License plates vary in shape depending on the vehicle type used. The Saudi government provides several types of license plates to regulate traffic and ensure precise vehicle control.

Although some license plates may have similar numbers, they are impossible to match exactly. Each vehicle has a unique number and chassis color, in addition to other details that many car owners may not be aware of.

We will discuss these details in more detail in the following lines of this article.

The Meaning of Saudi License Plate Design

License plates in Saudi Arabia are manufactured by the Government Printing Press in Riyadh, which is responsible for all procedures related to vehicle registration within the Kingdom. These procedures require the placement of license plates on the front and rear of each vehicle to ensure easy identification and identifiability in accordance with traffic laws.

Components of a Saudi License Plate Design
Letters

License plates in Saudi Arabia consist of three letters printed in Arabic and translated into the Latin alphabet below. Only 17 Arabic letters are used on license plates, while some other letters are prohibited because they resemble other letters, making them easy to imitate or forge.

Prohibited letters include (ت, ث, ذ, ز, ش, ض, ج, غ, ف, ذ, ي), with the aim of maintaining traffic safety and security. The letters used are:

Arabic letters: ا, ب, ح, د, ر, س, ص, ط, ع, ق, ك, ل, م, ن, ح, و, ي.

Corresponding Latin letters: A, B, J, D, R, S, X, T, E, G, K, L, Z, N, H, U, V.

Read also: Your Comprehensive Guide to Car Stickers

Numbers

Numbers on license plates are in Arabic and translated into English below. Standard license plates usually contain four numbers, but you may find some special license plates with three, two, or even one number.

Saudi Emblem

The Kingdom’s emblem is centered on license plates, consisting of two crossed curved Arab swords topped by a palm tree. This symbol represents the Kingdom’s strength and development.

Kingdom Abbreviation

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia abbreviation appears vertically on license plates in English, “KSA | Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” enabling the vehicle to be identified as part of the Kingdom in international contexts.

Types of Saudi License Plate Designs

The special Saudi license plate design in Saudi Arabia is white and is intended for vehicles used by individuals for personal transportation.

This category includes sedans, crossovers, hatchbacks, coupes, and other vehicles. These plates provide a unique identity for each vehicle, bearing distinctive numbers and letters that distinguish it from others. They are issued according to standards approved by the competent authorities.

Vehicles bearing these plates also comply with the traffic laws in force in the Kingdom. Here are the types of Saudi license plate designs:

Commercial Vehicle Plates

Commercial vehicle plates are blue and are designated for vehicles used for commercial purposes, such as large trucks. These plates are issued to companies and institutions that use the vehicles to transport goods and commercial services.

Ownership of these plates is linked to the company that manages the commercial activity, and commercial vehicles are bound by the terms and laws governing commercial transportation and the brand’s commercial identity.

Diplomatic Vehicle Plates

Diplomatic plates are green and are issued to vehicles used by diplomatic missions, international organizations, and diplomatic representatives in Saudi Arabia.

These plates enjoy special diplomatic privileges, allowing diplomatic vehicles to move freely in accordance with international agreements.

Diplomatic plates also bear logos and symbols representing the country or organization the vehicle owner represents, while adhering to local laws regarding the proper use of diplomatic vehicles.

Public Vehicle (Taxi) Plates

Public vehicle plates are yellow and are designated for taxis and buses providing passenger transportation services. These plates are used to identify vehicles providing public transportation services and are owned by companies or individuals working in this field.

Temporary Vehicle Plates

Temporary vehicle plates are silver and are issued to vehicles for a limited period. They are often used in two main situations:

New Vehicle Registration: Temporary plates are issued to new vehicles until permanent plates are received.

Vehicle Transportation: Temporary plates are used when transporting vehicles between regions until their final registration is completed.

Temporary plates bear numbers and letters designated for the temporary period of use, and vehicle owners must adhere to traffic laws during this period.

Distinctive License Plates

Distinctive license plates in Saudi Arabia are a symbol of distinction and uniqueness. These plates bear distinctive numbers or letters and are issued to individuals or companies wishing to distinguish their vehicles.

These plates often bear symbols or serial numbers associated with names or dates of personal significance. These plates can be obtained through auctions or through the General Traffic Department.

Information on the Design of a Saudi License Plate

License plates in Saudi Arabia are subject to a set of specific regulations and standards that ensure the proper identification and registration of vehicles. License plates include several essential elements aimed at identifying the vehicle and providing additional information about its owner and use.

License Plate Color

As previously mentioned, the color of license plates in Saudi Arabia varies depending on the type of vehicle and its intended use:

White plates: For public vehicles.
Blue plates: For private vehicles.
Red plates: For diplomatic vehicles.
Green plates: For government vehicles.