Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Education has announced a detailed set of new safety rules for students using school bus services, timed to coincide with the start of the new academic year across the Kingdom.
The ministry has issued comprehensive guidelines aimed at ensuring students travel safely to and from school while using official school transportation. Under the new rules, students are required to follow proper safety procedures at every stage of their journey — from waiting for the bus, to boarding, to the ride itself.
Specifically, students must wait at designated pickup areas, board and disembark from buses in an organized and orderly manner, remain seated in their assigned spots throughout the journey, and wear seatbelts at all times while the bus is moving. Students are also required to follow all instructions given by bus drivers and accompanying supervisors without exception.
The guidelines explicitly prohibit students from placing their heads, hands, or any other body parts outside bus windows or doors, and carrying dangerous items onto buses is strictly forbidden. Additionally, students are expected to help keep buses clean and to respect both the transport facilities themselves and the belongings of fellow passengers. If a student accidentally boards the wrong bus or misses their designated stop, they are required to inform the driver immediately.
Safety instructions also extend to the disembarking process: students must wait until the bus comes to a complete stop before exiting, and they are instructed never to cross directly in front of the vehicle after getting off, reducing the risk of accidents in high-traffic pickup and drop-off zones.
The school transport service is available to both male and female students across all three levels of general education in Saudi Arabia. The annual registration fee for the service is set at SR200, though students from families receiving social security benefits, as well as students with disabilities, are exempt from this fee entirely.
Notably, the ministry has also directed that parents are not permitted to board school buses under any circumstances. Any complaints or concerns regarding the school transport service must instead be submitted through designated school transport supervisors or official support channels, keeping the boarding process streamlined and secure for students.
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The updated rules place Saudi Arabia among a growing number of countries tightening regulations around student transportation following international scrutiny of school bus safety standards. Pakistani families with children studying in Saudi Arabia are advised to confirm with their child’s school that transport providers are fully compliant with the new requirements before the academic term begins.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Saudi Arabia’s new school bus rules for 2026?
Students must wait at designated areas, board buses in an organized manner, remain seated, wear seatbelts, and follow driver and supervisor instructions.
What is the annual school bus registration fee in Saudi Arabia?
The annual registration fee is SR200, with students from families receiving social security benefits and students with disabilities exempt from the fee.
Can parents board school buses in Saudi Arabia?
No, the Ministry of Education has instructed parents not to board school buses; complaints must go through school transport supervisors or official channels.