اﻟﺟودة و اﻟﻣﻘﺎﻳﻳس  و ﻟﻠﻣواﺻﻔﺎت  اﻟﺳﻌودﻳﺔ  اﻟﻬﻳﺋﺔ  
Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Org(SASO)  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
SASO DRAFT 31369/2018  
  
  
 
Safety Requirement for Modified Light Duty Vehicles 
 
 
 
 
CS : 43.020  
 
  
This document is a draft Saudi Stand ard circulated for comments. It is, 
therefore, subject to alteration and mo dification and may not be referred to 
as a Saudi Standard until approved by SASO .   
  
 
  
  ﻣﻘدﻣﺔ 
واﻟﺟودة واﻟﻣﻘﺎﻳﻳس  ﻟﻠﻣواﺻــــــــﻔﺎت  اﻟﺳــــــــﻌودﻳﺔ  اﻟﻬﻳﺋﺔ ﻗﺎﻣت  اﻟﻘﻳﺎﺳــــــــﻳﺔ  اﻟﻣواﺻــــــــﻔﺔ  ﻣﺷــــــــروع  ﺑﺈﻋداد  اﻟﺳــــــــﻌودﻳﺔ          
 "ﻣﺗطﻠﺑﺎت اﻟﻣﻌدﻟﺔ اﻟﺧﻔﻳﻔﺔ اﻟﺧدﻣﺔ ﻟﻣرﻛﺑﺎت  اﻟﺳـــــــﻼﻣﺔ "   و اﻟﻌرﺑﻳﺔ اﻟﻘﻳﺎﺳـــــــﻳﺔ  اﻟﻣواﺻـــــــﻔﺎت  اﺳـــــــﺗﻌراض  ﺑﻌد  
اﻟﻣؤﻟﻔﺎت  و اﻟدوﻟﻳﺔ و اﻻﺟﻧﺑﻳﺔ  اﻟﺻﻠﺔ ذات اﻟﻣرﺟﻌﻳﺔ  .  
 
 
Foreword 
 
Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) has prepared the 
draft of Saudi " Safety Requirement for M odified Light Duty Vehicles " based on 
relevant ADMO, Internationa l and National foreign St andards and references.. 
 
 
  
    
  
        
  
        
  
        
 
  
    
    
Safety Requirement for Modified Light Duty Vehicle 
    
  
        
  
    
 
Date of SASO Board of Directors' Approval :                      (H) - Approved              (M).  
Date of Publication in the Official Gazette :  00/00/0000 ( H) -  Approved  00/00/0000 (M).  
Date of Enforcement of this Standard :  00/00/0000 ( H) -  Approved  00/00/0000 (M) . 
 
  SASO STANDARD                                                                   SASO 0000/2018   
 
 
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Table of Contents 
 
1. Scope ................... ..................... .................... ........................... ......................  
 
2. Complementary References   
 3. Definitions ....................... ..................... ..................... .................... ................  
 
4. Technical Requirement  
4.1 General Requirements ....................... ..................... .................... ................  
 4.2 Engine ................ ..................... .................... ........................... .....................  
 
4.3 Battery………………… …………………………………………………. 
 
4.4 Exhaust Systems ………………………………………………….……… 
 4.5 Fuel System ................ ...................... ....................... .................... ...............  
 
4.6 Space and bonnet ………………………………………………………… 
 4.7 Transmissions or Gear boxes …………………………………… ……..... 
 
4.8 Brake System .... ..................... .................... ........................... ......................  
 
4.9 Nuts, Bolts and Fasteners ...................... .................... .................... ..............  
 4.10 Exterior projection specification  ..... ..................... .................... ...............  
 
4.11 Steering & Suspension....... ..................... .................... ................. .............  
 4.12 Tyres & Wheels .............. ................... ..................... .................... ..............  
 
4.13 In- Vehicle entertainmen t systems.............. ........................ ......................  
 
4.14 Chassis ................ ....................... ...................... ....................... ..................  
 4.15 Bull bars................. ....................... ..................... ........................ ...............  
 
