Saudi Arabia’s Roads General Authority (RGA) has highlighted technical requirements under the Saudi Road Code for roadside parking, including minimum distances from traffic signals, intersections and pedestrian crossings to improve traffic safety and road efficiency.

Saudi Road Code Parking Distance Rules

The Saudi Road Code specifies minimum distances that must be maintained between intersections and the first roadside parking space. These requirements are intended to improve visibility, traffic movement and safety around intersections.

15-Metre Rule at Signalized Intersections

At intersections controlled by traffic signals, the stopping zone of the traffic signal must be at least 15 meters from the first parking space.

The required distance helps keep the area

Immediately around traffic signals clear and supports safer vehicle movement through intersections.

6-Metre Rule at Unsignalized Intersections

At intersections without traffic signals, the first roadside parking space must be located at least 6 meters from the intersection.

Maintaining this distance helps provide drivers with better visibility and reduces potential obstruction near the intersection.

Parking Rules Near Pedestrian Crossings

The Saudi Road Code also requires a safe distance to be maintained between pedestrian crossings and the first parking space. The requirement is designed to improve visibility for both drivers and pedestrians and enhance safety when people cross the road.

For parallel parking areas, dividers must also be used to separate individual parking spaces. These dividers help prevent gaps between parked vehicles from being used as additional vehicle lanes.

Saudi Road Code Applies Across the Road Sector

The RGA describes the Saudi Road Code as a comprehensive technical reference for organizations responsible for roads across the Kingdom.

The Code applies to various entities involved in Saudi Arabia’s road sector, including:

• Ministries

• City development authorities

• Regional secretariats

• Municipalities of cities and governorates

It provides technical information, guidelines, drawings, procedures and checklists required for planning, designing, constructing, operating and maintaining different types of roads.

The Code also supports compliance with environmental and safety requirements for road projects across Saudi Arabia.

RGA's Role in Saudi Road Regulations

The Roads General Authority continues to develop policies and regulations aimed at establishing a unified and transparent regulatory framework for the Kingdom’s road sector.

The Saudi Road Code forms part of these efforts by providing standardized technical requirements for road infrastructure and helping integrate road-sector policies and regulatory practices.

The latest parking requirements are focused on improving traffic safety, maintaining adequate visibility around intersections and pedestrian crossings, and supporting more efficient use of Saudi Arabia’s road network.