Guides
Regulations and how-to guides for buying and owning a car in Saudi Arabia.
Step-by-step procedures: istimara renewal, ownership transfer, inspection, fines and more — with verified fees.
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Periodic inspection (Fahs): when and how much Inspection
The Motor Vehicle Periodic Inspection (MVPI, known as fahs) is mandatory for keeping a car registered. New private cars are exempt for the first three years after first registration; after that the inspection is annual and the certificate is valid for 12 months.
The fee is SAR 115 including VAT for private cars. If the car fails, you fix the faults and pay SAR 37 for the re-test. Stations check brakes, suspension, lights, emissions, tires and that the chassis number matches the papers.
A valid fahs is required to renew the istimara and to transfer ownership, so factor it into the cost of buying any used car whose inspection is about to expire.