5. CRITERIA OF TECHNI CAL CONFORMITY…………………………… SASO STANDARD                                                                   SASO 0000/2018   
 
 
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Safety Requirement for Modified Light Duty Vehicles 
 
1. SCOPE AND FIELD OF APPLICATION 
 
This regulation specifies the requirements for th e modification Light Duty Vehicles. This is 
applicable to used and new Light Duty Vehi cles modified by the addition, substitution, or 
alteration of vehicle equipment or systems. Ex cluded are the motorcycle, trailers, caravans and 
tractors.  
 
2. COMPLETING REFERENCES 
2.1 SASO GSO 42 " Motor vehicles - General requirements ". 
2.2 SASO GSO 1040 " Motor vehicles-allowable lim its of pollutants emitted to the     
atmosphere from light duty diesel engined vehicles. 
2.3 SASO GSO 1680 " Motor vehicles allowable limits of gaseous pollutants emitted to the 
atmosphere from unleaded gasoline engined vehicles". 
2.4 SASO GSO ECE 13 H " Motor Vehicles: Br aking system of Passenger Car and Multi 
Purpose Vehicles". 
2.5 SASO GSO 51 " Passenger car tyres - Part  1: Nomenclature, designation, marking, 
dimensions, load capacities and inflation pressure". 
2.6 SASO GSO 52 " Passenger car tyre - part 2: general requirement". 
2.7 SASO GSO 645 " Multi-Purpose Vehicles, Truc ks, Buses and Trailers Tyres - Truck and 
Bus - Part 1:Nomenclature, Designation Ma rking, Dimensions, Load Capacities and 
Inflation Pressures". 
2.8 SASO GSO 647 " Multi-Purpose Vehicles, Trucks , Buses and Trailers Tyres - Part 3:  
General Requirements 
2.9 SASO GSO 1624 " Motor Vehicles - Noise Emissions". 
2.10 SASO GSO 1712 " Motor Vehicles – Sp are Parts - General requirements ". 
2.11 SASO 469 " Motor vehicles - Dimensions and weights ". 
 
3. DEFINITIONS 
For the purpose of this standard, the following terms and definitions shall apply: 
3.1. Light Duty Vehicles (LDVs) 
Vehicles with a maximum gross weight of 3500kg and which are primarily used to transport 
passengers or goods. 
3.2. Passenger Car 
A motor vehicle except a multipurpose passenger car, which, on account of its 
design and appointment, is intended mainly for carrying persons and their luggage and/or 
goods, and which has available a maximum of nine  seating places, including the driving seat. 
3.3. Multipurpose passenger vehicle (MPV) 
A motor vehicle designed to carry a maximum of  nine persons or goods equivalent by weight, 
which has special features for occasional off-road operation".  SASO STANDARD                                                                   SASO 0000/2018   
 
 
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3.4 Emission of Gaseous Pollutants 
  Substances airborne to the atmosphere, which arise in the running of the vehicle, due to 
exhaust gases, evaporative fuel and cra nkcase emissions. They include carbon monoxide, 
hydrocarbons (CH1.85) and oxides of nitroge n (expressed in nitrogen dioxide (NO2) 
   Equivalent).  
3.5 Approved Center 
 Any center or workshop accredited by the competent authority or authorized by it  
3.6 Drivetrain 
 Consist of the engine, transmission, universal jo ints, control arms, drive shaft axels, hubs and 
wheels. 
3.7 Maximum Weight (Gross vehicle weight GVW) 
  The curb weight together with the maximum load declared by the manufacturer.  
3.8 Auxiliary Liquid Fuel Tank 
  An additional fuel tank and any other components attached directly there to designed to   
supplement the vehicle's liquid fuel carryi ng capability beyond that provided by the vehicle 
manufacturer.  
3.9 Body floor height 
The vertical distance between the ground and the top of the passenger co mpartment    (cab) 
floor, measured directly below the center of the steering wheel. 
3.10 Frame Height 
     Means the vertical distance between the ground a nd the lowest point on the frame, measured 
when the vehicle is unloaded on a level surface at the lowest point on the frame OR the mid-
point in the chassis between the front and the rear axles. 
3.11 Frame 
     The main longitudinal structural members of the chassis of the vehicle. 
3.12 Engine 
     The engine itself and the engine management system. 
3.13 Vehicle Control Module 
     A term for any embedded system that controls one or more of the electrical systems or   
subsystems in a motor vehicle. 
3.14 Body conforming to manufacturer specifications  
     Designed from factory or conform to  manufacturer dimensions and specifications. 
3.15 Engine conforming to manufacturer's specifications 
     Manufacturer's design or conform to  manufacturer dimensions and specifications. 
3.16 Fire Wall  
      The separation between the engine compartment and passenger compartment to protect 
passengers from harmful factors. 
3/17 Computer  
     Electronics that controls the motor. 
3.18 Inspection Authority 
  An independent body accredited in accordance with the rules and responsible for inspecting   
and issuing the technical report of the modified vehicle 
 
