MVPI Saudi Arabia: Periodic Technical Inspection (Fahas) Guide for Fleet Operators

Updated 12 November 2026: fees, booking and reinspection rules checked against official MVPI sources.

Periodic Technical Inspection (Fahas), also known as MVPI, is a requirement for vehicles in Saudi Arabia. What they need to keep on top of is the 14 working days that follow a failed inspection. Miss the window and the vehicle needs a full inspection at the full fee. Across a fleet, MVPI becomes an operational problem as well as a fee.

Here's how Saudi fleets manage MVPI properly.

At a Glance

• MVPI (Motor Vehicle Periodic Inspection) checks vehicles against the technical and safety requirements for their category, including brakes, tyres, emissions, lights and the vehicle's overall condition.
• Taxis, buses and public transport vehicles require their first inspection after two years, then annually.
• Private vehicles require inspection after three years, then annually.
• Appointments are compulsory through vi.vsafety.sa.
• After a failed inspection, you get two attempts within 14 working days at a reduced fee. If you miss this window, the full fee applies.
• Salamah offers mobile inspections at business premises for companies with fleets of various types and sizes.

What MVPI Actually Is

MVPI stands for Motor Vehicle Periodic Inspection. In Saudi Arabia, it's commonly known as Fahas (الفحص الدوري).

The MVPI programme was launched in 1986 under the auspices of the General Department of Traffic, part of the Ministry of Interior. Vehicle inspections are carried out against the technical and safety requirements set by the relevant authorities, including Saudi vehicle standards approved by SASO. The MVPI website currently lists 36 inspection stations across the Kingdom, alongside mobile inspection services.

The key point many operators miss is that MVPI is part of keeping a vehicle's registration up to date. A valid inspection certificate is required for registration renewal, so letting it expire can create problems when it's time to renew the istimara.

Who Needs It and When

The first MVPI inspection depends on the vehicle category. New private vehicles are inspected three years after their first vehicle licence is issued, while taxis, buses and public transport vehicles are inspected after two years. After the first inspection, vehicles are inspected annually.

Other vehicle categories, including trucks, motorcycles and heavy equipment, are also subject to periodic inspection requirements. Check the applicable regulations for the relevant vehicle category rather than assuming they follow the same first-inspection schedule.

Each vehicle has its own MVPI cycle, with inspection dates spread across the year. That's why fleets need a centralised view. A fleet management platform can help operators keep track of upcoming deadlines and coordinate inspections with maintenance schedules.

What MVPI Checks

How Fleets Keep First-Pass Rates High

Most operators treat MVPI as an appointment, but it's the result of consistent maintenance.

Fleets that keep to a scheduled service plan can identify problems before an inspection. Those that delay maintenance until something breaks may end up dealing with repairs and re-inspections.

Before any truck goes to inspection, leading fleets make sure these checks are completed. Digital vehicle checks can help teams record issues and identify defects before inspection:

Pre-Inspection Checklist

• Number plates are clean, undamaged and fully legible
• All lights (headlights, indicators, tail lights, reverse lights, hazards) are working
• Tyres are checked for tread depth, pressure and sidewall damage
• No oil leaks from engine, transmission, axles, or brakes
• The braking system and related components are checked
• Fire extinguisher present, in good condition and accessible (compulsory for heavy vehicles).
• Warning triangle present and undamaged

Booking, Documents and Tafweed

One detail worth checking before an appointment is the tafweed.

It's an authorisation that allows someone other than the registered owner to present the vehicle for inspection. If the person presenting the vehicle is not covered by one of the accepted exceptions, they must obtain an authorisation permit through the Vehicle Safety platform before attending.

Book your inspection through the Vehicle Safety platform and check that the person taking the vehicle is authorised before the appointment.

What You Need at Inspection

• Booking confirmation.
• Vehicle owner's ID, or the ID of the authorised person presenting the vehicle.
• Vehicle registration licence, traffic printout or digital registration.
• Original customs card for imported vehicles.
• Authorisation permit, where required.

Salamah: Mobile Inspections for Larger Fleets

For larger fleets, taking every vehicle to an inspection station can create extra work and disruption. Salamah offers mobile inspections at business premises, allowing fleet operators to arrange inspections at their own locations rather than taking every vehicle to a fixed station.

