Owning a vehicle in the UAE comes with a variety of responsibilities, including the need to pass the RTA test (the mandatory vehicle inspection to ensure that the vehicles on the road are safe and roadworthy). So, what do you do if your vehicle fails?
Many car owners experience a sense of frustration by staring at a failed inspection certificate and thinking: “Can I sell a car that has failed the RTA test in Dubai or anywhere in the UAE?”
The short answer is yes, but it is much more complicated than a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’. Let’s take a look at what UAE law states is acceptable, your options, and how you can legally and responsibly sell a car.
What is the RTA Test, and Why Did The Car Fail?
In Dubai and the UAE, a vehicle has to go through an RTA vehicle check, and usually this takes place at least once a year when you are registering the car. The RTA inspection tests the major components of the vehicle, such as brakes, lights, emissions, chassis, and everything else, safety and environmental-related.
If it does not pass, it simply means it does not meet the safety or environmental standards set by the UAE.
The most common reasons provided for a failed RTA test car are: brakes, emissions, structural damage, tyres, and a failing engine. A vast majority of older vehicles, or cars that are not looked after, fail.
Is It Against the Law to Sell a Car That Has Failed the RTA Test?
According to the laws in the UAE, it is not illegal to sell a car that has failed an RTA inspection, but you must not drive the car on public roads until it passes the inspection and is registered. Thus, you can indeed transfer ownership, but the new owner is responsible for fixing the car and passing the inspection…and they cannot drive it until it does.
In summary, you are able to sell your failed car, but being up-front is important. You should always share the condition to avoid legal disputes later. If you misrepresent the status of the car, you may receive a fine or have issues in the event the buyer decides to complain.
Who Buys Cars That Failed the RTA Test?
Not everyone is keen on taking on the time and expense of getting a car that has failed an RTA test up to standard. This is why advertising on your local car classifieds or online selling platform might yield few offers from serious buyers. The good news is, in Dubai and also in the UAE, there is a whole other market of car buyers who specifically buy failed or otherwise non-roadworthy cars.
These buyers are used car dealers, scrap car purchasers, and even export companies. These buyers may repair and resell the vehicle either locally or internationally. Others may purchase the vehicle for its scrap value, and/or parts. Reputable organizations like Car1.ae are well known to provide agreeable prices for cars that have failed an RTA test, for a quick sale and a hassle-free experience.
What Are The Options Once Your Car Fails The RTA?
If your vehicle fails its RTA, you typically have those three choices:
Repair and Retest
The most commonsense option is to have repairs and a retest. This would make sense for minor repairs and be cost-effective; however, if the repairs are substantial, such as replacing a blown engine or repairing structural rust, it may not be worthwhile.
Sell the Car As Is
You can always sell your car to someone to take it on as is, repair it, or use it for parts. Often, this option makes more sense to avoid spending money on an old or high-mileage vehicle.
Scrap the Car
If it is unrepairable, due to a lack of parts or exorbitant repair costs and scrapping is possible; selling it for scrap is often the best option. Used car buyers in Dubai will pay cash for the scrap value of the car and take charge of the paperwork.
How to Sell a Vehicle that Failed the RTA Test in Dubai
If you've decided to sell your failed vehicle, here's what you should consider:
1. Be Honest About the Condition
Whenever you sell a vehicle that didn't pass its inspection, always disclose to your buyer up front. A straight deal is a straight deal and protects you, as well as them.
2. Have the Ownership Transferred Properly
In the UAE, ownership must be transferred with the RTA. If you are transferring it to a new owner with no valid registration, that person will just have to tow it to get it repaired and inspected for a new registration.
3. Sell to a Trusted Buyer
The easiest way to limit scams and pointless shelling out time when selling a vehicle is to sell it to a professional car buying company like Car1.ae. We do the paperwork, give you a fair cash price, offer free towing, and you do not have to worry about how you are moving an unroadworthy vehicle.
Why Choose Car1.ae?
At Car1.ae, we know how nerve-wracking it is to deal with a car that failed an RTA inspection. Repairing the car can be costly, and sometimes just not worth it. We provide free online valuations and instant cash offers for cars in any condition – working, accident-damaged, wrecked, and failed vehicles.
We pride ourselves on straightforward deals, no hidden costs or fees, and complete handling of RTA paperwork. Furthermore, we will collect your car at the location of your choice, so you don’t even have to deal with towing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I drive around my car if it did not pass the RTA test?
No, you cannot drive a registered vehicle on UAE roads without a valid registration, which you cannot obtain unless it has passed the RTA inspection.
Will the buyer register the car after purchasing?
Yes. After you sell the car, the new owner is responsible for any repairs to make it roadworthy and register it.
Is it better to repair or sell a failed car?
The answer will depend on how much the repairs will cost compared to the car's resale value. If the repairs are extensive and will cost more than the car's resale value, it is generally more sound to sell the car in its current condition.
Does Car1.ae buy cars that did not pass the RTA test?
Absolutely! We buy any car in any condition. We make the process fast and easy!