      SASO STANDARD                                                                   SASO 0000/2018   
 
 
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  4. Technical Requirements 
4.1 General requirement 
 Inspection authority shall inspect the vehicles  that are modified from their original 
manufactured state. These modifications shall not  affect the safety of vehicle, environment 
and road users . Vehicle should be free of trouble codes, damages, and in good working 
order in general. Owner of vehicle must disclose all modifications done to vehicle.  
 
4.2  Engine  
4.2.1 A replacement engine shall be accepted as long as it is complying the emission and           
noise standards. 
4.2.2 The engine swap is accepted, if the replaced e ngine belongs to the same vehicle category, 
according to the OEM maximum. 
4.2.3 When the replacement engine is larger in power output than the original engine offered      
by the vehicle manufacturer as standard or optional equipment, the vehicle must be 
upgraded with the appropriate parts and equipm ent, e.g. brakes, front and rear suspension, 
fire extinguisher and appropriate seat belt. 
4.2.4 The replacement engine shall be suitably insta lled in such a way to ensure proper engine 
mount. Replacement engines shall be securely fastened to the vehicle frame or unit body 
with bolts and mounting hardware desi gned to accommodate the engine. Engine 
mounting frames or brackets that are cracke d, broken, or display improper welding will 
cause the vehicle to fail in inspection. 
4.2.5 Engines shall be located outside the compartm ent of the vehicle that is intended for use 
by the driver or passenger (passenger compartm ent). The engine shall be separated (from 
the passenger compartment) and shielded by a firewall that is : 
4.2.5.1 Constructed of a metal or comparable insulated fire retarding material acting as   
protective barrier, 
 4.2.5.2 Capable of withstanding forces normally encountered 
              in collisions and  4.2.5.3 Designed to retard the spread of fire from the engine compartment into the           passenger compartment. 4.2.6 All the moving parts and components of the e ngine, that are accessible to inadvertent   
contact during normal operating conditions and those that may cause personal injury to persons standing outside of the vehicle, shall be effectively screened or shielded. 
4.2.7 It is accepted to install force induction system (Super charger, turbocharger ….etc) as long   
as the engine is complying with the emissi on and noise Saudi / Gulf Standards and the 
system is fixed according to installation ma nual. The force induction system shall be 
complying with Saudi / Gulf Standards. 
4.2.8 The flexible and hard line hoses connected  to the power induction system from the 
manufacturer must be retained and used. 
4.2.9 Vehicle Control Module shall comply with th e emission Saudi / Gulf Standards and shall 
not affect the safety of the vehicle. 
4.2.10 If the vehicle was equipped with intercooler  piping, Blow off valves  and Ram air system 
originally; then the aftermarket system should retain all those types of components 
4.2.11 The air filter should be suitable and the level of its installation should be higher than the 
chassis structure level and the under the bottom of the hood. 
 
4.3 Battery 
4.3.1 If the location of the battery has been chan ged from its original location, It shall be 
insulated with an appropriate box and in stalled with appropriate nuts and bolts. SASO STANDARD                                                                   SASO 0000/2018   
 
 
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4.3.2 The battery isolation box shall have a closed cover to protect the battery terminals from 
any contact. 
 
