I was at RTA for a couple hour yesterday doing my first registration. I removed my lights, radio and snorkel before I went and changed wheels and tyres to stock. I failed on the first pass. There were Four reason on the paper. 1. Stickers (Major) 2. Plate number not centre (Major) 3. Modified suspension. 4. Bumper
I spoke to the supervisor and he told be not to worry about the modified suspension and metal bumper (which came stock). I peeled off couple stickers and he was happy with that.
As to the front number plate not being centre I explained to him that this was how it came and as I have a winch it is hard to mount centre. So I pulled it off and taped it to the winch. They passed me and I immediately used the RTA's free number plate installation service to put it back. If I had known I would have saved a few dirham and a couple hours.
I was at RTA for a couple hour yesterday doing my first registration. I removed my lights, radio and snorkel before I went and changed wheels and tyres to stock. I failed on the first pass. There were Four reason on the paper. 1. Stickers (Major) 2. Plate number not centre (Major) 3. Modified suspension. 4. Bumper
I spoke to the supervisor and he told be not to worry about the modified suspension and metal bumper (which came stock). I peeled off couple stickers and he was happy with that.
As to the front number plate not being centre I explained to him that this was how it came and as I have a winch it is hard to mount centre. So I pulled it off and taped it to the winch. They passed me and I immediately used the RTA's free number plate installation service to put it back. If I had known I would have saved a few dirham and a couple hours.
Thanks Sacha.
Interesting to hear the feedback from RTA. It's clear that regardless where you go, it's not plain sailing. I'm specifically encouraged by what you said about the the winch and bumper. Thinking more and more that I should take a chance this year, only remove the additional lights & stickers and go to RTA.
This year I followed Gladiator's advice and went to one of the RTA test centers in Dubai. Big positive is that they are open on Saturday.
This time I did no physical preparation, left all modifications in place and lights were NOT covered. I picked up a letter from Ramy4x4 for the mods they did (they've removed and installed virtually every mod I have) and proceeded to the test centre in Umm Ramool.
I handed the Rhino in without mentioning the letter with accompanying copy of their RTA certificate. The test result was a FAIL on the basis of various mods (winch, lights, suspension, sticker, bumper, rear seats missing, etc).
I saw the test center manager and showed him my letter and RTA certificate. He immediately agreed to do a retest. I again did not address any of the comments on the test sheet. Retest was a PASS on the basis that I had an RTA permit.
I renewed at Muroor today and results were already loaded on the system.
I will definitely go back to Dubai for the test next year.
So it was that time of the year again for me and based on my experience the past week “The Dr” is taking a much tougher stance towards modifications. In 2016 it passed 1st time after showing TRA certificate and letter. This year, after removing the offroad lights, it took 3 attempts to get the "clean bill of health".
Thanks again to Dean at Ramy Automotive for dealing with the stress and headache at what I thought was a very reasonable cost.