In a step reflecting the Kingdom’s vision for anticipating the future, the Saudi Ministry of Interior announced new amendments to the executive regulations of the Traffic Law to regulate the operation of autonomous vehicles. The amendments were approved by the Minister of Interior and published in the official gazette “Umm Al-Qura,” serving as a comprehensive legal framework governing this advanced technology. This update is part of the smart infrastructure plans targeted by Saudi Vision 2030.
Mandatory Approval Before Vehicle Deregistration
Under the new rules, owners of autonomous vehicles must obtain approval from the competent authority before deregistering their vehicles. This measure aims to ensure that all technical and legal requirements related to these vehicles are met before they are removed from official records, thereby enhancing oversight and compliance with international standards in this field.
Exemption from Traditional Driving Conditions and Liability Distribution
The amendments clarified that fully autonomous vehicles are exempt from provisions requiring traditional driver authorization. With no human driver present, legal responsibility for any traffic violations or accidents falls on the vehicle owner, who is considered the primary legal party before security organizations and agencies.
Conversely, if a vehicle operates with partial autonomy but requires human supervision, the driver remains responsible for adhering to all traffic regulations while operating it. The amendments also oblige owners of such vehicles to comply with road sign regulations, stop at emergency signals, and facilitate official patrol services.
Saudi Arabia First in the Region to Build a Comprehensive Legal Framework
This step is the first of its kind in the Arab and Gulf regions, with Saudi Arabia leading advanced countries in establishing a dedicated legal framework for autonomous vehicles. According to the General Traffic Department, this regulation aims to enhance traffic safety, protect lives and property, and ensure that the Saudi traffic system aligns with global smart technology developments.
Autonomous vehicles rely on an integrated suite of advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, high-definition cameras, radar sensors, and LiDAR systems, enabling them to analyze their surroundings in real-time and navigate safely. This ranges from driver-assistance systems to revolutionary vehicles capable of operating without any human intervention.
Conclusion
The introduction of the new regulation confirms that Saudi Arabia is not waiting for the future—it is creating it. By establishing a clear legal framework, the Kingdom positions itself at the forefront of countries ready to adopt autonomous vehicle technologies, enhancing its status as a leading logistics and technology hub in the region and the world.