4. 4 Exhaust Systems 
4.4.1 Installation or use of aftermarket part is allowed provided the system will not affect 
emissions performance mentioned in Saudi /Gulf Standards. Reasonable basis can be 
considered as existing if there is written document by the manufacturer of the part that emissions tests have been conducted and rev eal that the part complies the requirements 
of the above mentioned standards OR passing the Saudi emission testing specifications. 
4.4.2 The exhaust system shall c ontain at least one silencer. 
4.4.3 The exhaust system in gasoline powered vehicl es shall contain at l east one chemical    
transformer (catalytic Converter: to conve rt harmful pollutants into less harmful 
pollutants) If OEM equipped on OEM vehicle or powertrain. 
4.4.4 The catalytic converter can be changed and must be in  good working condition and be 
attached to all the sensors that  are functioning as OEM designed.  
4.4.5 Open manifolds shall not be used in the exhaust system (sutures or sills). 
4.4.4 It is preferably to place the exhaust syst em hangers in their OEM locations, Additional 
Hangers may be added as long as they are ma de of a suitable material, fitted to the 
vehicle properly, allow enough movement for the engine’s natural movement and do not 
allow the exhaust system to come in contact with any of the vehicle’s other components. 
4.4.7 The use of headers shall be permitted without  adversely affecting the requirements of   
pollutants and noise specified in the Saudi / Gulf Standards concerned. 
4.4.4 The vehicle shall not have any exhaust l eaks, and should be equipped with exhaust 
clamps and gaskets on exhaust manifold or h eaders, pipe extensions from the exhaust 
manifold, headers, piping, muffler and exhaust tips. 
4.4.4 The exhaust system shall discharge the ex haust gases in a posit ion behind the body of 
the vehicle or direct the exhaust gases outwa rd from the body of the vehicle or up to the 
rear towards as long as they are away from  any side windows that can be opened on the 
vehicle. 
4.4.10 No part of the exhaust system shall pass  through the passenger compartment or close to 
the fuel system. 
4.4.11 No part of the exhaust system shall not c ontain valves designed to increase noise or 
route the exhaust to other chambers or pipe s with in the exhaust system (if non OEM to 
body equipped, and this includes vacu um or electric powered valves) 
4.4.12 The amount of noise emission in the modi fied vehicle should not exceed 95 decibels 
according to the noise test (SAEJ1169 test procedure) 
4.4.13 No part of the exhaust system shall contain a pass-by pass. 
 
4. 5 Fuel System 
4.5.1  Fuel system shall be securely fastened to the vehicle and not affect the safety of 
operation of the vehicle. Fuel system co mponents such as the tank, tubing, hoses, and 
pump, must be of leak proof fittings and lines  and installed away from heat and moving 
parts.  
4.5.2 All fuel system lines must be routed in a similar to OEM manner and must pass outside 
the passenger compartment. Connections and fittings  must be of press fittings in hard line 
applications, and AN hose fittings in high powered fuel systems. 
 SASO STANDARD                                                                   SASO 0000/2018   
 
