FAQs: RTA Vehicle Testing
The largest city in the UAE, Dubai, has a bit of everything to offer everyone. The government entities are doing their utmost to transform it into a smart city. Talking about the official bodies, the Road and Transportation Authority (RTA) in Dubai aims to ensure safe and smooth transportation for all.
In alignment with its vision, RTA has launched multiple Vehicle Testing Centres (VTCs) all around Dubai to ease up the vehicle inspection services for vehicle owners. For those keen to learn more about these services, we have rounded up the most common RTA vehicle testing FAQs.
FAQs about Vehicle Testing by RTA
Apart from working to ensure smooth and safe transportation in the city, RTA is also involved in providing vehicle inspection services. The government in Dubai has mandated every vehicle be tested and inspected to ensure that it is in good working condition. Here we will discuss some of the most frequently asked questions about vehicle testing by RTA.
According to Dubai law, automobiles must undergo vehicle inspections at appropriate intervals to ensure they are safe for the road. In line with the strategic objective of “safer automobiles”, vehicle testing promotes vehicle safety because unsafe vehicles won’t be able to pass the test and must be fixed before being allowed on Dubai’s roads.
The following inspection tests are conducted to determine the roadworthiness of any vehicle as per RTA’s road safety regulations.
Export Test: This test is conducted before exporting a vehicle outside of the UAE. It involves recording vehicle identification data such as engine and chassis details.
Defect Test: For this test, the vehicle is taken to the Vehicle Testing Partners’ site for testing, followed by remote detection of defects or a roadside inspection.
New Vehicle Registration Test: It is the test performed before registering a vehicle bought from other than the authorised vehicle agency in the UAE. It is also required when re-registering a car or transferring a vehicle’s ownership in Dubai.
Periodic Vehicle Test: It refers to the testing of vehicle safety, exhaust emissions, and roadworthiness aspects of a vehicle at periodic intervals. It is also required to renew vehicle registration. Vehicles that are older than 3 years require periodic vehicle testing every year.
Re-tests: These refer to the tests performed if any of the above tests fail.
There are a huge number of vehicle testing centres set up across Dubai to ensure maximum road safety. You may refer to this guide on Vehicle Testing Centres in Dubai to get detailed information about tests performed at each centre and their location, timings and contact details.
A light vehicle requires about 15 minutes for inspection. The average time taken for the end-to-end service is between 20-40 minutes, depending on the customer load. The end-to-end service is the time recorded from the moment the vehicle is handed over for inspection till it is received by the customer.
Whereas a heavy vehicle will take about 20 minutes for inspection, and for end-to-end service, it takes about 25-45 minutes, depending on the customer load.
The inspection test certificate issued by the RTA is valid for only 30 days from the issuance date. The transaction following the test must be completed within the validity period of the test certificate.
The vehicle owner must ensure that the following requirements are fulfilled before handing over the vehicle for inspection.
– The vehicle must be clean.
– It should have a clear number plate.
– The underside cover, if any, must be removed.
– The safety triangle, fire extinguisher (if applicable to vehicle category), and spare wheel must be present in visible locations.
– No stickers/advertisements of any sort must be pasted on the vehicle before RTA approval.
You must carry your Vehicle Registration Card, Emirates ID, and commercial licence copy (in case of commercial use vehicle) when taking your vehicle for inspection at a testing centre.
Up to six months before the vehicle registration expires, the vehicle test can be performed for registration renewal. If the vehicle test is not carried out within six months of the vehicle registration expiry, it must be taken within one month after the expiry to avoid any penalties.
The following fee applies to different types of vehicle inspection tests:
Periodic vehicle test: AED 120 for light vehicles and AED 150 for heavy vehicles.
New vehicle registration test: AED 120 for light vehicles and AED 150 for heavy vehicles.
First Re-test: No fee.
Second Re-test: AED 35 for light vehicles and AED 37.5 for heavy vehicles.
Export test: AED 25 for light and heavy vehicles.
In case of failure of the vehicle inspection test, you must fix the faults and get the necessary improvements made within 30 days. Once satisfied, visit the Vehicle Testing Centre (VTC) for a re-test, where the initial inspection testing was performed. In case you do not get a valid test certificate, you will bear the following consequences:
– A fine will be charged by the RTA Vehicle Licensing department, applicable for every additional day the vehicle is not renewed.
– The owner won’t be able to renew the vehicle.
– Failure to present a valid vehicle registration card will result in a traffic fine from Dubai Police or other Emirate Police.
– If more than 10% of the commercial fleet is not registered, the fleet operators won’t be able to renew the commercial licence.
No, you must get your vehicle tested in the same Emirate in which it was registered.
In such a situation, you can approach RTA with your case at the helpline at 800-9090 or email them at ask@rta.ae. Within 5 working days, a dedicated RTA team will contact you, perform an investigation and provide a response.
That’s a wrap on RTA vehicle testing FAQs. Now that you are aware of the vehicle inspection tests and their related concerns make sure you get the vehicle tested periodically. However, to get a remarkable roadworthiness rating, you can switch to a modern car with high-tech features. Find your ideal pick from this plethora of used cars for sale in Dubai.
Nevertheless, you can find more information on RTA services through this guide on RTA FAQs.
Stay tuned to the UAE’s leading automotive blog for more information on RTA services.