Small expat families can no longer own big vehicles in Jeddah – reports

Expatriates in the Saudi Arabian city of Jeddah can no longer own a vehicle with seven seats or more if they have a family of less of than five members, local dailies have reported.

“The reason for the ban is to stop the wrongful use of such vehicles by some residents like transporting school students or other passengers,” chairman of the Vehicles Committee in the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry Owaida Kishi was quoted as saying.

The city’s general directorate of Traffic has reportedly sent a circular to all its departments noting that registration or ownership of large vehicles by expatriates should be rejected if the condition is not met.

Families that have five or more members must present proof and confirm to authorities that they will not engage in the illegal transport of passengers, the report added.