 
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4.5.3 Only a flexible hose specifically designed, manufactured and marked for use as a fuel 
hose should be used for fuel supply or return in the fuel system. The pressure rating of 
the fuel hose must not be less than twice the operating pressure of the fuel system. 
4.5.4 The fuel line connection to the engine sha ll be of a flexible design, and of a length 
sufficient to accommodate all engine vibrations  and movements of the engine with respect 
to the vehicle frame. 
4.5.5 The fuel tank shall not be located in the engine compartment. The fuel tank shall be 
shielded from passenger compartment by a flam e-proof barrier, and equipped with a filler 
cap designed to prevent fuel spillage from the filler opening when the cap is in place. 
4.5.6 Do not use external fuel tanks (lift or surge tanks). 
4.5.7 The fuel tank, its fittings, lines, filler neck a nd the ventilation system shall be outside the 
vehicle and be away from the passenger comp artment. The fuel tank and its accessories 
shall not pass near the exhaust system a nd the distance shall not  be less than 7.62 cm. 
The distance may be less than 5 cm when appropriate automotive thermal insulation is 
used. The mounting level of the fuel tank shall not be less than the level of the axles and 
the structure of the vehicle in the position wh ich the vehicle is loaded at the maximum 
OEM load weight specified and the minimu m OEM tire pressure recommended in cold 
pressure. 
4.5.8 The fuel tank manufacturer sha ll provide clear printed instructions for safe installation 
and proper use. The fuel tank shall be installe d according to these instructions. The fuel 
line of the fuel tank shall not affect the work of the main fuel tank. Holds a certificate of 
conformity with Saudi / Gulf or interna tional standards in th e absence of Saudi 
specifications 
4.5.9 Fill caps shall be threaded or bayonet type and shall be used with a gasket or seal.  4.5.10 If the fuel system contains a fuel flow control valve between a main tank and auxiliary 
tank and operable by the driver, the valv e shall be installed in a way that: 
4.5.10.1 The driver can operate the valve while driving, or 4.5.10.2 The driver shall stop the vehi cle to operate the valve, or 
4.5.10.3 The fuel line between the tanks shall be provided with a unidirectional valve in the 
absence of a control valve 
4.5.10.4 The owner of the vehicle shall keep proof of purchase and technical documents to the 
fuel system and submit it to the concerned authorities upon request. 
 
4.6 Engine Space and Hood 
The engine space is allowed in its compartm ent, And height of hood can be changed as 
long as it doesn’t affect the drivers vision.  
4.7 Transmissions ( Gearboxes ) 
4.7.1 Transmissions shifters in manual or auto syst em are allowed as long as it’s not affecting 
the movement and the sa fety of the vehicle. 
4.7.2 The installation of this system shall be as  per the aftermarket manufacturer`s installation 
manual. 
4.7.3 The transmission shifter shall move smoothl y and unaffected by the seats or passengers 
around it. 
4.7.4 The transmission shifter shall be bolted to the vehicle's floor pan. 
4.7.5 Reverse lights should be turned on automa tically when Reverse gear is engaged. 
4.7.6 A drive shaft loop of acceptable material sh all be added and securely mounted in the 
case of engine modifications have been done , and vehicle uses a 1-piece driveshaft. SASO STANDARD                                                                   SASO 0000/2018   
 
 
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4.7.7 All driveshaft joints shall be in good condition. 
4.7.8 All electrical connections a nd extensions shall be extended  in the same original manner 
and as far away as possible from any moving parts. 
4.7.9 Thermal insulators may be added provided they are installed in an appropriate manner  
4.8 Brake System 
4.8.1 The vehicle shall be equipped with a manual emergency parking brake that must operate 
on at least two wheels on the sa me axle, and when applied it must be capable of holding 
the vehicle on any grade on which the vehicl e is operated. The parking brake must be 
separately actuated in case of failure of the main braking system. 
4.8.2 The aftermarket brake system shall have a certificate conforming to the Saudi /gulf 
standards and pass the brake test. This excludes the brake pads, brake disc. 
4.8.3 All components of the braki ng system must function properl y, be non-worn or heavily 
consumed, and be fitted with a light behind the vehicle to operate automatically when 
the brakes are used to warn those behind the vehicle. 
4.8.4. The braking pressure adjustment valve shall be used for rear brakes only. 
4.8.5 The brake lines shall be properly fitted and a ll fittings shall be in good condition without 
wear, cracking or swelling. 
4.8.6 The upper brake oil reservoir sha ll be of two-chamber type, with the brakes split into two    
 
