Saudi Arabia Updates Road Code to Support Autonomous Vehicles and Smart Mobility
The Saudi Roads Code now incorporates advanced infrastructure standards to ensure the safe integration of autonomous vehicles across the Kingdom.
The General Authority for Roads has announced that the Saudi Roads Code has been updated to include advanced infrastructure standards necessary for the safe integration of autonomous vehicles in Saudi Arabia.
According to the authority, these new requirements cover various aspects of road design and construction, ensuring that self-driving vehicles can operate effectively under different conditions.Pavement layers are now developed to withstand the repetitive routing patterns of autonomous vehicles.
Real-time communication systems have been installed along roadways for transmitting critical data to vehicles.
Additionally, road markings and signs utilize machine vision system capabilities for accurate interpretation.Parking areas are being adapted with intelligent features such as automated guidance and self-parking capabilities to reduce human error and enhance traffic flow.
The updated code serves as a unified technical reference for relevant stakeholders like government ministries, municipal bodies, and city development authorities.The framework outlined in the code covers planning, designing, operating, and maintaining road infrastructure while aligning with environmental priorities and evolving transportation technologies.
It includes procedural guides and evaluation tools to ensure that road projects meet safety, sustainability, and economic efficiency standards.Initially introduced as a voluntary framework, the Saudi Roads Code became mandatory for public sector bodies at the beginning of 2022 and for the private sector in mid-2025.
This update reflects Saudi Arabia's commitment to preparing its infrastructure for future mobility while maintaining global leadership in transportation safety and digital transformation.
According to the authority, these new requirements cover various aspects of road design and construction, ensuring that self-driving vehicles can operate effectively under different conditions.Pavement layers are now developed to withstand the repetitive routing patterns of autonomous vehicles.
Real-time communication systems have been installed along roadways for transmitting critical data to vehicles.
Additionally, road markings and signs utilize machine vision system capabilities for accurate interpretation.Parking areas are being adapted with intelligent features such as automated guidance and self-parking capabilities to reduce human error and enhance traffic flow.
The updated code serves as a unified technical reference for relevant stakeholders like government ministries, municipal bodies, and city development authorities.The framework outlined in the code covers planning, designing, operating, and maintaining road infrastructure while aligning with environmental priorities and evolving transportation technologies.
It includes procedural guides and evaluation tools to ensure that road projects meet safety, sustainability, and economic efficiency standards.Initially introduced as a voluntary framework, the Saudi Roads Code became mandatory for public sector bodies at the beginning of 2022 and for the private sector in mid-2025.
This update reflects Saudi Arabia's commitment to preparing its infrastructure for future mobility while maintaining global leadership in transportation safety and digital transformation.
