Roadworthiness in the UAE
 

Hi

I've been on the road in my Hilux over 18 months, and am coming soon to Dubai. My car at present would fail a UK MOT on two counts (at least), a slightly bald tyre, and a cracked windscreen. Will I have problems in the UAE / Oman due to this?? Are there strict Europe-like rules??

Thanks for any info

Daniel

Daniel
There is an annual MOT type test which is run fairly professionally these days. The state of tyres is one thing which is carefully checked due to the harsh environment here. However, in general, regulations are still nowhere near as strict or strictly applied as in the EU.

E.g. bike trailers without brake light wiring are the norm, dirt bikes without indicators or a horn can get a number plate in Dubai, poorly maintained vehicles with dirty exhausts can still be seen on the roads etc.

I'd say you'd be extremely unlikely to be stopped at the UAE border for the faults you mention. The bald tyre would possibly be an issue, if noticed, but I assume for your own safety that you intend to replace it ASAP and I would think that would be accepted by any official who noticed it.
Stephan

I concure
 

I can only agree with Stefan,

you should change that tire for safety reasons rather than to be weary of cops or customs. However, I recently "exported" one of my european registered bikes from the UAE - that is I got an exit stamp on my carnet. I walked in to the customs office, the guy asked me if I REALLY wasn't coming back so he had to stamp me out? When I said yes he stamed and signed, without even looking to see if the bike was there.

When I came by ferry from Iran it was completely different though. The bikes were locked up and checked in detail before I could continue.