3.9 Nuts, Bolts and Fasteners. 
3.9.1 The nuts and bolts used shall be as per the below Table. 
Minimum Standards for Choice of Nuts and Bolts  
Grade Applicability 
Ungraded bolts                        Panel fixing, floor panel fixing, and lightly 
loaded brackets.  
Grade 5 or metric 8.8 bolts:     Seat belts, moderately loaded members, 
suspension mounts,.  
Grade 8 or metric 10.9 bolts:    Brak e calipers, master and slave cylinder 
mounts, steering arms and all suspension        assemblies 
                                                              . 4.9.2 The bolt or fastener should be long enough to ensu re that at least one clear turn of thread 
         is visible. This applies to all nuts , including the nylon and lock ing nuts. Locking must be 
         fitted to all fasteners. Spring and shake proof washers, nylon nuts, deformed thread          locknuts, castellated nuts with split or  roll pins, lock wire, split pins, locking tabs, and 
         staking. 4.9.3 Bolt washers shall be used with any nut  in the use of securing parts together. 
 
4.10 The vehicle's external body 
4.10.1 The exterior of the vehicle shall be identi fied as it was original built. (e.g/ a ford 
mustang shall appear as a ford mustang) 
4.10.2 The front and rear lighting positions shall be  maintained in the same original location 
and shall function properly. SASO STANDARD                                                                   SASO 0000/2018   
 
 
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410.3 The engine bonnet changed as long as its he ight does not interfer e with the driver's 
sight or exposes mechanical or electrical  parts that are sensitive to elements. 
4.10.4 All body panels must be bent inward or the edges shall be stamped with a diameter of 
not less than 2.5 mm. 
410.5 Body panel gaps, openings, grooves, channels  and holes shall be blunt and no more 
than 10 mm in diameter. 
4.10.6 The edges of panels made of fiberglass or carbonate fibers reinforced with plastic shall 
be not sharp. 
4.10.7 The structure of the vehicle body shall be free from any edges and sharp cuts at all 
external and internal locations where it ma y be in contact with persons under normal 
conditions of use and vehicle care. 
4.10.8 The engine compartment shall not exc eed the external body of the vehicle. 
4.10.9 Any aftermarket aerodynamic part or any pa rt of the outside body shall be properly 
constructed and secured. 
4.10.10 The rear license plate of th e vehicle shall be properly lit. 
4.10.11 Addition of hood pins or locks are allowed. 4.10.12 It is permitted to add fender flares provid ed they are properly fitted and do not have 
sharp edges. Fender flares must be used for the purpose of covering increased wheel 
track, or tire tread, and must  not come in contact with tires or suspension of the 
vehicle. 
4.10.13 The vehicle must contain two external mi rrors and one internal  rear view mirror. 
4.10.14 The vehicle shall contain front and rear  lights for driving, parking, braking and 
reverse lights and turn signals according to the Saudi / Gulf standard specifications 
and shall not use any flashing or strobing lights reserved for government vehicles. 
4.10.15 The vehicle must contain wind shield wipers and work well. 
4.10.16 The front and rear license plates shall be fixed in the center se ction of the front and 
rear of the vehicle. 
4.10.17 The colors used for the vehicle shall be what are officially registered with Saudi 
Government, unless approved with secondary permits. 
4.10.18 In addition to the above mentioned, the external body of 4x4 vehicles should 
include the following:  
4.10.18.1 It is possible to change  the front and rear bumpers in order to improve the 
performance of the vehicle in terms approach  angles, increased c ooling, light mounts or 
to install a winch. As long as material used in aftermarket is of the same as the OEM 
material or similar. Inspection Authority mu st be sure that the vehicle bumpers design 
do not harm vehicle or its surroundings. 
4.10.18.2 Front bumper height shall not exceed 79 cm (measured from bottom of bumper to 
ground) 
4.10.18.3 Any equipment installed on the bumpe r shall not exceed its dimensions. 
4.10.18.4 The bumper should not obscure the driver's  vision of the road or obscure the OEM 
lights of the vehicle. 
4.10.18.5 Push bars or government style bumpers are not allowed. 
4.10.18.6 Roof racks or other equipment must be  constructed of acceptable materials, and 
must mount to structural  points on the vehicle (no mounting to sheet metal) 
4.10.18.7 All auxiliary off road lights must be covere d with a cover that ensures that at least 
99% of the light is blocked and is never allowed to be used while on the road  and 
must be covered during vehicle testing. 
4.10.18.8 Vehicle fenders should cover 75% of the tires tread SASO STANDARD                                                                   SASO 0000/2018   
 
