Car Inspection in Dubai

Dubai RTA exempts a new, zero-mileage car for three years from its manufacture or registration year, whichever comes first, but only while you are the first owner. After that, it needs an inspection before every yearly renewal. Any change of ownership also needs an inspection.

Use an RTA-approved inspection centre, such as Tasjeel, Wasel, Shamil or Al Mutakamela branches. Booking through the RTA Dubai app or website has been mandatory since June 2025. Some centres take walk-ins for an extra AED 100. RTA does not accept inspection results from outside its approved centres.

Dubai RTA charges AED 150 for a light vehicle inspection and AED 50 for a re-test, plus an AED 20 knowledge and innovation fee. Walk-in inspections without a booking cost an extra AED 100 at centres that allow them.

Tyres are one of the most common. Dubai RTA fails cars with tyres more than five years past their manufacture date, tyres that are badly worn or cut, and tyres not meant for public roads, such as mountain or snow tyres. Old, worn tyres are also more likely to burst in summer heat.

Fix the faults and return for a re-test, which needs no booking and costs AED 50 for a light vehicle. If you think the result is wrong, you can appeal to RTA's Technical Inspection Committee, which decides within 5 working days. A pass certificate is valid for 30 days.

Yes. Many authorised testing centres offer a comprehensive used-car inspection that goes further than the registration safety test, checking things like paint depth on the panels, electrics and the interior, often with a road test. Do it before you pay, as the car must also pass a standard inspection to transfer ownership.