets the period of use of a recognized international or foreign driving license at one year from the date its holder enters the Kingdom or until its validity ends, whichever is earlier.

Official text (Arabic)

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

تحدد مدة استخدام رخصة القيادة الدولية والأجنبية المعترف بها بسنة واحدة من تاريخ دخول حاملها إلى المملكة أو انتهاء فترة صلاحيتها، أيهما أقرب.

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 42 explained in plain English

This article answers a common question among visitors and new arrivals: how long can one drive in the Kingdom on an international or foreign license?

The rule is that the period of use of the license ends at the earlier of two dates:

One year passing from the date its holder enters the Kingdom; or
The end of the license's own validity period.

If the license remains valid for more than a year after entry, the period is one year from the date of entry. If its validity ends before the year has passed, its use ends when its validity ends.

The text requires the license to be recognized; the rule covers only the recognized international and foreign license. The article does not explain how to count the period if the holder leaves the Kingdom and then returns, or address what the holder must do after the period ends; the text does not deal with these matters.

This rule differs from the validity periods of Saudi licenses regulated by Article 41, under which private driving licenses and motorcycle driving licenses are valid for ten years, and the other types of licenses for five years. It is also linked to Article 43, which gives a person with special needs the right to obtain a driving license after submitting an approved medical report proving his ability to drive.

Anyone who resides in the Kingdom for a long time on a foreign license, or who was cited for a violation concerning it, may consult a lawyer who specializes in traffic matters.

Practical example

A tourist arrives in Riyadh with a recognized international driving license that expires four months after his entry. Under this article he can use it until its validity ends after four months, because that is earlier than a year from his entry.

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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