 
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4.10.18.9 All storage boxes shall be within the body of the vehicl e and shall contain locks and 
shall be securely secured to vehicle to  ensure the safety of road users. 
4.10.18.10 If the place of spare tire is changed, it must be installed securely. 4.10.18.11On pick up trucks (blue registration tags),  If the vehicle’s rear bumper has been 
lifted from its original height, the use of mud flaps must be used for the rear tires. Mud 
flaps must be of a rubberized flexible materi al, must be large enough to cover the entire 
tread of the top of the rear ti res, and must be able to bloc k any debris thrown from the 
tires. Mud flaps must allow 20cm clearance from  the bottom of it to the surface of the 
ground. 
4.10.18.12 No welding is allowed on the chassis or external body of the vehicle. Any 
accessories must be used with bol ts or acceptable fastening methods. 
4.10.18.13 Body spacers intended for the lift of a vehicle’s body from its chassis is not 
allowed. 
 
4.11 Steering & Suspension 
 
4.11.1 The steering wheel shall be circular and diameter shall not exceed 34 cm. 4.11.2 The steering system shall remain smooth a nd unhindered when moving from side to side. 
4.11.3 Tire contact with any part of the chassi s structure and base shall not occur in all 
suspension conditions, and should not ma ke contact between suspended and 
unsuspended parts except through a shock absorb er. if the suspension is exposed to the 
maximum pressure, must prevent any hose be longing to the brake system from fully 
expanding. 
4.11.4 The movement of wheels and axels shall not cause damage to braking, electrical wiring 
and similar installations under all normal conditions of suspension. 
4.11.5 No welding is permitted on the steering syst em. Adjustments must be made using nuts 
and bolts self-closing. 
4.11.6 Do not cut, heat or weld spiral or he lical springs, leaf springs or torsion rods. 
4.11.7 All rubber joints for the axle, suspension a nd steering system shall be in good condition 
and free from cracking. 
4.11.8 When the original suspension of the ve hicle is changed from the manufacturer 
specification, it must be mounted or adjusted in a manner that  changes the height of the 
structure of the vehicle where it is level from side to side, and must not ride on 
suspension bump-stops. And the motion of the suspension system is vertical only. 
4.11.9 Appropriate shock length should be installed fo r the height of the ve hicle. The inspection 
technician may ask the vehicle owner to rem ove the shock in order to measure it shock 
shaft length 
4.11.10 The modified suspension shall be installe d as provided by the manufacturer and should 
not affect the ABS or traction control syst em of the vehicle if equipped  by OEM. 
4.11.11 The use of suspension limiting straps is allo wed provided that the method of installation 
is suitable for the expected loads. 
4.11.12 The minimum height of the vehicle shall be 12 cm and measured from the bottom of 
the area under the driver's door. 
 
4.12 Tires and wheels  
4.12.1 Special tires may be used if they comply w ith the SASO GSO 42 .The tires must have   
Gulf conformity certificate for tires and comply with the speed and load codes 
indicated. 
4.12.2 The replaced tires shall not touch any part  of the body during movement or obscure it. SASO STANDARD                                                                   SASO 0000/2018   
 
