Can a resident buy a pickup truck in Saudi Arabia?

In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the traffic system places great importance on regulating vehicle ownership according to their type and purpose of use. Many residents of different nationalities often wonder about the possibility of owning pickup trucks in the Kingdom. In this article, we detail whether residents are entitled to own pickup trucks and the conditions and procedures associated with this, along with a note on the vehicles that foreigners are prohibited from owning in the Kingdom.

Economic Pickup Trucks in Saudi Arabia

Can residents own pickup trucks?

Yes, residents in Saudi Arabia can own pickup trucks, provided they are used for personal purposes only, and not for commercial transport or paid delivery. There are no specific restrictions based on the resident’s nationality, as long as they comply with the traffic laws and regulations in the Kingdom.

In other words, a resident has the right to own a pickup truck as long as they adhere to the legal conditions and do not use the vehicle for commercial transport purposes, as these vehicles are considered private vehicles if used personally.

Conditions required for residents to own pickup trucks

For a resident to be allowed to own a pickup truck in Saudi Arabia, they must meet several basic conditions:

Valid residency

The resident must hold a valid residency permit in the Kingdom, meaning the residence card (Iqama) must not be expired, and the information recorded in it should match the traffic records. This condition is necessary to confirm the legal status of the resident in the country and ensure their legal responsibility when owning and using the vehicle. If the residency has expired or there is an absence report or regulatory violation, it is not possible to register or transfer ownership of any vehicle to the resident.

Valid driving license

The resident must possess a valid Saudi driving license, specifically from the appropriate category that qualifies them to drive pickup trucks, which are often classified under “private” or “light transport.” Foreign or expired licenses are not accepted, and the license must be free of serious violations or suspensions. This condition ensures that the resident is knowledgeable about Saudi traffic laws and capable of safely driving this type of vehicle.

Personal use only

It is essential that the purpose of acquiring the pickup truck is purely personal, and the use of the pickup for commercial transport, loading goods for a fee, or passenger transport or any activity classified as commercial or professional is not permitted, as this requires special licenses and is subject to different regulations. Any unauthorized commercial use is considered a serious traffic violation and may expose the resident to legal accountability, including fines or even confiscation of the vehicle in some cases.

Compliance with traffic laws

A resident who owns a pickup truck must comply with all traffic laws and regulations in Saudi Arabia, including:

• Conducting periodic technical inspections which are mandatory examinations conducted to ensure the vehicle’s safety on the road.
• Ensuring the vehicle is insured, as it must be covered against accidents, as a basic requirement for renewing the registration and legally using the vehicle.
• Regular renewal of the vehicle registration (license) and ensuring it does not expire.
• Adhering to traffic signals and the specified speed limits, and avoiding violations such as illegal parking, or driving the vehicle at times or in places not designated for it.

Failure to adhere to these laws may result in financial penalties, service suspensions, or even the temporary confiscation of the vehicle by the relevant authorities.

Procedures for owning a pickup truck for residents in Saudi Arabia

The process of owning a pickup truck by residents proceeds through several administrative and legal steps that must be followed carefully:

1. Obtaining the sponsor’s approval: Approval from the sponsor or the employer may be required in some cases, particularly for larger vehicles or those intended for special uses.
2. Purchasing the vehicle from an authorized dealer: The vehicle should be purchased from authorized car dealers or from a private owner, provided the sale is conducted in accordance with the law.
3. Registering the vehicle in the resident’s name: The resident must go to the traffic department to register the vehicle under their name, with the presentation of the following documents:
   • A copy of the residency ID
   • The driving license
   • The sales contract or invoice
   • The vehicle registration form
4. Paying the applicable fees
5. The resident must pay the registration fees, mandatory insurance fees, and periodic technical inspection fees (if the vehicle is not new).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can residents own public transport cars?

No, residents in Saudi Arabia are not allowed to own public transport vehicles such as taxis, buses designed for passenger transport, or limousines. This category is restricted to Saudi citizens or licensed Saudi companies only, in order to regulate the labor market and support citizens.

What vehicles are prohibited for residents to own in Saudi Arabia?

The vehicles prohibited for foreigners to own in Saudi Arabia include: taxis and limousines, public transport vehicles, commercial buses, heavy trucks, vehicles with a capacity of more than 7 passengers (such as vans and GMCs) except in exceptional cases for large families consisting of at least 5 members with the provision of proof documents, government vehicles, and vehicles with temporary plates, such as export or visit plates. There are also restrictions on luxury cars with open-top designs that attract attention.

Can residents purchase commercial buses or taxis?

No, residents are not allowed to own commercial buses or taxis, as ownership is restricted to Saudi citizens or licensed companies only, due to the nature of public transport or commercial activities.

Can residents in Saudi Arabia own luxury sports cars?

Generally, residents can own private and family vehicles, including some types of luxury cars, but there are restrictions on some high-end models, especially convertibles or those considered eye-catching.

In conclusion, residents in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are allowed to own pickup trucks, provided that the use is personal and with the approval of the relevant authorities. It is also important to distinguish between the pickup truck used for personal purposes – which is permissible – and commercial use, which is prohibited. It is also advisable to be cautious about purchasing specific types of vehicles that residents are prohibited from owning, such as public transport vehicles or certain luxury models.