Essential Steps to Take When Your Car Fails the RTA Test: A Complete Guide

Failing the RTA test can be frustrating—especially when you’re counting on your car to stay on the road. Whether it’s a minor issue or a sign of serious mechanical trouble, knowing what to do next can save you time, money, and stress.

In this complete guide, we’ll walk you through the essential steps to take when your car fails the RTA test in the UAE—and when it might make more sense to scrap your vehicle with Scrap My Car UAE instead of spending thousands on repairs.

What Does It Mean to Fail the RTA Test?

The RTA (Roads and Transport Authority) test is mandatory for vehicle registration and renewal in Dubai and across the UAE. If your car fails the RTA test, it means it does not meet the required safety, mechanical, or environmental standards.

Common reasons cars fail the RTA test include:

• Engine or transmission problems

• Brake system issues

• Suspension or steering faults

• Excessive exhaust emissions

• Oil leaks

• Chassis or structural damage

• Bald or mismatched tyres

Once you fail, your vehicle cannot be legally driven until the issues are fixed and the car passes a re-test.

1. Review the RTA Test Report Carefully

After failing the RTA test, you’ll receive a detailed inspection report highlighting:

• Major failures (must be fixed immediately)

• Minor advisories (recommended but not urgent)

Start by reviewing this report carefully. Some issues may be affordable to fix, while others could signal the beginning of costly, ongoing repairs.

2. Decide Whether Repairing Is Worth It

This is the most important step after failing the RTA test.

Ask yourself:

• Does the repair cost exceed the car’s current market value?

• Is this the second or third time the car has failed the RTA test?

• Is the vehicle old, high-mileage, or accident-damaged?

• Will more issues appear soon even after repairs?

If the answer to these questions is “yes,” repairing the car may no longer be financially smart.

3. Get a Repair Estimate (If You Plan to Fix It)

If you’re considering repairs:

• Visit a trusted RTA-approved garage

• Get at least two estimates

• Avoid temporary or low-quality fixes just to pass the test

Remember: Passing the RTA test once doesn’t guarantee long-term reliability.

4. Understand Your Re-Test Window

After failing the RTA test, you’re given a limited time window (usually 30 days) to:

• Fix the issues

• Return for a re-test

If you miss this window, you may need to start the testing process again and pay additional fees.

5. Consider Scrapping the Car Instead

If repairs are expensive or recurring, scrapping the car may be the smarter option—especially for older vehicles.

At Scrap My Car UAE, we regularly help car owners who:

• Fail the RTA test repeatedly

• Own cars that are no longer roadworthy

• Want to avoid wasting money on repairs

Instead of spending thousands just to pass the RTA test, you can turn your failed car into instant cash.

6. How Scrap My Car UAE Helps After an RTA Test Failure

When your car fails the RTA test, Scrap My Car UAE makes the process simple and stress-free:

🚗 We buy cars that fail the RTA test💰 Instant cash payment🆓 Free car pickup anywhere in the UAE🧾 Assistance with deregistration and paperwork♻️ Eco-friendly vehicle recycling

Whether your car failed due to mechanical faults, emissions issues, or structural damage—we’ll take it.

7. Deregister the Vehicle Properly

If you decide not to repair the car, it must be officially deregistered with the RTA to avoid:

• Future fines

• Insurance complications

• Legal liability

Scrap My Car UAE can guide you through:

• RTA deregistration

• Clearance of fines (if applicable)

• Issuance of a scrapping confirmation

8. Get a Second Opinion Before Spending Big

Not sure whether to repair or scrap? That’s completely normal.

Contact Scrap My Car UAE for a free evaluation. We’ll give you an honest assessment and a no-obligation cash offer—so you can compare it against repair costs and make the right decision.

When Scrapping Makes More Sense Than Repairing

Scrapping is often the best option if:

• Repair costs exceed the car’s value

• The car has failed multiple RTA tests

• The engine or transmission is failing

• The car has serious accident or chassis damage

• The vehicle is old, unreliable, or unsafe

Final Thoughts

Failing the RTA test doesn’t mean panic—but it does mean it’s time to think smart. While some cars are worth fixing, others are simply no longer viable. Continuing to pour money into a failing vehicle can be a losing battle.

If your car has failed the RTA test and repairs don’t make financial sense, let Scrap My Car UAE help you move on quickly and profitably.

📞 Call or WhatsApp: 055 745 83 22

🌐 Website: scrapmycaruae.com

Turn your failed RTA test into instant cash—the smart way, with Scrap My Car UAE.