 
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4.12.3 The load rating of a wheel as determined  by the wheel manufacturer, either by a stamp 
on the wheel or in the wheel manufacturer’s li terature, shall not be exceeded. If such a 
load rating is not available, the wheel shall not be used on the vehicle. The axle weight 
rating for most vehicles is shown on the iden tification label located on the driver’s side 
door jam, gas tank door, trunk li d or glove compartment.. 
4.12.4 The replaced tire shall be similar of a higher standard than the origin al tyre in terms of 
durability. 
4.12.5 Replacement wheels shall be similar to or better than original wh eels / in terms of 
durability. 
4.12.6 All tires shall be mount ed according to the recommended procedures of the 
manufacturers of tire. The tire manufactur e recommendations of rim width must be 
followed according to the reference manual for the given country. The reference 
manual for the United States of America is  published by the Tire and Rim Association 
(TRA), the reference manual for Europe is published by the European Tire and Rim Technical Organization (ETRTO), the refe rence manual for Japan is published by 
Japan Automobile Tire Manufactur ers Association, Inc. (JATMA). 
4.12.7 Wheels must be free from damage, cracking, and rust, and must clearly ensure the safe 
operation, mounting, or performan ce of the wheel in service. 
           -Wheels may not be drilled, weld ed shaved, cut or otherwis e altered from the wheel 
           manufacturer design and applica tion - Any modification on the structure of the wheels 
are not allowed 
4.12.8 The use of spacers/ adapters  between wheel and hub are not allowed. 4.12.9 Tire-to-fender clearances and tire-to-suspe nsion clearances should appropriate. So that 
they prevents rubbing and scuffing. Wheel bala nce weights shall not be in contact with 
suspension components and tires shall not be in contact with fenders. 
4.12.10 A wheel shall not use fewer fasteners than  the wheel and vehicle was designed for, 
and must installed at the appropriate torque  value according to the size of the fastener. 
See vehicle manufacturer manual ha ndbook for the number of fasteners and 
recommended tightening torque value. 
4.12.11 Racing use or sand tires (balloon) tires are not allowed on the road.  
4.13  In-vehicle entertainment systems 
4.13.1 The visual display unit of th e in-vehicle entertainment system should be installed such 
that it does not interfere with the driver’s visi bility. If it is in the view of the driver, it 
shall have a function to automatically disabl e or switch off the visual display when the 
vehicle is in motion. 
4.13.2 The system shall not interfere with existing vehicle controls or instrumentation in any 
way. 
4.13.3 The electrical system shall be adequately pr otected against fire hazards. The addition of 
in-vehicle entertainment systems must be carried out by qualified personnel in 
accordance with the system manufacturer's recommendations. 
 
4. 14 . Chassis and frame 
4.14.1 A vehicle shall be equipped with a frame consisting of structural beams or channels, or 
        structural tubing, or unitized constructi on capable of supporting the vehicle, its load, and   
the torque produced by the power source under all conditions of operation.  
4.14.2 The frame structure shall be essentially rigi d, free of cracks and vi sual indications of 
weakness, such as bending or buckling. Body mounts may not be broken, cracked, 
deteriorated or missing. SASO STANDARD                                                                   SASO 0000/2018   
 
 
١١ 
4.14.3 A vehicle shall be equipped with a floor pan under the entire passenger compartment.   
The floor pan shall be capable of supporting th e weight of the number of occupants that 
the vehicle is designed to carry in the designated seating positions. 
4.14.4 The body structure of a vehicle shall be free of sharp edges a nd projections in all interior 
and exterior locations where persons in the normal use and care of the vehicle may 
contact them. This requirement does not in clude those locations usually accessible only 
when the vehicle is hoisted or partially dismantled for the purpose of maintenance or 
repair. 
4.14.5 Chassis cross members for engine and drivetra in location may be removable if desired.   
The flanges and bolts shall be of suitable size and the nuts and threaded bosses shall 
have thread depth appropriate for the application. 
4.14.6 Double shear – All shear style suspension mounts shall be mounted in double shear. 4.14.7 No cutting or welding is allowed anywhere on the vehicle’s frame 4.14.8 Protective skid plates can be added to pr otect the lower parts of  the vehicle provided 
they are well-secured. 
4.14.9 Aftermarket hinging or modification of OEM hinges of doors or trunk lid is not allowed 
 
4.15 Bull bars 
4.15.1 Fiberglass, carbon fiber and other composite material are accepted as long as there is no 
          internal reinforcement with heavy steel that is welded or attached to the main chassis 
4.15.2 For steel / rigid bull, bars are  allowed as long as they come as a manufacturer ’s option.
 
 
5. CRITERIA OF TECHNICAL CONFORMITY  
The technical inspection of vehicles modified sh all be carried out by the Saudi Organization for 
Standardization, Metrology and Quality or an approved third party by them