If you’re an expat or a resident living in the UAE and your car has reached the end of its life, understanding the rules surrounding scrapping vehicles in the UAE is more important than ever. Whether your vehicle is no longer roadworthy or simply not worth repairing, the UAE has clear guidelines for scrapping vehicles, and skipping the official process could cause you a great deal of trouble, both legally and financially.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about scrapping vehicles in the UAE, from deregistration and documentation to getting a scrapping certificate and cancelling your car insurance UAE policy.
So if you’ve ever wondered how to scrap a Car in UAE, keep reading; we’ve got you covered.
How to Scrap a Car in UAE Step-by-Step
If your car is damaged, outdated, or unfit for UAE roads, Scrapping Vehicles in the UAE is your legal and eco-friendly solution. This guide simplifies How to Scrap a Car in UAE, covering deregistration, licensed scrapyards, document checks, and car insurance UAE cancellation. Avoid fines, protect the environment, and secure your scrapping certificate—all in one roadmap.
This is the short-version of the guide to scrapping vehicles in the UAE. Keep reading the article for more details on each step.
Step 1: Deregister Your Car
- Clear traffic fines/Salik dues via RTA/Tasjeel portals.
- Return plates; obtain clearance certificate (Fee: ~AED 120).
- Tip: Keep plates if transferring to a new vehicle.
Step 2: Choose Licensed Scrapyards
Only RTA-approved yards (e.g., listed on Tasjeel) issue scrapping certificates for scrapping vehicles in the UAE. Unlicensed buyers risk legal liability.
Step 3: Submit Documents
- Required: Emirates ID, Mulkiya (registration), deregistration certificate.
- Optional: Accident reports, power of attorney (for third parties).
Step 4: Cancel Car Insurance UAE & Salik
- Notify the insurer for the Car Insurance UAE policy termination/refund.
- Deactivate Salik tag online; clear balances.
Emirate-Specific Rules for Scrapping Vehicles
- Sharjah: Act within 3-5 days of warning stickers to avoid impoundment.
- Abu Dhabi: EV trade-in discounts available for eco-disposal.
Avoid These Mistakes
- Skipping deregistration.
- Forgetting scrapping certificates.
- Ignoring car insurance UAE/Salik cancellation.
Why Scrapping Vehicle in the UAE Matters
Before diving into the procedures, it’s important to understand why scrapping vehicles in the UAE is something that needs to be taken seriously. It. Scrapping vehicles in the UAE (or not scrapping) your car legally is not just about getting rid of a non-functional car; it is also about both environmental sustainability and legal compliance.
Environmental Impact
Cars that are no longer roadworthy often leak fluids, release pollutants, and generally take up valuable space. When vehicles are properly scrapped, they’re dismantled in a controlled environment where hazardous materials such as battery acid, motor oil, and coolants can be safely disposed of.
Parts like tires, glass, and metal that are reusable can be recycled and re-enter the supply chain. This reduces the environmental burden and helps conserve natural resources. As more people are gaining awareness about the importance of caring for our planet, following proper scrapping procedures contributes to that larger effort.
Legal Consequences of Illegal Scrapping Vehicles in the UAE or Abandonment
Abandoning your car or selling it for scrap without deregistering it properly can lead to severe consequences. In many emirates, especially Sharjah, local municipalities conduct frequent campaigns to identify abandoned vehicles. Owners are often given just a few days’ notice (via stickers on the windshield) before the vehicle is impounded.
The fines for such violations can add up after a while, and if your name is still on the car’s registration, you’ll be legally responsible. So instead of risking it, it’s far better to follow the lawful process go about learning how to scrap a car in UAE. Illegal abandonment risks fines up to AED 3,000 (especially in Sharjah) and environmental harm. Licensed scrapping recycles metals/tires and neutralizes toxins like battery acid.
Deregistration Is Mandatory Before Scrapping Vehicles in the UAE
One of the most important steps in the vehicle scrapping process is deregistration. You cannot legally scrap or sell a vehicle for parts unless it has first been removed from the official records.
