SA · Expiry & renewal tracking
Keep every truck's TGA operating card valid
Every truck in Saudi heavy goods transport needs a TGA operating card, valid for 1 year for individual for-hire and non-commercial operators (Articles 10, 19 and 22 of the Heavy Goods Transport Regulations). Renewal is filed in the 30 days before expiry; a late request is possible within 90 days, then the card is void.
Under the Transport General Authority's Implementing Regulations for Heavy Goods Transport Activities, every vehicle must have an operating card: a document TGA issues for a service provider's vehicle to carry out the activity (Articles 1 and 22).
To issue the card, the vehicle must be linked to TGA's electronic platform, have a valid registration (istimara), be insured for third-party civil liability with an insurer approved in Saudi Arabia, and have a periodic technical inspection document from an approved centre; fees and any fines must be paid (Article 22).
For a Saudi individual carrying goods for others with one truck, and for non-commercial heavy goods transport, the operating card is valid for 1 year. The renewal request is filed within the 30 days before the card expires. A late request may be filed within 90 days after expiry, but the vehicle may not be operated until the card is renewed, and TGA may impose penalties for late renewal. A card not renewed is void automatically 90 days after it expires (Articles 10, 19 and 20).
At a glance
| Issued by | Transport General Authority (TGA) |
|---|---|
| Who needs it | Every vehicle in heavy goods transport |
| Validity | 1 year for individual for-hire and non-commercial operators (also for their trailers) |
| Renewal window | The 30 days before expiry |
| After expiry | Late request within 90 days; no operation until renewed |
| Not renewed | Void automatically 90 days after expiry |
| Needs | Valid registration, third-party liability insurance, periodic technical inspection |
The regulations state the one-year validity for cards issued to individuals and for non-commercial use. For trucks of licensed establishments, check the expiry date on each card.
Who is responsible?
The service provider (the establishment, or the individual operator) that holds the operating card. Renewal is at its request, after paying fees and any fines (Articles 10 and 20).
If the deadline passes
After expiry, a renewal request with all conditions met may be filed within 90 days, otherwise the request is void, without prejudice to TGA's right to impose penalties for late renewal; the activity may not be carried out until the card is renewed. A card that is not renewed is void automatically 90 days after it expires (Articles 10 and 20).
The card also ends with the registration
For individual and non-commercial operators, the operating card is also void automatically if the vehicle is transferred to a new owner or its registration (istimara) expires. A trailer or semi-trailer needs its own operating card; it is valid for 1 year and not beyond the truck's card (Articles 10 and 20).
Tracking it with ExpirySuite
- Add each truck and trailer as a vehicle and record its operating card expiry date.
- Record the registration (istimara), insurance and periodic technical inspection of each vehicle as separate documents, because the card depends on them.
- Reminders arrive 60, 30, 14, 7 and 1 day before expiry and on the expiry day; the 30-day reminder marks the start of the renewal window.
- Assign a responsible person (for example your fleet manager) so the right person gets the reminder.
- If a card passes its expiry date, managers get overdue reminders 3, 7 and 14 days later.
- Emails arrive in each recipient's language, Arabic included.
Frequently asked questions
- How long is a TGA operating card valid?
- For a Saudi individual carrying goods for others with one truck, and for non-commercial heavy goods transport, 1 year (Articles 10 and 19). For establishments' trucks, check the expiry date on the card.
- When should I renew the operating card?
- File the renewal request within the 30 days before the card expires (Articles 10 and 20).
- What happens if the card expires?
- You may still apply within 90 days after expiry, but the vehicle may not be operated until the card is renewed, and TGA may impose penalties for late renewal. After 90 days the card is void automatically (Articles 10 and 20).
- What does a truck need to get an operating card?
- A link to TGA's electronic platform, a valid registration, third-party civil liability insurance, a periodic technical inspection document, and payment of fees and any fines (Article 22).
Sources
Last checked: Sep 30, 2026 · This page summarises official sources for general information and is not legal advice. Check the linked sources for current rules and fees.
Made for vehicle operating card (TGA) (Saudi Arabia)
A ready template for vehicle operating card (TGA) (Saudi Arabia) with sensible validity defaults, so you enter less and track more.
Reminders on time
Email alerts at 60, 30, 14, 7 and 1 day before each vehicle operating card (TGA) (Saudi Arabia) expires, plus overdue escalation to managers.
Assign an owner
Give each vehicle operating card (TGA) (Saudi Arabia) an owner and let employees update their own via a secure link — no login needed.