The Motor Vehicle Periodic Inspection (MVPI)—commonly referred to as Fahes is mandatory in Saudi Arabia to ensure road safety, environmental compliance, and valid vehicle registration (Isti’marah) renewal. If you are using a brand new private vehicles, it is exempted for the first 3 years from the date of initial registration, then after that, inspected annually. For taxis, buses, and public transport vehicles, the inspection is made two years after the first vehicle license is obtained and then annually. However, MVPI accepts any vehicle for inspection as per customer request.
Aside from the regulat inspection, you also need to have your vehicle inspected when;
- You plan to sell or transfer ownership of the vehicle.
- Renew vehicle registration (Istimarah).
- Made major modifications to the engine, chassis, or body structure/color.
- Repaired major damage following a significant traffic accident.
- Imported a used car into Saudi Arabia to issue local plates.
Here’s what you need to check/do before getting your car inspected.
- Make sure that the car’s body and the undercarriage are clean, to ensure clear visibility for inspectors.
- All vehicle exterior lights: headlights, high beams, turn signals, brake lights, hazards, and license plate lights are working.
- Ensure your tires have adequate tread depth, correct pressure, and proper wheel alignment.
- Fix cracked glass and replace worn wiper blades; ensure window tint meets legal standards.
- Check for oil, coolant, or fuel leaks under the engine.
Book Appointment for inspection.
Gone are the days where you can just drive to any inspection sites, nowadays appointments are required prior to visiting an MVPI station:
- Visit the official MVPI platform (https://pti.saso.gov.sa/apt/) or the Salamah platform.
- You can create your account or login using your IQAMA (expats) or National ID (Saudi nationals).
- Enter the vehicle details (license plate, chassis number/VIN, vehicle sequence number).
- Select the preferred inspection site, date, and time slot. if you are in Riyadh, there are four (4) available technical Inspection sites.
- Receive appointment confirmation via SMS/email.
During inspection at the MVPI Station
- Arrive 10–15 minutes before your scheduled appointment window.
- Follow the lane signs for periodic inspection (First-Time or Re-Inspection).
- Present your appointment details and vehicle registration (Istimarah) at the entry booth.
- Pay the inspection fee (cash, Mada, or credit card).
- For Private Vehicle;
- Initial inspection fee is SAR 115.00, then re-Inspection fees will be 37.95.
- Vehicle owner is allowed to re-inspect the vehicle twice within 14 working days, only fail items will be checked unless new defects are detected, re-inspection fees will be paid by customer.
- After 14 working days vehicle owner need to pay full fees and vehicle will be inspected in full.
Technical Inspection Process
Drive into the assigned inspection lane, step out to the designated waiting aisle, and let the certified technicians run the multi-stage check:
- Identity & External Check: Matching plate numbers and VIN; inspecting body condition, wipers, mirrors, seat belts, and lights.
- Exhaust Gas Emissions Test: Measuring carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrocarbon (HC) emissions levels.
- Headlight Alignment Test: Verifying headlight beam direction, intensity, and focus.
- Brake, Suspension & Alignment Test: Testing front/rear brake efficiency, handbrake force, side-slip, and shock absorbers.
- Undercarriage & Pit Inspection: Inspecting steering gear, chassis integrity, suspension arms, exhaust piping, rust, and leakages.
Once the inspection is completed, the inspector will tell you whether you pass or not, will see the result online when you visit your account at https://pti.saso.gov.sa/
- If Passed:
- You will receive the MVPI Inspection Certificate and a windshield sticker (placed on the front windshield).
- The result is automatically updated in the traffic system and linked to your Absher profile.
- If Failed:
- You will receive a detailed report highlighting specific failing points (e.g., uneven braking, high emissions, light failure).
- Fix the reported issues at a repair shop and return for a Re-Inspection within 14 days for a reduced fee.
- You can have your reinspection on the same day, if you can repair the reported issue and book an appointment immediately,
