Article 45 of the Saudi Traffic Law
المادة 45 من نظام المرور · الباب الرابع: رخص القيادة
The article allows a replacement to be issued for a lost or damaged driving license after paying the prescribed fees and any outstanding fines, and leaves the procedures to the Implementing Regulations.
Official text (Arabic)
This article has not been amended since the law was issued.
يتم إصدار بدل لما يفقد أو يتلف من رخص القيادة بعد دفع الرسوم المقررة، والغرامات المترتبة إن وجدت. وتحدد اللائحة الإجراءات اللازمة 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 45 explained in plain English
This article deals with a common situation: a driver loses their driving license or it is damaged. The law allows a replacement license to be issued, but only after two things expressly stated in the text:
- Payment of the prescribed fees for issuing the replacement.
- Payment of any outstanding fines: a person who has unpaid fines is not issued a replacement until they are settled, while a person with no fines only needs to pay the fees.
The article does not state the amount of the fees, the application steps, or the documents required. Instead, it provides that the Implementing Regulations set the necessary procedures, so they and the competent department should be consulted for the details.
This article is consistent with Article 44, which also makes renewal of a driving license conditional on paying the prescribed fees and any outstanding fines, and leaves the renewal conditions to the Implementing Regulations. The rule in both cases is the same: settle the fees and fines first. Article 46 also prohibits holding a driving license with others or pledging or taking it as a pledge; the license is a personal document that is not to be used as security with anyone.
If you face an obstacle in getting a replacement because of fines that you believe are incorrect, you can consult a lawyer specializing in traffic cases.
Practical example
Khalid lost his wallet in a market in Jeddah, and his driving license was in it. When he applies for a replacement for the lost license, he must pay the prescribed fees, and if he has outstanding traffic fines he must pay those too before the replacement is issued to him, according to the procedures set by the Implementing Regulations.
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 45 of the Saudi Traffic Law
What should I do if my driving license is lost?
You may apply for a replacement after paying the prescribed fees and any outstanding fines against you, and the Implementing Regulations set the necessary procedures.
Can a replacement for a damaged license be issued if I have violations?
The article requires payment of any outstanding fines in addition to the prescribed fees, so the replacement is issued after they are paid.
How much is the fee for replacing a lost driving license?
The article does not state the amount of the fees; it only refers to the "prescribed fees" and leaves the procedures to the Implementing Regulations.
More articles on Driving License
- Article 32
The article bans anyone from driving any vehicle before obtaining the necessary driving license in accordance with the Traffic Law and its Regulations.
يحظر على أي شخص قيادة أي مركبة قبل الحصول على رخصة القيادة اللازمة وفقا لأحكام هذا النظام ولائحته.
- Article 33
The article requires the driver to carry a valid driving license when driving a vehicle, lets a security officer ask to see it, and bars him from retaining it.
يجب على السائق أن يحمل رخصة قيادة سارية المفعول عند قيادته للمركبة، ولرجل الأمن حق طلب إبرازها للاطلاع عليها، وليس له حجزها.
- Article 34
The article bars the holder of a license to drive military vehicles from driving civilian vehicles until he obtains a driving license from the competent department.
لا يجوز لحامل رخصة قيادة المركبات العسكرية قيادة المركبات المدنية إلا بعد الحصول على رخصة قيادة من الإدارة المختصة .
- Article 35
The article divides driving licenses into four types: private, public, public works vehicles and motorcycles, and refers the setting of their categories and specifications to the Regulations.
تنقسم رخص القيادة إلى: 1 - رخصة قيادة خاصة . 2 - رخصة قيادة عامة . 3 - رخصة قيادة مركبات أشغال عامة . 4 - رخصة قيادة دراجة آلية . وتحدد اللائحة فئات هذه الرخص و
- Article 37
The article exempts the holder of a foreign or international driving license, recognized by the competent department in the Kingdom and valid, from the driving test condition in paragraph (7) of Article 36.
يعفى من شرط الاختبار الوارد في الفقرة (7) من المادة (السادسة والثلاثين) من هذا النظام، من يحمل رخصة قيادة أجنبية أو دولية معترف بها من الإدارة المختصة في المملك
- Article 39
The article allows, as an exception to paragraph (1) of Article 36 and under controls set by the Regulations, a temporary license of no more than one year for those who have reached age 17.
استثناء من الفقرة (1) من المادة (السادسة والثلاثين) من هذا النظام، يجوز - وفق ضوابط تحددها اللائحة - منح ترخيص مؤقت لا تزيد مدته على سنة لمن أتم سن السابعة عشرة
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.