Vehicle Testing by RTA
To ensure safe and smooth transport for all, RTA (Roads and Transport Authority) has set up several Vehicle Testing Centers all across Dubai. The VTC provides different services related to vehicle inspection. Below are the most Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) related to vehicle testing and safety.
Why is Vehicle Test required in Dubai?
To ensure that vehicles are road worthy, the Legislation in Dubai has made it mandatory for all vehicles to undergo vehicle tests at their respective frequencies. With a view to Dubai’s strategic vision of ‘safer vehicles’, vehicle testing facilitates vehicle safety. While unsafe vehicles fail to pass the test, their defects must be rectified before being driven on the roads of Dubai.
When do you require to test your vehicle?
Below mentioned are the various types of vehicle tests that may be required in order to comply with the RTA Safety Regulations
Defect Test
After a roadside inspection or a remote detection of defects, the vehicle is taken to the Vehicle Testing Partners’ site for Defect Test
Export Test
This test is required prior to exporting any vehicle outside the UAE. In this test, vehicle identification data is captured such as chassis and engine details.
New Vehicle Registration Test
As the name relates, this test is taken prior to registration of a vehicle that is purchased from outside an authorised vehicle agency in UAE. It is also required in re‐registration of a vehicle and while transferring vehicle ownership.
Periodic Vehicle Test
It involves periodic testing of vehicle safety, roadworthiness aspects and checking exhaust emissions of vehicles. This test is required to renew vehicle registration.
Re‐tests
The re‐test refers to the test performed upon failure of any of the above listed tests.
Frequency at which Tests can be Performed
Test Type Vehicle Category Frequency
Periodic Vehicle Test
Light Vehicles: Private Vehicles:
3 – 1 – 1 – 1…
Commercial Vehicles:
1 – 1 – 1 – 1…
Heavy Vehicles: 1 – 1 – 1 – 1…
New Vehicle Registration Test in Dubai
Light Vehicles and Heavy Vehicles
Triggered upon:
• Purchase from outside the authorised vehicle agencies in the UAE
• Transfer of vehicle ownership
• Re‐registration of vehicle
• Post the new vehicle registration test, the vehicles in all categories must be tested annually
Re‐test
Light Vehicles and Heavy Vehicles
Triggered within 30 days of failure of compliance to above test standards.
Export Test
Light Vehicles and Heavy Vehicles
Triggered when exporting a vehicle outside Dubai.
Time Taken for Vehicle Inspection in Dubai
- For light vehicle – On an average it takes up to 15 minutes to test a light vehicle. Depending on the volume of customers, the average end to end service time varies between 20 to 40 minutes.
- For heavy vehicle ‐ It takes about 20 minutes to test a heavy vehicle. Average end to end service time ranges from 25‐45 minutes, depending on the volume of customers.
- End to end service – It refers to the moment when you hand over your car to perform the inspection until you receive your vehicle after inspection is complete.
Validity of the Test
The test certificate issued by the RTA is valid for 30 days from the issue date. You must complete the transaction following the test within the test certificate validity period.
Requirements to Fulfill Before Visiting Vehicle Testing Centre
- Clean vehicle
- Clean vehicle plate number
- Remove underside cover, if present.
- Make sure the safety triangle, spare wheel and fire extinguisher (as applicable to your vehicle category) are in a visible/accessible location.
- No advertisements and/or stickers of any sort on the vehicle without prior approval from the RTA
Documents Required in Vehicle Testing Centre Dubai
- Emirates ID
- Vehicle registration card. However to perform vehicle registration, you must ensure that the vehicle test (if applicable) is performed and a valid vehicle insurance policy is obtained.
- Commercial license copy (applicable for commercial customers only)
Last Day for Vehicle Testing
For registration renewal, the vehicle test can be performed up to 6 months before vehicle registration expires. In the case where the vehicle test is not performed within 6 months of expiry of the vehicle registration, the test must be performed within 1 month after expiry of the vehicle registration otherwise you need to pay penalties.
