How Long Can You Keep a Non-Registered Car in Dubai Before It’s Fined?
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- Nov 6
- 3 min read
If you own a car in Dubai, you already know that registration isn’t just a formality—it’s a legal requirement. Driving or even keeping an unregistered vehicle for too long can result in heavy fines, impoundment, and additional penalties. Yet many car owners delay renewing their registration because their car is old, damaged, or simply not worth repairing.
In this blog, we’ll explain how long you can legally keep a non-registered car in Dubai, what the penalties are, and what smart alternatives you have — including how Scrap My Car UAE can help you avoid unnecessary fines.

Understanding Vehicle Registration Laws in Dubai
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) requires every vehicle on Dubai roads to have valid registration. This ensures that your vehicle meets safety and environmental standards and that it’s covered by valid insurance.
When your registration expires, you’re given a short grace period — typically 30 days — to renew it. During this time, you can still drive your car, but after this grace period ends, your car becomes officially non-registered, and penalties start accumulating.
Non Registered Car Fine Dubai: What You Need to Know
Ignoring registration renewal can get expensive quickly. According to the latest RTA regulations, driving or even parking a non-registered car in public can lead to:
Fine: AED 500
Black points: 4
Vehicle impoundment: Up to 7 days
In some cases, if the vehicle remains unregistered for more than six months, the penalties can increase, and you may be required to re-inspect and reinsure the car before re-registration — adding even more costs.
If your car is damaged, old, or not worth the repair, renewing registration may not be practical. Instead of risking fines, it’s better to consider legally scrapping your car through a trusted service like Scrap My Car UAE.
Why Many Cars in Dubai Become Non-Registered
There are several common reasons car owners let registration lapse:
The car fails RTA inspection due to damage or age.
Repair costs outweigh resale value.
Owners plan to sell the car but haven’t found a buyer yet.
The car isn’t being used regularly and just sits idle in a parking lot.
However, even parked cars can’t escape fines if they’re unregistered for too long. Dubai authorities occasionally tow abandoned or expired vehicles, and owners receive steep penalties to reclaim them.
What to Do If Your Car’s Registration Has Expired
If your car’s registration has already expired, you have three main options:
Renew It Immediately:If the car is still roadworthy, book an RTA inspection, renew your insurance, and register it again online or at an RTA center.
Sell It Before the Fine Grows:If it’s still in decent condition, sell it quickly before you face impoundment.
Scrap It Legally:If the car is too old or damaged to pass inspection, scrapping is the best option. Scrap My Car UAE helps you legally dispose of your unregistered vehicle, handles all RTA paperwork, and even offers instant cash for scrap cars across the UAE.
Benefits of Scrapping Your Non-Registered Car with Scrap My Car UAE
When your car is no longer worth renewing, Scrap My Car UAE offers a hassle-free, legal solution that helps you avoid fines and paperwork stress:
✅ Instant cash offers for old, damaged, and non-registered cars✅ Free car collection anywhere in Dubai✅ All RTA paperwork handled on your behalf✅ Environmentally responsible disposal and recycling
You’ll save yourself from mounting fines, legal issues, and the headache of trying to renew a vehicle that’s no longer worth it.
Final Thoughts
Ignoring an expired registration can quickly become an expensive mistake. The non registered car fine in Dubai may seem small at first, but repeated penalties, towing charges, and reinspection fees can add up fast.
If your car isn’t worth renewing, take the smarter route—scrap it legally and turn it into cash instead of a fine.
📞 Call or WhatsApp Scrap My Car UAE at 055 745 8322
🌐 Visit: www.scrapmycaruae.com
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