Vehicle Maintenance Laws in the UAE: Guide for Drivers

Vehicle maintenance laws are rules that require car owners to keep their vehicles safe and roadworthy. These include regular checks, repairs, and no unauthorized changes. The main goal is to reduce accidents and protect the environment. The federal traffic law, updated in 2024 and effective from March 29, 2025, sets the base rules for all emirates. 

Local authorities like Dubai's RTA or Abu Dhabi's Department of Municipalities and Transport add their own details.

Key points from the updates:

• All vehicles must pass a technical inspection for registration renewal.
• Repairs on accident-damaged cars need a permit.
• Changes to your car (like engine or color) must get approval first.
• Spare parts must be certified since 2019.
• Stricter checks on emissions and safety features.

Federal Regulations on Vehicle Maintenance

The nationwide traffic oversight is managed by Federal Decree-Law No. (14) of 2024, which defines fundamental standards for vehicle care. In addition to this national policy, individual emirates implement their own supplementary measures. The primary regulations for car maintenance in the UAE encompass:

Standards for Road Safety and Routine Checks

Here are the key guidelines for ensuring vehicles are fit for UAE roads:

• Only cars that are mechanically sound and align with official criteria can operate on public routes.
• When renewing registration or licensing, every vehicle must pass an evaluation conducted by authorized bodies or designated facilities.
• If a car is found unsuitable for use, officials may mandate a follow-up assessment and limit its operation.
• Owners have the option to challenge inspection outcomes within 10 business days, and a second review is possible after addressing any issues.
• Additional fees apply only for the initial extra check if multiple follow-ups are needed.
• Guidelines for registering, evaluating, and approving autonomous vehicles will be established by a Cabinet resolution.
• A car qualifies as vintage if it is 30 years or older and satisfies safety criteria.

Guidelines for Altering Vehicles and Repainting

The rules for changing a car's structure or appearance include:

• No alterations to the frame, exterior, motor, or hue are allowed without advance consent from the appropriate agencies.
• Repainting demands an authorization, plus examinations before and after the process (for cars without prior incidents).

Criteria for Fixes and Restorations

UAE regulations related to vehicle repairs state:

• Service centers cannot work on crashed or impaired cars unless they obtain a specific authorization from the proper entity.
• Insurers must return the car to its original state before the damage, ensuring work meets quality benchmarks, preserves guarantees, and includes verification from certified locations when necessary.
• For vehicles under one year old, faulty components must be swapped with genuine parts, without any value reduction.
• Cargo haulers and attached units need to follow designated dimensions and include proper illumination and reflective elements for enhanced security.
• In Abu Dhabi-based facilities, providers must supply deal records, guarantee papers in writing, address grievances within a week, and reply to official requests within a day.

Vehicle Inspection Checklist

Here's a table of common items checked across the UAE:

Penalties for Not Following Maintenance Laws

Here's a table of common fines:

FAQs

What documents do I need for vehicle inspection in the UAE?

You need your Emirates ID, vehicle registration card (Mulkiya), and valid insurance. For proxies, add a power of attorney.

Can I modify my car?

Yes, but get approval from RTA or the local authority first. Unauthorized changes lead to big fines.

What if my car fails the inspection?

Fix the issues and re-test. Some centers offer repairs on-site.

Are there new rules for heavy vehicles?

Yes, in Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, new bans on certain roads for trucks are being implemented to improve safety.

How can I check fines?

Use the RTA app, Dubai Police app, or MOI website with your plate number.