A Complete Guide to UAE Car Inspection (Muroor/RTA) in 2026
Every vehicle registered in the UAE must pass a periodic roadworthiness inspection, known as the technical inspection or Muroor test (from the Arabic for traffic — مرور). The inspection is administered by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai and by the relevant police authority in other emirates. Understanding what is checked, how often it is required, and how to prepare your vehicle will save you time, money, and the inconvenience of a failed inspection.
How Often Is the UAE Car Inspection Required?
New vehicles in UAE are exempt from inspection for the first 3 years. After that, vehicles between 3 and 5 years old must be inspected annually. Vehicles older than 5 years must also be inspected annually, and in some emirates, vehicles over 10 years old require more detailed scrutiny. The inspection is linked to vehicle registration renewal, so failing the inspection blocks renewal of the Mulkiya (vehicle registration card).
What Does the UAE Vehicle Inspection Check?
The UAE vehicle inspection covers a comprehensive list of safety and emissions systems. Lighting is checked including all headlights, indicators, brake lights, hazard lights, and number plate illumination — a failed xenon bulb or a blown brake light globe will cause an immediate fail. Braking is tested dynamically on a brake roller, checking front and rear brake performance and balance. Suspension and steering are assessed for play, worn components, and geometry. Emissions are tested via a tailpipe test for petrol vehicles and a smoke test for diesel vehicles. Tyres are inspected for tread depth (minimum 1.6mm), sidewall damage, and correct matching across axles. Glass is checked for cracks in the driver’s field of vision. The body is checked for any sharp protrusions or damage that could injure pedestrians.
Common Reasons for UAE Inspection Failure
The most common reasons UAE vehicles fail their Muroor inspection are illuminated warning lights (any fault code that illuminates the MIL/check engine light is an automatic fail), tyre tread below the 1.6mm legal minimum, headlights out of alignment or a failed bulb, worn brake pads detected on the roller test, cracked or chipped windscreen, and emissions failure on older vehicles running rich. Addressing these before your inspection appointment avoids the AED 100–200 re-inspection fee and the inconvenience of a return visit.
Where to Get Your Vehicle Inspected in UAE
In Dubai, inspections are conducted at authorised RTA-approved inspection centres including Tasjeel and Shamil centres located across the emirate. In Abu Dhabi, ADNOC Distribution runs authorised inspection centres. In Sharjah, Ajman, RAK, Fujairah, and UAQ, inspections are conducted at designated traffic department inspection lanes. Most inspection centres offer pre-inspection health checks, where a mechanic reviews your vehicle before the official test and identifies any items likely to fail.