The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing has called on vehicle repair workshops to comply with the municipal requirements governing their activity, saying the rules improve service quality, raise occupational health and safety standards and curb practices that spoil the urban landscape.

Under the requirements, all work must take place inside the licensed premises. Workshops may not use public pavements or setback areas, and customers' vehicles must be parked inside the workshop rather than on pavements or roads.

Workshops must provide an air-conditioned waiting area where customers can follow the repair work through glass windows, or via live camera feed where a direct view is not possible, and must offer working electronic payment. A unified QR code must be displayed on the shop front so customers can check the licence and government documents.

Safety rules include compliance with the Saudi Building Code and fire protection requirements, a first aid kit and suitable equipment, and professional certificates for workers in activities that require them.

On the environmental side, workshops must install an oil interceptor to stop oil reaching the sewage network and inspect it at least once every three months. Used oil must be collected in dedicated tanks and handed to recyclers or licensed waste carriers, and any spills cleaned up with proper materials.

The rules also require workshops to keep their premises and surroundings clean, maintain facades and signs regularly, keep service pipes and air-conditioning units off facades, and provide access for people with disabilities.

Regional municipalities and their local branches monitor compliance. The full requirements are available on the ministry's website, momah.gov.sa.