This can help reduce the time and disruption involved in managing inspections across a fleet. Contact Salamah directly for details on availability, booking arrangements and site requirements.

When a Vehicle Fails

You have two reinspection attempts within 14 working days. Only the failed items are rechecked, unless new issues are identified during the follow up inspection. If you miss the 14 day window or use both attempts, the vehicle needs a full inspection at the full fee.

Fees include 15% VAT. Checked against the official MVPI fee schedule in November 2026.

This is where fleets lose money. A truck fails its first inspection, goes back for repairs and returns after the 14 working day window. At that point, it's no longer a reinspection, but a full inspection at the full fee. Book the return slot as soon as the repair is scheduled, not days later.

MVPI Inspection Stations in Riyadh

Riyadh has two MVPI inspection stations, one on Dammam Road and another on Dirab Road. Fleet operators can choose the location that best suits their vehicle routes and operating areas. Other licensed inspection providers, such as Massar, also run periodic inspection stations in Riyadh.

MVPI Inspection Stations in Jubail

Jubail has an MVPI inspection station listed in the Eastern Region. Operators working around the city's industrial and logistics areas can check the station details and appointment availability before arranging inspections.

MVPI Inspection Stations in Dammam

Dammam also has an MVPI inspection station in the Eastern Region. For fleets operating across Dammam and nearby industrial areas, planning inspections around vehicle availability can help avoid unnecessary disruption.

Running MVPI Across the Fleet

A fleet of 100 vehicles doesn't have 100 inspections due at once. Their expiry dates are staggered across the year. Without a central view, it's easy to miss an upcoming inspection and end up arranging it at the last minute.

Driving on public roads with an expired vehicle registration (Istimara) is a traffic violation and can result in a fine. This is separate from the MVPI inspection requirement: the inspection provider does not impose a separate late submission fee, but failing to renew the annual inspection certificate is also treated as a traffic violation.

The real cost is often operational. A vehicle may be unavailable while inspections or repairs are arranged, disrupting planned routes and putting additional pressure on fleet and workshop teams.

This is where visibility matters. Fleets that keep MVPI dates alongside registration renewals and scheduled fleet maintenance give dispatch and workshop teams a clearer view of which vehicles need attention.

That's the difference between a planned cycle and repeated last minute disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does MVPI mean?

MVPI stands for Motor Vehicle Periodic Inspection. It is the mandatory technical inspection programme in Saudi Arabia, commonly known as Fahas (الفحص الدوري), which checks whether vehicles meet the required safety and technical standards.

What is Fahas in Saudi Arabia?

Fahas is the local name for the periodic vehicle inspection. It checks key vehicle components, including tyres, brakes, lights, steering and emissions, depending on the vehicle type.

When does a new vehicle need its first MVPI inspection?

New private vehicles require their first inspection three years after the first vehicle licence is issued. Taxis, buses and public transport vehicles require their first inspection after two years. After the first inspection, vehicles are inspected annually.

How often does a vehicle need Fahas?

Vehicles are generally inspected annually, with the first inspection depending on the vehicle category. Private vehicles are first inspected after three years, while taxis, buses and public transport vehicles are first inspected after two years.

How do I book an MVPI appointment in Saudi Arabia?

You can book an appointment through the Vehicle Safety platform before visiting an MVPI inspection station. You can also use the official Vehicle Safety application.

What documents do I need for an MVPI inspection?

You need your appointment confirmation and the vehicle registration licence, traffic printout or digital registration. The vehicle owner's ID or the authorised driver's identification may also be required. Imported vehicles must bring their original customs card and an authorisation permit may be needed if someone else is presenting the vehicle.

What happens if a vehicle fails its MVPI inspection?

You can have the vehicle re-inspected twice within 14 working days. Only the items that failed are checked again, unless new defects are identified. After the 14-day period, a full inspection fee applies.

How much does MVPI cost in Saudi Arabia?

Inspection fees depend on the vehicle type. For example, a private car costs SAR 115 for an initial inspection and SAR 37.95 for a re-inspection, including VAT. Larger vehicles and trailers have different fees, so check the official MVPI fee schedule for the applicable rate.

See how Saphyroo helps Saudi fleets manage MVPI and maintenance