UAE Fahas Vehicle Inspection Guide (2025)
Every vehicle on UAE roads must pass an annual technical inspection to renew registration. Known as Fahas, this test checks that your car meets UAE road safety and emissions standards. This guide explains what to expect, how to prepare, and how to avoid a fail on the day.
What Is Fahas?
Fahas is the UAE-wide vehicle inspection system mandated by each emirate road authority. In Dubai it is managed by the RTA, in Abu Dhabi by the ADDA, in Sharjah by the Sharjah City Municipality, and in other emirates by their respective transport departments. All vehicles must pass inspection annually to renew their Mulkiya (vehicle registration card) and by extension their car insurance.
Who Needs a Fahas Inspection?
Any registered vehicle in the UAE that is due for annual registration renewal needs a Fahas inspection. In most emirates, all vehicles from their first registration year onward must be tested. Abu Dhabi previously offered a 3-year exemption for new cars, though current rules should be verified with ADDA. Commercial vehicles, taxis, and heavy vehicles face more frequent inspections.
What Is Checked in a Fahas Inspection?
Inspectors run your vehicle through a multi-point check covering: brakes using roller brake testers, tyre tread depth and sidewall condition, headlights and all exterior lights, steering play and suspension condition, windscreen cracks and wiper function, all seat belts, horn, chassis number verification, and exhaust emissions via OBD scanner for newer vehicles and tailpipe probe for older ones. The inspection usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.
How to Prepare and Avoid a Fail
The most common Fahas fail reasons are worn or cracked tyres, brake imbalance, blown exterior lights, a cracked windscreen, and emissions faults. Before your appointment, check all lights including brake lights and number plate lights, check tyre condition and pressure, have your brakes inspected at a garage, and clear any check engine light by addressing the underlying fault. Switching off a check engine light without fixing the fault will likely result in an emissions fail.
How Much Does Fahas Cost?
Inspection fees range from AED 120 to AED 180 depending on the emirate and vehicle category. Passenger cars in Dubai pay around AED 150. If your car fails and you return for a re-inspection, some centres charge a reduced re-test fee while others charge the full amount. Confirm this when booking.
Booking Your Inspection
Online booking is available through the RTA app (Dubai), TAMM portal (Abu Dhabi), and emirate-specific transport authority apps elsewhere. Book in advance during peak registration renewal periods at the start and mid-year. Walk-in slots are available but expect longer waits.
Pre-Inspection Service at a Garage
Many UAE garages offer a Fahas pre-inspection check that mirrors the official test. This gives you time to fix any issues before the official test, saving you a re-inspection fee and the inconvenience of a fail. Use Garage Buddy to find a garage near you offering pre-Fahas inspection across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, and Umm Al Quwain.