RTA Vehicle Testing Dubai 2026: Centers, Fees & Renewal

Making sure your car is safe to drive is an important part of being a responsible driver in Dubai. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) requires motorists to do regular vehicle tests to maintain safety and environmental standards. In this comprehensive RTA vehicle inspection guide, we will explain everything you need to know about RTA vehicle testing.

RTA Car Testing Dubai Overview

To ensure all vehicles meet safety standards, the RTA has set certain validity standards and vehicle test requirements in Dubai. These are measured through the RTA Vehicle Inspection tests. This regular testing helps in identifying potential issues that could compromise road safety or contribute to environmental pollution. How to pass the RTA test is a question we have all the answers to.

When is Vehicle Testing Required?

Rta Vehilce Testing Dubai Required

RTA Car Test Validity depends on various factors related to the specific vehicle. Vehicle inspection in Dubai testing depends on the age and the condition of the car:

New vehicles: Exempt from testing for the first three years. A mandatory RTA test is required after three years, when it is time for the annual registration renewal.
Vehicles older than three years: Required to pass the RTA vehicle renewal test every year for the annual registration renewal. The validity period begins on the day your car passes the vehicle inspection.
Commercial vehicles: May have different testing requirements based on their usage and category.
And remember, the validity of a technical vehicle inspection certificate is 30 days from the date of issuance.

Additionally, vehicle RTA tests are required in the following situations:

Transfer of ownership: When buying or selling a vehicle.
Exporting a vehicle: Before exporting a vehicle outside the UAE.
Re-registration: If a vehicle’s registration has expired for an extended period.

Popular RTA Testing Centers in Dubai

In Dubai, there are many RTA vehicle inspection locations and centers that motorists can easily visit to complete the required procedures and processes related to their vehicles.

Here is an updated RTA approved testing centers list with their location, phone numbers, and working hours. If you are looking for the best RTA testing center in Dubai, prefer the one near your location.

Testing Centre	Location / Address	Operating Hours	Important Notes & Phone
Tamam Vehicle Testing Centre	Ras Al Khor, Community 613	8:00 AM – 10:00 PM	Light, heavy & trailer testing; renewal, export, registration tests. Phone: 04-706-9900
CARS Deira	Al-Khabaisi, Opp. Hamarain Centre	7:00 AM – 10:00 PM	Light & heavy vehicle testing. Phone: 04-261-2000
Tasjeel Al Barsha	Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Quoz Industrial 3	8:00 AM – 10:00 PM	One of Dubai’s busiest testing centres. Phone: 04-347-3619 / 800-3662
Tasjeel Al Qusais	Beirut Street, Al Qusais Industrial 5	7:30 AM – 9:00 PM	Popular choice for vehicle renewals. Phone: 04-267-0290
Tasjeel Al Aweer	Ras Al Khor, Used Car Complex	7:30 AM – 9:00 PM	Renewal, export & technical inspections. Phone: 04-333-1510
Tasjeel Warsan	University City Road, Warsan 2	8:00 AM – 10:00 PM	Handles large volumes; full RTA-approved testing. Phone: 04-333-6679
Shamil Muhaisnah	Muhaisnah 2, near Al Qusais	8:00 AM – 10:00 PM	Light-vehicle inspections only. Phone: 04-258-5544
Shamil Nad Al Hamar	Nad Al Hamar Street	8:00 AM – 10:00 PM	Renewal and technical vehicle tests. Phone: 04-289-7788
Shamil Al Adheed	Al Hudaiba, Sheikh Rashid Road	8:00 AM – 10:00 PM	Light-vehicle testing services. Phone: 04-398-1555

Note: It is advisable to contact the centers directly or visit their official websites for the most up-to-date information. RTA testing timings in Dubai usually change during Ramadan, public holidays, and peak seasons.

Types of Tests and RTA Vehicle Testing Fees

The table below provides a list of different tests that may be required to be performed in order to comply with the RTA Safety Regulations. It also shows the RTA vehicle testing fees associated with each test:

Test Type	Definition	Price
Defect Test	If a defect is found during a roadside inspection or remote check, the vehicle must undergo this test at an approved testing center.	-
Export Test	Required before exporting a vehicle outside the UAE. This test records important details like the chassis and engine number.	Light vehicles: 25 AED Heavy vehicles: 25 AED
New Vehicle Registration Test	Needed when registering a vehicle bought outside an authorized UAE dealership. Also required for ownership transfers and re-registration.	Light vehicle: 120 AED Heavy vehicle: 150 AED
Re-test	If a vehicle fails any of the above tests, it must be re-tested after fixing the issues.	First re-test (light vehicle): 35 AED First re-test (heavy vehicle): 50 AED

If your vehicle fails the RTA inspection test, you have to get it re-tested within a specific timeframe which is a month after the inspection date. After that, the owner will no longer be able to register the car and will be charged a Police fine along with a Road usage charge for every additional day the vehicle is not renewed.

