Saudi Arabia’s Transport General Authority has approved regulations governing passenger transport by self-driving vehicles, creating a framework for licensing, operations, vehicle standards and passenger safety.
The rules were published in the kingdom’s official gazette, Umm Al-Qura, following a board decision issued on November 6, 2026. They will take effect on January 6, 2027, 60 days after publication.
Companies will need a licence from the authority, a defined operational design domain, approved operating locations and facilities for parking and vehicle storage. Operators must also provide at least five vehicles, either owned or finance-leased, and appoint a safety officer for each vehicle.
The regulations require vehicles to hold valid registration, insurance, technical inspections and separate operating cards. Their maximum service life is set at 10 years from the year of manufacture. Vehicles must also pass a trial period before entering commercial service.
Operators must stop vehicles and notify the authority if they identify safety-related defects, repeated breakdowns, cyber threats or manufacturer recalls. Affected vehicles cannot return to service until corrective measures are completed and approved.
The rules allow services to operate through companies’ own apps or licensed passenger transport platforms. They also permit in-vehicle advertising, provided it does not affect passenger safety or comfort.
Source: Jawlah
