If you own a vehicle in Dubai or anywhere in the UAE, you must follow the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) rules for vehicle registration. The RTA has updated its guidelines to ensure road safety, reduce paperwork, and make the process easier for everyone. Whether you are registering a new car, renewing your registration, or transferring ownership, knowing the latest rules can help you avoid fines and unnecessary delays.
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In this blog, we will explain the latest RTA rules for vehicle registration in simple and easy-to-understand language.
What Is Vehicle Registration and Why Is It Important?
Before diving into the latest RTA rules, let’s first understand what vehicle registration is and why it matters.
Vehicle registration is the process of officially recording your car with the RTA. This ensures that your vehicle is legal to drive on UAE roads. A registered car gets a unique license plate and a registration card (Mulkiya). If your car registration is expired, you could face heavy fines or even have your car impounded.
The main reasons why vehicle registration is important:
- Legal Requirement: Driving an unregistered car is against UAE law.
- Safety Standards: Registration includes vehicle inspections to ensure road safety.
- Insurance Validation: Most insurance policies require a valid registration.
- Smooth Resale Process: If you want to sell your car, it must have valid registration.
Now, let’s explore the latest RTA rules for vehicle registration in the UAE.
Latest RTA Rules for Vehicle Registration
1. New Vehicles Get a Two-Year Registration
If you buy a brand-new car, the RTA now allows a two-year registration validity instead of the previous one-year validity. After the first two years, you must renew your car registration every year.
2. Renewal of Vehicle Registration
If your car registration is about to expire, you need to renew it on time to avoid penalties. Here are the latest updates regarding renewal:
- Registration renewal must be done once a year after the initial two-year period for new cars.
- A 13-month grace period is given after the registration expiry date. However, driving with an expired registration is illegal.
- If your car registration is more than three years old, you must get a passing certificate from an RTA-approved vehicle testing center.
3. Vehicle Testing Requirements
RTA requires older vehicles to go through an inspection before renewing their registration. Here are the key points:
- New cars (0-3 years old) do not need testing.
- Cars older than 3 years must pass an RTA vehicle inspection.
- Vehicle testing must be done at an RTA-approved testing center.
- If the car fails the inspection, you must fix the issues and retest it within 30 days.
4. Insurance Requirements for Registration
You cannot register or renew your vehicle registration without valid insurance. The latest RTA rule states:
- Your car must have at least 12 months of valid insurance before applying for registration.
- The insurance policy should cover third-party liability or comprehensive coverage.
- Insurance must be from an RTA-approved provider.
5. Fines Must Be Cleared Before Registration
Before registering your vehicle, you must clear any outstanding fines. The new RTA policy ensures:
- Traffic fines, Salik toll charges, and parking fines must be paid before applying for renewal.
- You can check and pay fines through the RTA website, Dubai Police app, or service centers.
6. Online Vehicle Registration Services
The RTA has made it easier to register your car online. You can now complete the entire process through:
- Dubai Drive App (available for Android and iOS)
- Self-service kiosks across Dubai
7. Green Registration Card (Mulkiya) Replaced by Digital Version
The traditional green registration card (Mulkiya) is no longer issued in physical form. Instead, RTA has introduced a digital Mulkiya, which can be accessed via:
- Dubai Drive App
- RTA website
- Dubai Police App
The digital registration card makes it easier to renew, update, and present when required.
8. Registration Rules for Used or Imported Cars
If you are buying a used car or importing a vehicle from another country, you must follow these rules:
- Used Cars:
- The previous owner must clear all fines before selling.
- The buyer must transfer the ownership at an RTA center.
- A new insurance policy is required under the buyer’s name.
- Imported Vehicles:
- The car must pass an RTA technical inspection.
- Import documents, including customs clearance, must be submitted.
- The car must meet UAE safety and emission standards.
9. Exemptions for Electric and Hybrid Vehicles
To encourage sustainable transport, the UAE has introduced exemptions for electric and hybrid cars:
- No registration fees for electric cars for the first year.
- Discounted inspection fees for hybrid vehicles.
- Green parking privileges in select areas.
10. Penalties for Late Registration Renewal
If you fail to renew your vehicle registration on time, the following penalties apply:
- AED 500 fine for driving with an expired registration.
- Black points on your driving record.
- If registration is over three months expired, the vehicle may be impounded.
How to Register Your Vehicle – Step-by-Step Guide
If you need to register or renew your car registration, follow these simple steps:
Get Your Car Tested (If Required)
- Visit an RTA-approved vehicle testing center.
- Get the car inspected and obtain a passing certificate.
Get Insurance
- Buy or renew car insurance from an RTA-approved provider.
Pay Fines
- Check for any outstanding traffic fines and clear them online or at an RTA center.
Apply for Registration
- Visit the RTA website, Dubai Drive App, or an RTA customer service center.
- Submit required documents (Emirates ID, insurance, test certificate, etc.).
Receive Your Digital Registration Card (Mulkiya)
- Once approved, you will receive your updated registration details digitally.
Conclusion
Following the latest RTA rules for vehicle registration ensures that you can drive legally without any hassle. Whether you are a new car owner, renewing your registration, or transferring ownership, staying updated on the new regulations will save you time and money.
Make sure to renew your registration on time, keep your insurance valid, and clear any fines before applying. The UAE government has made the process easier with digital services, so take advantage of online registration options to save time.
If you need assistance with vehicle registration, many service centers and online platforms can help. Stay informed, follow the rules, and enjoy hassle-free driving in the UAE!
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