Introduction: Digital Transformation in Saudi Traffic Services
As part of the radical transformations taking place in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia under Vision 2030, the “Absher” platform has emerged as a cornerstone of e-government, transforming complex traditional procedures into seamless digital services accessible to all. Among these innovative services is the “Vehicle Repair Permit Issuance” service offered by the General Directorate of Traffic, which allows citizens and residents to obtain official permits for vehicle repairs electronically without needing to visit traffic departments.
Historical context and importance of the service
In the past, obtaining a permit to repair a damaged vehicle required multiple visits to traffic departments and insurance companies (such as Najm), submitting paper reports, and waiting for approvals that could take a long time. This procedure was not only burdensome for individuals but also placed a significant strain on the traffic department's administrative resources. With the launch of the service through Absher, this process has been completely streamlined, reflecting the Kingdom's commitment to leveraging technology to enhance the efficiency of government services and improve the quality of life for its residents. The importance of this service lies in its direct contribution to reducing congestion in government offices, saving time and effort for beneficiaries, and enhancing transparency while curbing any attempts to circumvent the system by repairing vehicles that may be required in security cases or unreported accidents.
Steps to apply for a vehicle repair permit service via Absher
The Absher platform explained that accessing the service and submitting the request is done through simple and direct steps via the beneficiary's account, as follows:
- Log in to your account on the Absher Individuals platform.
- From the “My Services” menu, select “Vehicle Services”.
- Click on the “Services” option.
- Select the “Vehicle Management” service, then “Issue a Traffic Repair Permit”.
- Please read and agree to the terms and conditions of service.
- Select the vehicle in question and submit the application.
Essential requirements for issuing a repair permit
To ensure the integrity of the procedures and prevent any illegal exploitation of the service, the General Directorate of Traffic has set two basic conditions that must be met by the applicant and the vehicle:
- Beneficiary record: The beneficiary (applicant) must not have any security circular such as “arrest warrant” in the wanted persons system.
- Vehicle record: The vehicle must be free of any circulars that would prevent the issuance of the permit, such as theft reports or being required for transfer of ownership in a case.
Service regulations
The rules for applying for the service vary depending on whether the incident that caused the damage was officially recorded or not:
1. In case of a recorded accident (via Najm or the Traffic Department):
- Timeframe: The request for a repair certificate must be submitted within 90 days of the date the accident was recorded.
- Multiple requests: The beneficiary can issue more than one repair permit for the same vehicle at the same time, provided that each permit is related to a different and recorded accident.
2. In the absence of a recorded accident:
- Annual limit: A beneficiary may not submit more than one request for a repair permit for the same vehicle within a single calendar year. This measure aims to encourage individuals to officially report traffic accidents and ensure their documentation.
Expected impact of the service
Locally, this service contributes to accelerating the return to normalcy after traffic accidents and reducing the financial and administrative burdens on vehicle owners. Regionally, the success of such digital services in Saudi Arabia provides a model that neighboring countries can utilize to develop their government systems, thus reinforcing the Kingdom's position as a leading hub for digital transformation and government innovation in the Middle East.
