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The General Directorate of Traffic clarified on October 3 that a periodic technical inspection is not required prior to scrapping damaged vehicles. According to the directorate, owners can hand over such vehicles directly to the nearest authorized junkyard to complete the deregistration and disposal process. This guidance addresses public inquiries about cars that have sat unused for years, providing a streamlined pathway without the added step of inspection. The response confirms that the procedure remains available through established channels to assist vehicle owners in complying with traffic regulations.
The clarification forms part of broader administrative adjustments by the Public Security Directorate, which oversees traffic matters across the kingdom. Vehicle owners must still resolve any outstanding traffic fines, settle financial obligations tied to the car and present valid identification along with registration documents during the handover. A review of the scrapping service on the Absher platform shows that coordination with a licensed center is essential to finalize ownership cancellation electronically.
Periodic technical inspections continue to apply in multiple other circumstances, according to guidelines from the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization. These include annual checks for vehicles beyond their initial exemption period, requirements before ownership transfer and examinations following repairs after accidents. The Motor Vehicle Periodic Inspection program evaluates brakes, emissions, lighting, suspension and structural integrity to confirm compliance with safety standards.
Integration of the scrapping service with the Ministry of Interior’s Absher platform has reduced reliance on physical counter visits for many routine transactions. The electronic system enables citizens and residents to initiate requests after confirming eligibility criteria, including a municipal license for the receiving junkyard and the absence of prior drop applications. Data from the platform indicate that such digital services support faster processing while maintaining regulatory oversight.
Authorized junkyards handle the physical dismantling under approved environmental and safety protocols established by competent authorities. The General Directorate of Traffic has previously noted that only licensed facilities may accept vehicles for scrapping to prevent improper disposal. This ensures that components are managed responsibly, aligning with national efforts to reduce abandoned vehicles that contribute to urban clutter in cities such as Riyadh and Jeddah.
The policy update removes a potential obstacle for owners facing challenges with derelict cars, according to the directorate’s response to the specific inquiry. Similar initiatives in recent years have sought to encourage proper deregistration of unused vehicles through simplified procedures. Owners are advised to verify the status of their specific case through official channels before proceeding with handover to an approved center.
