Everything about modifying cars in Saudi Arabia & insurance

People have all sorts of reasons for modifying their cars — and it goes far beyond an engine swap for more speed. Modifications can involve adding accessories to boost car safety, a head-turning “wow” aesthetic, or making a car perfect for off-road trips and camping season in Saudi Arabia. Whatever your motivation, we understand: it’s the best way to make your car truly yours!

But before you order a car accessory or drop your car at a workshop, there’s something you really need to know about the laws for modifying cars in Saudi Arabia, because if something is not done the right way, you can get you a traffic fine, Fahas inspections, and even get into trouble with your car insurance company.

🚫 There are strict rules for modifying cars in Saudi Arabia

Under Article 25 of the Saudi Traffic Law:

“It is prohibited—without a prior permit from the competent authority—to make any modification to the vehicle that changes its color, features, basic equipment, or that leads to an increase in its designated load or dimensions.”

Traffic Law

If you modify your car without getting a permit first, you could be fined between SAR 1000 and SAR 2000. Plus, Moroor can legally impound the car.

Why so strict? It’s all about safety

Saudi Arabia is super strict about car modifications, and here’s the main reason: it all comes down to safety. When you improperly modify a car, you could discard the original safety standards — which puts the driver, passengers, and other road users at risk.

Think of it this way:

• Engine swaps can seriously mess with your car’s stability and balance, especially at high speeds.
• Poor electrical work causes car fires

Besides, a car makeover can make your car so different and unrecognizable. Traffic departments rely on a vehicle’s specific make, model, color, and license plate to identify it quickly and accurately in the event of an accident, crime, or traffic violation.

Car mods can be expensive, and so is car insurance after one 💸

Car insurance prices in Saudi Arabia depend on risk. That is, how likely your car is to cause an accident or be in one.
When you modify your car (especially the chassis, engine, or suspension), accident risk increases, which usually leads to higher car insurance prices.

✅ How to get a permit for car modifications in Saudi Arabia

Here’s the step-by-step process if you want to customize your car without getting a fine or facing problems with car insurance:

1. Visit Traffic Department

1. Book an appointment your local Traffic Department to apply for a modification permit.
2. The Traffic Engineer handles car modification permits. You’ll need to fill out a form detailing the exact modification and the name of the workshop you plan to use.

2. Insepction

1. Minor mods (like small design changes) might just need the engineer’s approval.
2. Major ones (like body kits or engine swap) require a Vehicle Inspection to confirm safety compliance. (Inspection Fee: SAR 500)

3. Get the green light

If you get a permit from Moroor (and SASO), you can start the work!

4. Final check & Istmara renewal

After the work’s done, return to Moroor for a final inspection. You’ll also need to renew your Istmara (Renewal Fee: SAR 300)

📢 Most importantly, update your insurance!

This is where most people slip up. After you modify your car, you must inform your insurance company immediately.

All car insurance policies in Saudi Arabia has something called a “Material Fact” clause, which basically means you must share accurate and up-to-date info about your car with the insurance company at all times. (meaning if any changes happen afer you get your car insurance, you’re still required to contact them to update those details)

Bottomline,

You absolutely can modify your car in Saudi Arabia, but you need to make sure you tick off two important things:

• Get a permit from Moroor
• Contact your car insurance company to inform them of your changes.

Taking these two simple actions can save a SAR 1,000 fine, headaches during the periodic car inspection, and even bigger problems with car insurance claims down the road.

For modified car insurance—trust wakeel!

At wakeel, we pay attention to every small detail — Because the truth is, one small detail can make a big difference in how much your car insurance costs — and how reliable it is when you actually need it.