Step-by-Step Process of RTA Car Inspection

To complete one of the tests at the RTA vehicle testing centers, use the following RTA vehicle testing checklist:

1.Pre-booking (optional)

Rta Vehilce Testing Dubai Process

For anyone unfamiliar with how to book RTA vehicle test in Dubai, it is now mandatory to pre-book it in advance, especially during peak hours. The RTA has introduced a pre-booking system that is available at select Tasjeel centers, such as Al Qusais and Al Barsha. Walk-in appointments are available at specific centers and are charged 100 AED.

2. Prepare Necessary Documents:

Ensure you have the following documents:

Emirates ID
Vehicle registration card (Mulkiya)
Valid insurance certificate
Commercial license copy (for commercial customers only)

3. Prepare the Vehicle:

Ensure the vehicle is in a clean condition and the safety triangle, spare wheel, and fire extinguisher (as applicable to vehicle category) are visible and easily accessible.

4. Visit the Testing Center:

Arrive at the chosen center at an appointed time.

5. Payment of Fees:

Pay the applicable RTA inspection fee.

6. Receive Test Results:

Once the inspection is over, you will receive the test results via text message and e-mail:

Pass: Proceed with the registration renewal or other required processes.

Fail: Address the identified issues and schedule a re-test.

Common Reasons for Failing the RTA Vehicle Test

Rta Vehilce Testing Dubai Failing Reasons1

RTA vehicle passing requirements are set out to help drivers better prepare for inspection. Understanding the requirements allows motorists to prepare their cars before visiting RTA centers. Let us look at the RTA vehicle passing guide to understand the reasons why vehicles fail the inspection tests:

Worn-out tires with a tread depth below 1.6mm are unacceptable.
Faulty brake systems or worn brake pads.
Exceeding permissible emission levels due to exhaust leaks or malfunctioning catalytic converters.
Non-functioning headlights, brake lights, or indicators.
Worn or damaged suspension components affecting vehicle stability.

To prevent these issues, regular maintenance and pre-inspection checks are recommended.

RTA Vehicle Passing Charges and Payment Methods

As of 2025, the standard RTA vehicle renewal test fee in Dubai is 150 AED for a light vehicle and 200 AED for a heavy vehicle.

You can pay the RTA car passing fees in cash, with a credit or a debit card.

How to Check RTA Passing Certificate

Since August 2020, the RTA has transitioned to paperless vehicle testing certificates. Upon completion of the inspection, the RTA will email the certificate directly to the registered owner via email and SMS. You can also easily check the status of your vehicle testing certificate via the RTA app or the Dubai Drive App.

Ensure you provide the correct e-mail and phone number information so you can receive your e-certificate promptly on the RTA website. The average waiting time after the inspection test at vehicle registration and inspection centers is typically 10 minutes. In case you haven’t received your certificate within a reasonable timeframe, contact RTA directly.

If you have a plan to upgrade your car before inspection renewal, explore Dubai’s market of used cars for sale to come across affordable and RTA-ready options.

Conclusion

The above RTA testing guide 2026 ensures that the vehicle inspection in Dubai is made simple and easy. The car inspection itself usually lasts 10-15 minutes, except for some specific exemptions. The entire process may last from 15 minutes up to an hour or sometimes more, depending on the number of customers waiting and the time you arrive there, since peak hours can cause significant wait time.

For that reason, it is advisable to either schedule your RTA car inspection appointment in advance or avoid busy hours to save time. In addition, having prepared the vehicle and all required documents will make the process even smoother.

Disclaimer: All information, including pricing, vehicle details, and legal requirements, is accurate at the time of publication but may be subject to change due to market conditions or policy updates. While First Choice Cars makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information provided, we hold no responsibility for any errors, omissions, or outdated content. We recommend contacting our team directly to confirm the latest details before making any decisions.