Saudi Arabia Tightens Auto Dealer Rules for Buyers

Car buyers in Saudi Arabia are getting stronger protections as authorities intensify enforcement of dealer obligations covering after-sales service, spare parts, maintenance, warranty support, and the provision of substitute cars when required. The Ministry of Commerce has stepped up penalties for violations, including one case involving a suspension, an import ban, and a fine of SAR 8.12 million for 175 violations.

Under the rules, rare spare parts must be supplied within 14 days, while consumable spare parts must be available immediately and continuously. Showrooms must clearly display vehicle prices and required trade data in both Arabic and English at the point of sale. The display rule takes effect 60 days after issuance under the cited regulation.

Dealers must also publish prices, booking procedures, handover steps, maintenance policies, and complaint channels on their websites, and report weekly on high-demand car prices, quantities, arrival dates, and booking requests. To safeguard buyers against delays, earlier regulations required a substitute car for each day of delay in supplying parts, and an alternative same-brand part for each day of delay in providing rare parts.

How to report violations

Consumers can report violations or delayed parts through the Ministry's Commercial Report app or the toll-free line 1900. These channels give buyers a direct way to flag problems with dealers.

In a related development, the Ministry announced a 2026 sales season running from 1 August 2026 to 31 October 2026, a three-month window. For residents and expats managing car ownership costs, the tighter rules aim to make pricing clearer, service more reliable, and warranties more enforceable.

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