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Saudi Arabia has recently undergone an upgrading of its road network, and this is now of the highest standard. There are inter-city highways with up to eight traffic lanes, and congestion in cities has been eased by the construction of ring roads and over- or under-passes. Driving is on the right, and the middle lane of a three-lane road is the 'slow' lane,

Traffic accidents are very common in Saudi Arabia as the standard of driving is quite poor. Moreover, many cars are uninsured as there is no legal requirement to insure vehicles. If an accident occurs in which someone is injured, it is the usual practice for everyone involved to be taken to the local police station while responsibility is determined. Under Islamic law blood money of up to SR 100,000 can be imposed for injuries, so it is important to take out insurance to cover this. If you are held by the police, you should contact your own Embassy or consulate. Speed detection devices are in use in the country, and there are standard fines for exceeding the speed limits of 45kph in urban areas and 80 to 120kph on motorways. There are automatic jail sentences, or corporal punishment, for some driving offences.

You can drive for up to three months in Saudi Arabia on the licence from your home country or on an international licence. After this time, you are required to have a Saudi driving licence. Some licences, including those from the UK and US, are convertible to a Saudi licence without a driving test.