Driving in Saudi Arabia as a United States National
Saudi Arabia has recently opened to tourism with modern highways, extreme heat, and very cheap fuel. Women can now drive. Riyadh and Jeddah traffic can be heavy; the NEOM development signals ongoing infrastructure change.
Key Things to Know First
Saudi Arabia requires an International Driving Permit for foreign visitors. Obtain one in United States before departure.
How to get an IDPBoth United States and Saudi Arabia drive on the right. No adjustment needed.
United States uses mph, but Saudi Arabia uses km/h. Verify your GPS or navigation app is set to the correct unit.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Rule | United States | Saudi Arabia | Change? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traffic side | Right-hand traffic | Right-hand traffic | Same |
| Speed unit | mph | km/h | Yes |
| IDP required | — | Yes | Yes |
| Min. driving age | 16 | 18 | Differs |
| Emergency number | 911 | 911 | Same |
| Road difficulty | Easy | Moderate | — |
Speed Limits in Saudi Arabia
Speed limits in Saudi Arabia are posted in km/h (kilometres per hour). Quick reference: 50 km/h ≈ 31 mph · 100 km/h ≈ 62 mph · 130 km/h ≈ 81 mph.
Documents to Carry in Saudi Arabia
- Original driving licence from United States — must be valid and unexpired
- International Driving Permit (IDP) — required in Saudi Arabia. Obtain from your national motoring association before travelling.
- Passport or national ID — carry at all times while driving
- Car insurance certificate — verify it covers Saudi Arabia before departure
- Vehicle registration / rental agreement
Emergency Number in Saudi Arabia
Primary emergency number in Saudi Arabia. Save it before you drive.
Emergency numbers for all countriesFull Saudi Arabia Driving Guide
Road rules, toll system, fuel types, parking, regional quirks — everything you need for driving in Saudi Arabia.
Read the complete guide