Road Transport Compliance Deadline Extended to 2027

Road transport operators in Saudi Arabia have been given more time to meet updated regulatory standards, after the Transport General Authority extended several compliance deadlines for freight and private passenger bus operators to 27 February 2027 under the Land Transport Law.

The extension applies to commercial and non-commercial heavy freight operators, commercial and non-commercial light freight operators, and private passenger transport by bus. It follows an earlier round of status-rectification deadlines that had been set for 27 August 2026, and is intended to give companies continuity of operations while they align with the new requirements.

What operators must do

Key requirements covered by the extension include changing a vehicle's registration classification from “private transport” to “public transport” for vehicles used in commercial freight, obtaining vehicle operating cards for freight vehicles, and securing professional driver cards for drivers in light freight and related activities.

Private bus operators must also add the relevant new activity classifications to their commercial registration (CR) as a condition for issuing or renewing operating licenses. Across all categories, companies are expected to bring their operations in line with the implementing regulations of the Land Transport Law, covering safety, technical, and operational standards.

Procedurally, activity classifications and CR changes are handled through Ministry of Commerce electronic services, with identity verification usually via نفاذ. Transport licensing, operating cards, and professional driver cards are processed through the Authority's electronic platforms using national digital identity, with individuals often logging in through أبشر credentials. Municipality-related permits for depots and logistics sites go through the Balady platform, while contracting with public entities is handled via Etimad.

The additional time matters for the many small and large logistics firms operating in Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam, giving them room to update registrations, renew operating cards before expiry, and complete driver requirements without disrupting daily operations.

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