Fees for Vehicle Tests (from the year 2013)
Periodic Vehicle Test (Light Vehicles) – 120AED
Periodic Vehicle Test (Heavy Vehicles) – 150AED
New Vehicle Registration Test (Light Vehicles) – 120AED
New Vehicle Registration Test (Heavy Vehicles) – 150AED
First Re‐test (Light Vehicles) – 35AED
First Re‐test (Heavy Vehicles) – 50AED
Export Test (Light Vehicles) – 25AED
Export Test (Heavy Vehicles) – 25AED
Consequences of failing the vehicle Test
On failing the vehicle test in Dubai, you need to repair the vehicle defects within 30 days. In this tenure only 2 vehicle re‐tests are permitted. If you do not obtain a valid test certificate, then you will bear the following consequences:
- Road usage charge – Monetary fine is levied by the RTA Vehicle Licensing department for every additional day the vehicle is not renewed.
- No vehicle registration – You cannot renew your vehicle.
- Fine from Dubai Police or other Emirates Police – If unable to present a valid vehicle registration.
- Renewal of Commercial License – Fleet operators cannot renew their commercial license if more than 10% of their fleet is not registered.
Only 1 re‐test attempt is allowed within 30 days of the issue date of the initial test certificate. On failure of the re‐test, you need to perform a fresh vehicle test.
Where to go for Re‐test?
The re‐test can be performed in any Vehicle Testing Centre branch, but must be performed in within the same Vehicle Test Company as the initial test. The vehicle must be tested in the emirate in which it is registered to.
What if you believe that your vehicle test result is incorrect?
In this case, you may approach the RTA. The dedicated RTA team will contact you to verify details, perform investigation and provide you with a response within 5 working days.
RTA call Centre – 8009090
Email RTA at ask@rta.ae
Items Checked in Testing Lighter Vehicles in Dubai
- Vehicle Identification – Registration Plate and Chassis Number
- Emission Testing – Exhaust Emissions
- Brake Testing – Service Brake Mechanical condition and operation Parking brake performance
- Visually Inspected Parameters – Braking systems, Steering and steering wheel, Visibility, Lighting equipment, Axles, wheels, tyres, suspension, Chassis and chassis attachments
Items Checked in Testing Heavy Vehicles in Dubai
- Vehicle Identification – Registration Plate and Chassis Number
- Emission Testing – Exhaust Emissions
- Brake Testing – Service Brake Mechanical condition and Parking brake performance
- Visually Inspected Parameters – Braking systems, Steering and steering wheel, Visibility, Lighting equipment, Axles, wheels, tyres, suspension, Chassis and chassis attachments, Noise
- Head Light Testing – Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment, Main and dipped‐beam headlamps
Items Checked in Testing Trailers in Dubai
- Vehicle Identification – Registration Plate and Chassis Number
- Emission Testing – Exhaust Emissions
- Brake Testing – Service Brake Mechanical condition and Parking brake performance
- Visually Inspected Parameters – Braking systems, Steering and steering wheel, Visibility, Lighting equipment, Axles, wheels, tyres, suspension, Chassis and chassis attachments, Noise
- Other Equipments – Fire extinguisher Warning triangle Wheel chock(s) Loading legs
- Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment – Side lamps and end‐outline marker lamps Stop Lamps Direction‐indicator lamps Reversing lamps Rear registration plate lamp Retro reflectors.
Locations for Vehicle Testing in Dubai
There are multiple vehicle testing facilities all over the emirate. Please find the details in the below link
VTC: Branches, Location, Services & Timings
Car Registration in Dubai
To register a car in Dubai, you need to follow some steps / procedure required to register, documents required and cost of the registration. You can check in the following link.
How to register a new car in Dubai?
How to register a used car in Dubai?
How to register other Emirates car in Dubai
