Annual Car Inspection in Dubai: Complete 2026 Guide

In Dubai, an annual car inspection is a key step in renewing your vehicle registration when your car is over three years old. This inspection, sometimes called a vehicle roadworthiness test or technical inspection, helps the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) ensure cars on the road meet safety, emissions, and mechanical standards. Knowing exactly what is checked, where to book, how much it costs, and how to avoid common failures gives you a smoother experience and avoids delays or additional fees when renewing your Mulkiya. (RTA)

What Is an Annual Car Inspection in Dubai

Purpose of the inspection

The RTA’s annual car inspection checks your vehicle’s roadworthiness and safety before registration renewal.
Authorities look at core systems from brakes to lights to protect you and all road users from avoidable risks. (Palauto Garage)

Who must take the test

Vehicles that are older than three years from their original registration generally must undergo the mandatory inspection each year before renewal.
Newer vehicles are often exempt for the first few years, depending on policies. (Palauto Garage)

When the inspection is required

This inspection isn’t usually tied to accidents or sales alone; it’s a mandatory step before your registration can be renewed.
Make sure to schedule this ahead of your renewal window to prevent delays and late penalties. (RTA)

What the RTA Checks During the Inspection

Braking and suspension systems

Inspectors test your car’s braking performance and suspension condition because failures in these systems directly affect accident risks and handling stability under normal and emergency manoeuvres. (Palauto Garage)

Lighting, signals, and electrical components

Lights, indicators, and electrical signals must work perfectly for safety and legal compliance.
A faulty headlight or brake light can fail the test and require repair before renewal can proceed. (Palauto Garage)

Tyres and wheel alignment

Inspectors check tread depth, tyre condition, and wheel alignment because worn tyres or misalignment jeopardise traction and overall safety, especially in sudden manoeuvres or wet conditions. (Palauto Garage)

Emissions and exhaust check

Vehicles undergo emissions and exhaust inspections if applicable, to ensure they meet the environmental standards set by the RTA for air quality and public health. (Palauto Garage)

Bodywork, chassis, and safety elements

This part of the inspection looks at the car’s structure, including seat belts and overall integrity.
Anything compromising crash safety or vehicle integrity can trigger a failure requiring rectification. (Palauto Garage)

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How to Prepare for Your Annual Car Inspection

Pre-inspect your vehicle

Before your official appointment, check fluids, tyres, lights, brakes, and obvious signs of wear. Fixing small issues in advance avoids immediate failures and re-inspection fees. This preparation saves time and money. (Palauto Garage)

Gather essential documents

Bring your Emirates ID, vehicle registration card (Mulkiya), valid insurance, and appointment details. Without these, the inspection centre may refuse service or delay your test. (RTA)

Book ahead to avoid delays

Since booking inspections ahead is increasingly mandatory in some centres, like Tasjeel Al Barsha and Al Qusais, scheduling in advance via the RTA Dubai app or website saves time and prevents extra fees. (RTA)

How to Book Your Annual Car Inspection

Booking through the RTA website

Log into the official RTA portal using UAE Pass or login credentials. Select your vehicle, choose the service type, pick a testing centre and confirm your appointment.
You receive a booking confirmation by SMS or email. (RTA)

Using the RTA Dubai mobile app

The RTA Dubai app lets you book inspection slots easily from your phone.
After selecting your car and preferred centre, the app shows available times and allows direct confirmation and payment. (RTA)

Walk-in options at testing centres

While online booking is recommended, some centres still accept walk-in inspections.
Be aware that not booking in advance may incur an extra fee (around AED 100) at certain busy centres. (Khaleej Times)

Where You Can Have Your Car Tested

Tasjeel RTA-approved centres

Tasjeel is one of the primary RTA-approved networks handling annual inspections and registration renewal.
Their branches are spread across Dubai, offering one-stop inspection and renewal packages. (octane.rent)

Shamil Vehicle Testing Centres

Shamil centres also handle RTA inspections with trained technicians.
Some offer VIP services and additional support, such as insurance coordination, useful if you want everything handled at once. (emarat.ae)

Other RTA-certified centres

Dubai has numerous certified inspection yards, including Wasel, Al Mumayaz, AG Cars, AutoPro, and others.
Choose the centre closest to you for convenience and faster turnaround. (RTA)

Fees You Should Expect for Annual Inspection

Standard inspection fees for light vehicles

For most light cars, inspection costs typically fall between AED 150 and AED 170, sometimes including an additional AED 20 knowledge and innovation fee. (shory.com)

Fees for other vehicles

Inspection costs vary with vehicle type: heavy vehicles may be around AED 200, motorcycles around AED 150, and classical or specialised vehicles higher still. (alyalayis.com)

Re-inspection and retest charges

If your car fails the first inspection, re-inspection fees are lower for example around AED 50 for light vehicles or AED 75 for heavy vehicles. (alyalayis.com)

Optional VIP or mobile inspection services

Some centres provide VIP inspection services or mobile testing at your location with additional cost useful if you want a more convenient experience without visiting the centre. (emarat.ae)

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What Happens After the Inspection

Passing the inspection

Once your vehicle passes the testing process, you receive a technical inspection certificate valid for about 30 days, which you then use to complete your registration renewal. (RTA)

Failing the inspection

If the inspector finds issues, you receive a detailed failure report.
You must fix the identified problems and return for a re-inspection within the acceptable retest period to avoid extra charges. (alyalayis.com)

Linking the result to renewal

After you pass, the inspection result links automatically to the RTA system, allowing the registration renewal process to proceed either online or in person, as long as insurance and fines are cleared. (DubiCars)

Common Reasons Cars Fail Inspection

Brake and suspension issues

Worn brake pads or poor suspension are frequent fail points.
These mechanical concerns affect vehicle handling and stability and must be fixed for safety and compliance. (Vocal)

Electrical and lighting faults

Non-functioning headlights, brake lights, or signals almost always trigger a failure.
Checking all lights before your appointment prevents this common problem. (shory.com)

Tyres below safe tread depth

Tyre wear beyond legal tread depth or damage leads to automatic failure.
Ensure your tyres meet safety standards before booking your test. (shory.com)

Emissions or exhaust irregularities

If emissions are out of standard ranges or there are obvious exhaust system issues, the inspection will fail.
Resolving these before testing helps you pass first time. (Palauto Garage)

Tips to Pass Inspection the First Time

Fix obvious mechanical issues first

Routine checks on brakes, lights, tyres, and suspension, and fixing any issues before testing, dramatically increases your chances of passing without a retest. (shory.com)

Book early in the day

Booking early morning slots at testing centres often means shorter wait times, less congestion, and quicker inspection results. (RTA)

Use RTA approved pre-inspection checks

Some garages offer pre-inspection checks that mimic the official test. Doing this can highlight issues that need fixing before you go to the RTA centre.

FAQ – Annual Car Inspection in Dubai

Why must my car be inspected annually?

Cars over three years old must prove they remain roadworthy and safe every year before renewing their registration or selling them.
This keeps roads safer for all drivers. (Palauto Garage)

Can I drive without inspection before renewal?

No. If your car needs a mandatory inspection and you try to renew without it, the system will block renewal until a valid inspection certificate is submitted. (RTA)

How long does the inspection take?

A standard inspection usually takes around 20–45 minutes, depending on the centre and vehicle condition. (shory.com)

Is booking mandatory for all centres?

Booking ahead is increasingly mandatory for most Tasjeel and RTA-approved centres; walk-in services may still exist but often cost more. (RTA)

What if my car just fails?

If you fail, repair the issues and bring your vehicle back for a re-inspection within the retest period to complete your registration renewal. (alyalayis.com)