RIYADH, 19 July 2004 — The conventional car registration document (istimara) has now acquired a sleek visiting card look. The new format, which was introduced on an experimental basis on Feb. 21, is now being issued Kingdom-wide at all offices of the Traffic Department — which function under the Ministry of the Interior.

“The document comes in a handy format which easily fits into the wallet,” Abdul Rahman Fahd Abunayan at the Riyadh Traffic Department told Arab News.

Under the new scheme, the department issues two cards for car registration. One is for registration of the vehicle and gives details of the car such as chassis number, make and model, its color and the date of the registration. The other, the ownership card, identifies the owner of the vehicle, his identity card number, car number plate and its registration number.

Explaining the significance of issuing two cards, Abunayan said the motorist should always carry the registration card and a photocopy of the ownership card. “The ownership card can be kept at home and it has to be produced only when the vehicle is sold,” he said and added that this gives an added security to the car owner to ensure that only he can sell the car.

Abunayan pointed out that the particulars on the card are currently handwritten but will be computerized soon. The identity card issued by the department of immigration is linked to other important documents such as car registration, passport and driving license and auto insurance certificate.

“We are also planning to issue electronic driving licenses which would enable the authorities to process traffic violations and payment of fines without any hassle to the motorists,” Abunayan said.

The Traffic Department renews the car registration every three years and the driving license for a period of five years. The registration, renewal and transfer of vehicles could be done only on production of a valid motor vehicles periodic inspection (MVPI) test. The MVPI test is valid only for a period of one year.

“The MVPI test ensures that the vehicles that come for registration are roadworthy,” Abunayan said pointing out that several road accidents do happen due to faulty tires, want of signal, brake and head lights, absence of horn and wipers for windscreen.

Recently, the government made it mandatory on all motorists to get insurance cover from recognized companies in the Kingdom to cover accidents.