Saudi Arabia’s Autonomous Vehicle Regulation: SASO Requirements and the 2026 Passenger Transport Update
Saudi Arabia’s Technical Regulation for Autonomous Vehicles became mandatory on 29 April 2026. It governs conformity for covered vehicles made locally or imported. On 6 November 2026, Saudi Arabia also published implementing rules for autonomous passenger transport. A robotaxi or shuttle project should plan vehicle conformity and service licensing together.
Which vehicles are covered?
The regulation covers category M and N passenger and goods vehicles equipped with SAE Level 4 or 5 automated driving systems (ADS). It includes eligible dual-mode vehicles, hub-to-hub vehicles on predefined routes with fixed endpoints, and qualifying automated valet parking. SAE Levels 1–3 alone fall outside this regulation’s stated scope.
Define the operational design domain (ODD), including the routes or areas, speeds, weather and visibility conditions in which the system can operate. Document how the vehicle detects its limits or faults and reaches a safer condition when it cannot continue.
Prepare the technical file
Identify the exact vehicle variant and ADS hardware and software. Map it against SASO’s companion standards list and check whether existing reports cover the same configuration and ODD. Gather the risk assessment, safety concept, scenario-based validation evidence, cybersecurity and software update records, conformity declarations, and Arabic operating and safety instructions.
Manufacturers demonstrate conformity, issue their declaration and retain it for ten years after placing the product on the market. They also maintain conformity across production. Importers verify that the manufacturer completed the assessment, issue their own declaration, and retain both declarations for ten years. Plan for traceability, complaints, corrective action and recalls.
What changed for passenger transport?
The November rules cover operator licensing and vehicle trials. Trial requirements include evidence of SASO conformity approval, a safety officer for each vehicle, approval for the operating area, and the applicable authorization to collect panoramic imagery or similar data. During service, operate within the ODD, connect to the authority’s designated systems and obtain approval before changing the ADS. The authority may require representative fleet testing after changes.
Before import or deployment
Confirm your vehicle’s category, SAE level and exact configuration. Agree on the conformity assessment route and review gaps in the test evidence. For passenger services, plan trials, operating permissions and safety supervision in parallel. Assign ownership for software updates and incident response. Send SABERSAUDI your vehicle model, software version, operating area and available reports to discuss your project.
Official sources
SASO Technical Regulation for Autonomous Vehicles
