Motor Vehicle Periodic Inspection (Fahas) Guide – Complete Process for Drivers in Saudi Arabia

Owning a vehicle in Saudi Arabia comes with certain responsibilities, and one of the most important is ensuring your car is roadworthy and safe. This is where the Motor Vehicle Periodic Inspection (MVPI), commonly called Fahas, comes into play. Fahas is a mandatory vehicle check that ensures your car meets safety and environmental standards before it can be legally driven.

Whether you’re an expat or a Saudi citizen, understanding how Fahas works is essential. In this guide, we’ll cover what Fahas is, why it’s important, how to book an appointment, inspection requirements, fees, and what to do if your car fails the test.

What is Fahas (MVPI) in Saudi Arabia?

Fahas, officially known as the Motor Vehicle Periodic Inspection, is a government-mandated inspection carried out to check the mechanical condition, safety, and environmental compliance of vehicles in Saudi Arabia.

It is conducted by the Motor Vehicle Periodic Inspection Centers under the supervision of the General Department of Traffic (GDT).

The primary aim of Fahas is to:

Reduce road accidents caused by mechanical failures.
Ensure vehicles comply with emission standards.
Keep the roads safe for all drivers and passengers.

Who Needs to Do Fahas?

Every vehicle owner in Saudi Arabia is required to get Fahas done periodically. This applies to:

Private cars
Commercial vehicles
Taxis
Buses
Motorcycles

Even if you’re an expat with a newly purchased second-hand vehicle, you’ll need to ensure it passes Fahas before transferring ownership.

When is Fahas Required?

Fahas is typically required:

Every year – for older vehicles (after a certain number of years).
Every two years – for newer vehicles.
When selling or transferring ownership of a car.
After major modifications to the vehicle.
For renewing your Istimara (vehicle registration).

Documents Required for Fahas

Before heading to the inspection center, make sure you have the following:

Original Istimara (Vehicle Registration).
National ID/Iqama.
Fahas fee payment (if required in advance).
The vehicle itself in a ready-to-test condition.

How to Book a Fahas Appointment

While you can directly visit a Fahas center without booking, it’s better to schedule an appointment to avoid long queues. Here’s how:

Visit the official MVPI website.
Select your nearest inspection center.
Choose your preferred date and time.
Confirm and save your appointment details.

Fahas Inspection Process

The Fahas inspection involves several steps. When you arrive at the MVPI center:

Registration Desk – Submit your Istimara and ID.
Initial Check – Staff will check your vehicle details.
Inspection Bay – Your car will go through a series of checks including:
- Brake system
- Steering and suspension
- Tires and wheels
- Lights and indicators
- Exhaust and emissions
- Chassis condition
- Horn and wipers
Result Issuance – You’ll be given a report stating whether your car passed or failed.

Fahas Fees in Saudi Arabia

Fees vary depending on the type of vehicle:

Private car: Around SAR 73 (first test) and SAR 24 (re-test).
Motorcycle: Around SAR 40 (first test) and SAR 13 (re-test).
Buses and trucks: Higher fees apply based on size.

What Happens if You Fail Fahas?

If your vehicle fails:

The report will list the issues.
You must repair them within two weeks.
Return for a re-test (cheaper than the first inspection).
If you delay beyond the allowed time, you’ll need to pay for a full test again.

Tips to Pass Fahas on the First Try

Check tires for wear and proper pressure.
Ensure all lights (headlights, brake lights, indicators) work.
Top up fluids (engine oil, brake fluid, coolant).
Fix windshield cracks and ensure wipers work.
Avoid excessive exhaust smoke – indicates engine issues.
Brake test – ensure brakes respond properly.
Clean your car – a well-maintained car makes a good impression.

Fahas and Istimara Renewal

You cannot renew your Istimara (vehicle registration) without a valid Fahas certificate. The Absher platform will not allow renewal if your Fahas has expired.

If you’re unsure about how to renew your Istimara, check our detailed guide here:
📌 How to Renew Your Istimara in Saudi Arabia (Internal link to your existing blog post)

Fahas Centers in Saudi Arabia

There are multiple MVPI centers across the Kingdom, in cities like:

Riyadh
Jeddah
Dammam
Makkah
Madinah
Abha
Tabuk
Al Khobar

Most centers operate Saturday to Thursday, 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM.

Why Fahas is Important for Expats

As an expat, failing to keep your Fahas valid can lead to:

Traffic fines.
Vehicle registration renewal denial.
Problems during ownership transfer.
Increased risk of accidents.

By keeping your Fahas updated, you ensure safety, compliance, and peace of mind.

Conclusion

The Motor Vehicle Periodic Inspection (Fahas) is more than just a formality — it’s a critical process to ensure safety on Saudi roads. By preparing in advance, maintaining your vehicle, and knowing the requirements, you can pass Fahas smoothly and avoid unnecessary delays or fines.

Whether you’re renewing your Istimara, selling your vehicle, or just making sure your car is in top condition, following this Fahas guide will make the process much easier.

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