Curious about how to change car color in Saudi Arabia? This guide offers a straightforward roadmap tailored for the modern Saudi car owner. You'll quickly learn the key steps and regulations to safely transform your ride while ensuring full legal compliance.
How to Change Your Car Color in 2025:Step-by-Step Process
Check Legal Requirements
When planning a vehicle color modification, start by verifying local Saudi traffic laws and regulations. Visit the official platform or your local traffic office to understand which color options and styles are permitted, ensuring your modification meets current legal standards. This step provides essential clarity on approved methods and helps prevent unexpected police approval issues.
Choose Modification Method
Decide whether professional repainting or a premium car wrap suits your needs best. Professional repainting delivers a lasting solution with benefits to resale value, typically costing between SAR 4,000 and 8,000. On the other hand, car wraps offer versatility with a reversible option, and costs generally range from SAR 2,500 to 6,000. Both approaches come with their unique advantages, so comparing repainting costs with installation fees is important.
Prepare Documentation
Gather all needed paperwork before beginning your vehicle color modification. This includes your original vehicle registration (Istimara), a valid insurance certificate, and your national ID or Iqama. Having these documents ready ensures a smooth and efficient process when you present your case to the authorities.
Submit Color Change Request
Complete the required form at authorized service centers, often referred to as Form 13 at various local offices. Double-check the processing times and fees, which commonly range from SAR 200 to 250. This submission is a critical step that officially registers your intent to alter your car’s appearance under Saudi traffic laws.
Install at Approved Workshops
Head to a SAAS-certified workshop where experts conduct car wrap installation or professional repainting. Renowned facilities in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam carefully follow GCC certification standards and ensure high-quality work. Choosing an authorized center not only guarantees proper execution but also confirms the change meets Saudi traffic regulations.
Update Vehicle Registration
Once your car color alteration is complete, it is vital to have your vehicle registration updated within 15 days. This update officially recognizes your new car color and avoids fines, which can be as high as SAR 500. Keeping registration documents current is a key part of maintaining compliance with local authorities.
Legal Requirements for Car Color Changes in 2025
Approved Color Modifications:
Use solid colors that resemble the original factory options.
Matte finishes with non-reflective characteristics are acceptable.
Two-tone designs are permitted if the contrast does not exceed 30% of the overall design.
Prohibited Modifications:
Avoid patterns that mimic military camouflage or other restricted designs.
Reflective or metallic films that stray from the approved specifications are not allowed.
Ensure your modifications do not incorporate sensitive imagery or potentially contentious symbols.
Technical Specifications:
For car wraps, the film thickness should range between 80-200 microns.
Repainting must adhere to VOC levels below 420 g/L.
Light reflectivity should not drop under 35% to meet safety standards under GCC guidelines.
Cost Comparison:Wraps vs Repainting
Vinyl Wraps
Pros:Reversible, provides UV protection, and typically comes with a warranty of 3-5 years.
Cons:Higher initial costs and necessitates specialized maintenance practices to extend its life.
Professional Repainting
Pros:Offers a permanent change, usually yields a better resale value, and is a trusted method for many car owners.
Cons:The process can take between 7-10 days, and precise color matching can sometimes be challenging.
FAQ
Q1:Can I perform a DIY car color change in Saudi Arabia?A1:You might be tempted to try a do-it-yourself project, but legally, all car color modifications must be undertaken at SAAS-certified workshops. DIY approaches often do not meet the stringent GCC certification standards and could result in complications during vehicle inspections. Instead, relying on professional services ensures compliance with Saudi traffic laws, while also reducing the risk of fines or legal issues. Ultimately, entrusting the process to experts is the safest and most efficient path.
Q2:How do I decide between professional repainting and a car wrap installation?A2:Your choice depends largely on whether you prefer a permanent solution or a reversible one. Professional repainting is ideal if you want a long-term and seamless finish, although it requires more downtime and precision in color matching. Car wraps, on the other hand, are popular for their versatility and relatively faster installation process. Considering factors such as cost comparisons, installation time, and personal style can help you decide which method best suits your needs. Always check for police approval and up-to-date technical specifications when weighing your options.
Q3:What documentation is necessary when applying for a car color change in Saudi Arabia?A3:Before initiating the vehicle color modification process, ensure you have all necessary documents in order. This includes a valid Istimara, an up-to-date insurance certificate, and your national ID or Iqama. Proper documentation expedites the approval process and minimizes delays at authorized service centers. Maintaining a complete file also demonstrates your commitment to adhering to Saudi traffic laws and helps prevent costly fines later on.
Q4:How long does it typically take to complete the car color modification process?A4:The overall process can vary, with approval times generally ranging from 2-5 working days and the installation phase taking about 1-3 days. Additionally, updating the vehicle registration typically is completed within 24 hours after the installation. Given these timeframes, planning ahead is crucial to avoid disruptions in your schedule. Always stay informed about current processing times, as these can change based on local regulations or service center workload.
Q5:What are the key legal guidelines for modifying my car’s color in Saudi Arabia?A5:The legal guidelines emphasize that any car color modification must strictly follow approved processes and technical specifications. This includes using solid and matte finishes, avoiding prohibited patterns such as military-style camouflage, and adhering to VOC and reflectivity levels as specified by GCC standards. Securing police approval through officially submitted documents and using certified workshops guarantee that your change is compliant. If you have any doubts, consult local authorities to ensure your modification aligns with the most current Saudi traffic laws.
This article is for reference only, please refer to the latest local laws and regulations.
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Mustafa Karim, having been deeply involved in automotive research and development for over ten years. He is fond of Japanese cars, and their precise and energy-efficient features have influenced him. In his spare time, he loves Japanese anime and kendo, drawing inspiration from them for control system research and development. He also often shares cutting-edge automotive knowledge on platforms, contributing to industry innovation and adding strength to automotive development with his expertise.
