In Dubai, car ownership comes with responsibilities, and a significant one is passing the RTA vehicle inspection test. At least once a year, drivers must ensure that their car meets the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) standards, which include a compliance test for safety and emissions, to proceed with the renewal of their registration. But what if your vehicle didn't pass the RTA test? Does it mean your vehicle is worthless? Can it be sold?
The answer is, yes, you can sell your failed RTA test car in Dubai; however, not as usual. This is where MyScrapCars.com can assist you. In this blog article, we will educate you on the meaning of failing the RTA test, its implications for you, the car owner, and how you can still convert that failed car into money quickly and legally.
What Does It Mean If a Car Fails the RTA Test?
In Dubai, all vehicles that are over three years old have to have the RTA vehicle inspection carried out every year to verify they are safe for the road. The vehicle inspection tests the important parts of the vehicle, including:
- Brakes
- Suspension
- Steering system
- Chassis and frame
- Tyres and alignment
- Lights and electricals
- Exhaust emissions
If the inspector finds anything unsafe, defective, or non-compliant with the tested items, then the car has failed and you will be issued with a fail certificate. It is important to note that you cannot consider the vehicle registration until you successfully complete a re-inspection with the issues resolved.
The problem for many owners is, if the vehicle is older, damaged, or has high mileage, the cost of car repairs can outweigh the actual worth of the car. In any case, it does not make sense to pay to restore the vehicle just to get the vehicle re-registered.
Is Selling a Car That Failed the RTA Test Legal?
Yes, it is legal to sell a car that failed the RTA test in Dubai, but there are limitations on how and whom you can sell it to.
- You cannot offer a failed vehicle for sale through a normal used car dealer without first repairing and passing inspection.
- You cannot renew the registration of the vehicle until the test is passed.
- You can sell the vehicle to a licensed scrap car buyer or any company that purchases non-roadworthy or broken vehicles.
This is where MyScrapCars.com is the answer. We also buy cars in any condition, no matter if it is a vehicle that has an RTA test or an accident, or is simply too old to repair.
Why You Should Save Money for Repairs
After a car fails the RTA inspection, many owners will often think about spending money on repairs to sell it for more later. While this has some validity, there are many times when it becomes a sinkhole for your money.
Consider your failed car has issues with brakes, the frame is damaged, and there were excessive emissions. Let us say together, to fixing one of these issues will cost a few thousand dirhams for each area. Even after addressing the repairs, you may still only get less when you try to sell the tampered vehicle back, especially if the vehicle is old or has low resale value.
At MyScrapCars, our commitment to vehicle owners is to think in the long term from now on. If the expected cost of the repairs exceeds the expected value of the vehicle, it would be a smarter decision to sell any failed car for scrap and get instant cash rather than spend a dirham on a single repair.
How MyScrapCars.com Simplifies Selling Your Failed Car
For customers whose car has failed the RTA test and are done with worrying about fixing it, MyScrapCars.com offers a fast, legitimate, and reliable way of selling the car.
Here's what we do:
- Instant Quote: We offer you a free online quote once you provide us with the car details (make, model, year, condition).
- Any Car: We buy any car, whether it is non-running, damaged in an accident, or failed its RTA test.
- Free Towing: We will come and tow the car for you, anywhere in Dubai.
- Instant Cash Payment: You will receive cash immediately after we pick up the car and verify the paperwork.
- Paperwork: We will handle all RTA de-registration and transfer papers for you.
We have streamlined the process so that you can sell your failed car in Dubai in a matter of hours - legally, safely, and without stress.
Who Buys Cars That Fail The RTA Test?
Not every car buyer in Dubai is interested in a failed or non-roadworthy car, but scrap car buyers, recycling companies, and used auto parts dealers regularly buy cars that are non-roadworthy for the resale of parts or for recycling or dismantling.
MyScrapCars has a trusted relationship with buyers and recyclers who pay a fair market value for cars that have failed their RTA inspection and are not roadworthy. That means you ultimately receive the most cash for your failed vehicle, even if the car is so damaged it cannot be driven.
What Documentation Do You Need to Sell a Failed Car in Dubai?
Selling your car, even a failed vehicle, legally, needs some basic documentation:
- Original Emirates ID
- Vehicle registration (Mulkiya)
- RTA fail certificate or last test report (if you have it)
Don't worry if your documents are expired or lost. Our team will guide you through the RTA documentation and make sure it is completed legally and with no hiccups.
Final Thoughts
Failing the RTA vehicle test may seem like a brick wall, but actually, it is a chance to move forward from an unreliable or aging vehicle. You can sell your car quickly and safely with MyScrapCars.com, even after consultation of repair service and spending money on repairs that may or may not fix the problem, which is not likely what you had in mind.
We help car owners in Dubai turn failed cars into instant cash. We don’t charge a penny — no repairs, no registration, total legal transparency. Whether it’s an old, broken, or wrecked car that failed the inspection, we’ll buy it. No questions asked.
FAQs
Is it possible to sell a car in Dubai that has failed the RTA test?
Yes, however, the only people that you can sell it to are those that are licensed to buy scrap (salvage cars) or licensed recyclers. You cannot transfer ownership until it has either been rebuilt or scrapped legally.
Do I have to repair the car before selling it?
No. If you do not feel it is worth repairing, selling it as it is for scrap metal makes more sense for you.
Will I get a fair price for my failed car?
At MyScrapCars.com, we look at the actual scrap value of your vehicle as well as the usable parts to get the best deal for you.
How long does it take to sell my car?
Typically, sales are completed within a few hours from pickup to payment to paperwork.
