Getting your car registered in Dubai isn’t just about paying a fee. If you own a vehicle older than three years, you must pass a technical inspection before renewal. Skip this step, and your car becomes illegal to drive. No warnings. No grace periods. Just a blocked traffic file and fines that pile up daily.
Who Needs an Inspection?
Not every car in Dubai needs a technical inspection every year. The rule is simple: new vehicles get a three-year pass. If you bought your car from an authorized UAE dealer, you don’t need a single inspection for the first three years. Annual registration renewal? Sure. But no inspection. That changes on day 1096. After that, you’re on the yearly inspection schedule - no exceptions. But here’s the catch: if you buy a used car, even if it’s brand new but imported from outside the UAE, the three-year exemption doesn’t apply. You need the inspection right away. Same goes if you transfer ownership - even if the car is only one year old. The moment the title changes hands, the RTA demands a clean inspection report. No shortcuts. Commercial vehicles? They follow their own rules. Taxis, delivery vans, trucks - their inspection frequency depends on how they’re classified. If you run a business with a vehicle, make sure you know your category. You’ll need to show your commercial license at the inspection center.What Happens During the Inspection?
The RTA inspection isn’t a quick glance. It’s a full diagnostic check. The system scans over 40 points, from brakes to emissions. Here’s what they test:- Brakes - pad thickness, hydraulic function, and balance
- Tires - tread depth (minimum 1.6mm), wear patterns, and pressure
- Lighting - headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and hazard lights
- Exhaust - emissions levels, smoke output, and catalytic converter function
- Steering and suspension - alignment, ball joints, and shock absorbers
- Window tint - front windshield must be clear. No tint allowed. Side and rear windows? Up to 50% tint is legal.
- Seat belts - all anchors must be secure, no frayed straps
- Fluid leaks - oil, coolant, or brake fluid leaks = automatic fail
Where to Go and How to Book
RTA has multiple testing centers across Dubai, but two are the most popular:- Tasjeel Al Qusais - Beirut Street, Al Qusais Industrial 5. Open 7:30 AM to 9:00 PM daily. Phone: 04-267-0290
- Tasjeel Al Aweer - Ras Al Khor, Used Car Complex. Also open 7:30 AM to 9:00 PM. Phone: 04-333-1510
Costs in 2026
Fees are clear and fixed:- Standard light vehicle (annual renewal): AED 150
- New registration (for imported cars): AED 120
- Heavy vehicle (trucks, buses): AED 150
- First re-test (after failure): AED 35 for light vehicles, AED 50 for heavy
What If You Fail?
Failing isn’t the end. It’s a warning. The system gives you 31 days to fix the issue and come back. But here’s where people get stuck:- Brake pads worn down? Replace them.
- One headlight out? Swap the bulb.
- Window tint on the front windshield? Remove it.
- Exhaust leak? Get it welded.
How to Renew After Passing
Once you pass, you get a technical inspection certificate. Valid for 30 days. That’s your window to renew registration. Do it late? Your renewal won’t process. Renewal can be done in three ways:- Online - through the RTA website or Dubai Now app. Upload your inspection certificate. Pay the renewal fee. Certificate sent via SMS and email.
- Self-Service Machine - at RTA centers. Insert your Mulkiya, scan your QR code, pay, and print your new registration.
- In Person - at Customer Happiness Centers. Only if you have a complex case (e.g., multiple vehicles, legal representative).
When to Renew - Timing Matters
You can renew your registration up to 150 days before it expires. That’s five months of flexibility. Use it. Don’t wait until the last week. If your registration expires and you don’t renew within two months? Your Traffic File gets blocked. No driving. No renewals. No exceptions. You’ll need to visit an RTA center, pay all fines, and restart the entire process. And if you own more than one car? You must renew the one with the earliest expiry date first. The system won’t let you renew a later-expiring car until the first one is taken care of. This rule is automatic. No exceptions.What to Avoid
Here are the top five preventable failures:- Front windshield tint - even a thin strip causes an automatic fail. Remove it before inspection.
- Worn brake pads - check them every 5,000 km. They wear faster in Dubai’s stop-and-go traffic.
- Dead bulbs - replace all lights before the test. A single non-working brake light fails the whole system.
- Expired insurance - your insurance must be active on the day of inspection. No grace period.
- Waiting until the last minute - if you wait until your registration expires, you risk missing the 30-day window after inspection.
Final Tip: Stay Ahead
The RTA system is built for efficiency. It’s not trying to trap you. It’s trying to keep Dubai’s roads safe. The best strategy? Set reminders. Three months before your inspection is due, check your tires, lights, and brakes. Clean your car inside and out. Make sure your insurance is paid. Book your appointment early. If you do that, you’ll breeze through. No stress. No fines. No blocked files. Just a clean, legal, and safe vehicle on the road.Do I need an inspection if my car is less than three years old?
No, if you bought the car from an authorized UAE dealer and haven’t transferred ownership. You only need annual registration renewal. But if you bought it from outside the UAE, or if you transferred ownership at any point, you need the inspection immediately.
Can I renew my registration online without an inspection?
Yes - but only if your vehicle doesn’t require an inspection. That means it’s under three years old and hasn’t changed ownership. If it’s older than three years, you must pass the inspection first. The system won’t let you renew online without a valid inspection certificate.
What happens if I miss the 31-day re-test window?
Your vehicle registration is blocked. You’ll receive a police fine and a daily road usage charge of up to AED 50 per day. You’ll need to clear all fines before you can even start the inspection process again. Avoid this by fixing issues and re-testing within 31 days.
Can I use a third-party mechanic to fix inspection failures?
Yes. You can take your car to any mechanic to fix issues like brake pads, bulbs, or exhaust leaks. Just make sure repairs are done properly. The RTA inspection center doesn’t do repairs - only tests. After repairs, schedule your re-test.
Is the inspection valid across all UAE emirates?
Yes. The RTA inspection certificate is valid for registration renewal anywhere in the UAE. But if you move your car to another emirate, you may need to register it locally, which could require additional steps. Always check with the local traffic department.