Politics · Saudi Arabia · 3 days ago
Unusual car modifications raise safety and traffic concerns
Some drivers are changing their cars in unusual ways, in styles known as “suh” and “qutb.”
The changes include cutting bumpers, altering wheels and lighting, adding stickers, and changing a vehicle’s body or height.
Other owners modify cars for practical reasons, such as fitting equipment for camping, without changing the vehicle’s specifications.
Traffic experts say some alterations can affect a car’s movement and safety, putting drivers and other road users at risk.
They can also make vehicles harder to identify and add noise or pollution.
Not every change is a traffic violation, but specific alterations, including cutting bumpers, changing wheel size, hiding plates or modifying the body without permission, can be penalized.
The stated penalty for changing a vehicle’s features is a fine of 1,000 to 2,000 riyals, and the vehicle may be held until the violation is corrected.
Saudi traffic rules prohibit vehicle modifications made without prior approval when they change a vehicle’s colour, features or basic equipment.
Some modifications, including cutting a bumper or changing wheel size, can be traffic violations and may lead to a fine and vehicle impoundment.
A retired security expert said some modifications can affect vehicle safety and make it harder to identify.
The article also warns that loud vehicle equipment can contribute to noise and environmental pollution.
- Who
- Saudi motorists who modify their vehicles, and the authorities responsible for traffic rules.
- What
- The article describes risks and penalties linked to unsafe or unauthorized vehicle modifications.
- When
- Not stated.
- Where
- Saudi Arabia.
- Why
- Modifications can affect vehicle safety, change its approved specifications and features, and cause noise or environmental pollution.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The competent authorities consider the safety of the vehicle and its occupants an important priority.
There is great danger in making any modification to the vehicle’s structure, which exposes its driver and those around it to risk.
The Traffic Law, in Article 25, prohibits—without prior authorization from the competent authority—any modification to a vehicle that changes its colour, features, or basic equipment.
This story does not have a timeline yet.
- Fine for changing vehicle features
- 1,000 to 2,000 riyals
- Relevant violation schedule
- Paragraph 23 of violation table No. 5
- Vehicle impoundment
- Vehicle may be held until the violation is removed
- Traffic Law provision
- Article 25 forbids specified modifications without prior authorization
Sources
Related news
Riyadh to host seventh international disability and rehabilitation conference
Saudi transport authority records 94,321 violations in September
About 200 more Chinese teachers set to join Saudi schools
Saudi authority starts registry work for 26,858 property parcels in Makkah region
Saudi Citizen Account pays 3.1 billion riyals in October instalment
Statistics and education bodies launch third edition of knowledge program
Saudi Grievances Board Seeks Views on Proposed Court Procedure Changes
Saudi Red Crescent official receives 2026 GCC civil service medal
Saudi Arabia sets new rules for transporting livestock
Saudi Arabia prepares for above-average rain over the next three months
Academics urge Saudi universities to turn council findings into measurable plans
