Some Saudi Highways Allow 140 km/h Driving in 2026

Saudi Arabia’s general motorway limit is 120 km/h, but stretches such as the Riyadh-Al Taif and Riyadh-Al Qassim highways allow 140 km/h. Alcohol is banned outright, with the limit fixed at 0.0%. The minimum driving age is 17, calculated by the Islamic calendar’s shorter year.

Speed limits are 50 km/h in urban areas, 80 km/h on rural roads, and 120 km/h on motorways. The blood alcohol limit is zero. You must be at least 17 to drive.

Emergency Numbers in Saudi Arabia

General Emergency: 911 | Police: 999 | Ambulance: 997 | Fire: 998

Save these numbers before you start driving. In Saudi Arabia, emergency calls are free from any phone.

Speed Limits in Saudi Arabia

The default speed limits for passenger cars in Saudi Arabia are 50 km/h in built-up areas, 80 km/h on rural roads, and 120 km/h on motorways. Note: 120 km/h general limit; 140 km/h on major intercity highways (Riyadh-Al Taif, Riyadh-Al Qassim).

Trucks and vehicles over 3.5 tonnes have lower limits: 50 km/h urban, 70 km/h rural, and 100 km/h on motorways.

For comparison, motorway limits in nearby countries: Jordan (110 km/h).

Important: Posted signs always override default limits. Watch for temporary restrictions in construction zones, near schools, and in residential areas.

Speeding Fines and Penalties

Speeding fines in Saudi Arabia escalate based on how far you exceed the limit. Exceeding by up to 10 km/h: SAR 300-500 (approx. EUR 70-120). Exceeding by 11-20 km/h: SAR 500-900 (approx. EUR 120-210). Over 20 km/h: SAR 900-2,000 (approx. EUR 210-470) + vehicle impoundment or more.

Other common fines:

• Mobile phone use while driving: SAR 150 (approx. EUR 35)
• Running a red light: SAR 3,000-6,000 (approx. EUR 700-1,400)
• Seatbelt violation: SAR 150 (approx. EUR 35)

Traffic Rules and Regulations

Drive on the right side of the road. Overtake on the left. At roundabouts, enter counter-clockwise and yield to traffic already circulating.

Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants. Children must use appropriate restraint systems based on their age and height.

Using a hand-held phone while driving is illegal. The fine is SAR 150 (approx. EUR 35). Use hands-free devices only.

Use headlights in poor visibility, tunnels, and at night. Some areas require headlights at all times.

At unmarked intersections, traffic from the right generally has priority unless signs indicate otherwise.

Drink-Driving Laws and Alcohol Limits

Saudi Arabia enforces a zero-tolerance drink-driving policy. Any detectable alcohol in your blood while driving is illegal. There is no safe amount — even one drink can put you over the limit. Penalties include heavy fines, licence confiscation, and potential imprisonment.

The safest approach is to not drink at all if you will be driving. Alcohol affects reaction time and judgement regardless of the legal limit.

Tyre Requirements and Regulations

Winter tyres are not required in Saudi Arabia. Standard tyres are sufficient for normal driving conditions.

The legal minimum tread depth is 1.6 mm.

Studded tyres are prohibited in Saudi Arabia.

For detailed tyre law information, see our Tyre Laws in Saudi Arabia guide.

Mandatory Vehicle Equipment

Vehicles in Saudi Arabia must carry the following:

Required:

• Warning triangle
• First aid kit
• Fire extinguisher

Recommended:

• Reflective vest (high-visibility)

Keep all equipment accessible — not buried under luggage. Police may check during routine stops.

Driving License Requirements

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required for foreign drivers in Saudi Arabia. Always carry your original driving licence — photocopies are not accepted. Your foreign licence is valid for up to 3 months.

The minimum driving age is 17 years.

IDP required. Foreign licence valid for 3 months for visitors.

Parking and Fuel

Parking in major cities can be limited and expensive. Shopping centres and commercial areas usually have dedicated car parks. Read signs carefully to avoid towing.

Current fuel prices in Saudi Arabia: petrol approximately $0.62/litre, diesel $0.25/litre (USD). Prices vary by region and station.

Most fuel stations accept major credit and debit cards. In rural areas, keep your tank above half — stations may be far apart.

Seasonal Driving Conditions

Saudi Arabia has arid to semi-arid conditions. Extreme heat can affect both driver and vehicle — carry water, monitor tyre pressure (heat increases pressure), and watch for sand or dust on road surfaces.

Night driving in desert areas requires extra caution due to limited lighting and potential wildlife crossings.

Useful Driving Phrases in Arabic

Knowing a few phrases in Arabic helps at fuel stations, toll booths, and during police checks:

Download the Arabic language pack in your translation app for offline use.

Practical Driving Tips for Saudi Arabia

• Download offline maps of Saudi Arabia before your trip — mobile signal can be unreliable on rural roads.
• Take a break every 2 hours on long drives. Fatigue is a leading cause of road accidents.
• Use our interactive tools on this page — compare rules with your home country and calculate potential fines before you set off.