How to Deregister Your Car in the UAE
Deregistering a car in the UAE involves visiting an authorized center such as Tasjeel or Shamil, where you’ll surrender your number plates and pay a fee, usually around AED 120. This step is crucial because scrap yards will not accept a vehicle that’s still registered under your name.
The cancellation process also involves settling any pending traffic fines, Salik dues, and obtaining a clearance certificate. You can choose to keep your number plate if you wish to transfer it to a new vehicle later.
Online Platforms and In-Person Options
Some emirates now allow you to initiate the deregistration process online via portals like the RTA website in Dubai. However, in most cases, you’ll still need to visit a center physically to return your number plates and collect your clearance paper.
Required Steps
- Clear any outstanding traffic fines
- Return your license plates
- Pay the deregistration fee
- Obtain a possession or clearance certificate
- Ensure Salik account is settled
Once all of these are done, you can proceed with scrapping the car.
Only Use Licensed Scrap Yards
Another important aspect of scrapping vehicles in the UAE is choosing a licensed and approved scrap yard. Using unlicensed or informal dealers might seem easier or cheaper, but it’s a decision that can come back to haunt you, so it’d be better to err on the side of caution as they say and go with the safest option.
Risks of Using Unlicensed Scrappers
Unlicensed buyers may not provide you with a valid scrapping certificate. Without this document, you won’t be able to prove that the car has been legally dismantled, which leaves your name tied to the vehicle. If that vehicle is later used for illegal activity, you could be held accountable.
How to Identify a Licensed Scrap Yard
Licensed scrap yards are typically listed on the Emirates Transport Authority websites and have proper documentation to show their authorization. They will also insist on seeing your deregistration papers before accepting the car, which is a good sign. If you’re new in town, just head over to a Tasjeel center or the RTA and ask one of the people behind the counters.
Why Using Official Services Matters
Not only do official services ensure legal compliance, but they also handle cars in an environmentally responsible manner. Many even offer free towing, which saves you both time and money.
Required Documents for Scrapping Vehicles in the UAE
You’ll need a few essential documents before you can scrap your vehicle in the UAE. Having them ready will make the process quicker and smoother.
Essential Documents
- Emirates ID or passport with residency visa
- Mulkiya (Vehicle Registration Card)
- Deregistration certificate or possession certificate
Optional Documents
- Accident reports if the vehicle was damaged
- Inspection reports, if required by the scrap yard
Power of Attorney for Third-Party Processing
If you can’t visit the scrap yard yourself, you can authorize someone else to do it on your behalf by issuing a Power of Attorney. Make sure it’s legally notarized and clearly states the purpose.
Specific Scrapping Rules in Sharjah
Sharjah takes vehicle abandonment and scrapping more seriously than other emirates, and failing to comply can be costly.
Fines and Penalties for Abandoned Vehicles
As mentioned above, authorities in Sharjah regularly patrol residential and industrial areas to spot vehicles that appear to be abandoned. Once marked, you may have only 3 to 5 days to remove the car before it is towed and impounded. Fines can reach up to AED 3,000.
Government Campaigns and Warning Stickers
These stickers serve as official warnings. If your car is tagged and you don’t act fast, you could not only lose your car but also face legal consequences.
Why Timely Action Is Necessary in Sharjah
The important thing here is to act quickly. If your car is no longer in use, learn how to scrap a car in UAE and start the process immediately. This ensures you avoid fines, free up space, and fulfill your legal responsibility.
Eco-Friendly Disposal in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi emphasizes sustainability and eco-conscious disposal of vehicles, offering incentives to encourage responsible behavior.
Importance of Sustainable Vehicle Recycling
Sustainable recycling ensures that parts and materials are reused, and harmful substances are disposed of properly. In a region where desert ecology is fragile, this environmental care goes a long way.
What Happens to Hazardous Car Components
Toxic elements like battery acid, oil, refrigerants, and fuel residues are safely neutralized. Tires and plastics are often recycled, while the metal frame is melted down for reuse.
Government Incentives for Eco-Disposal or EV Trade-Ins
In some cases, scrapping your old car in Abu Dhabi can get you a discount or rebate if you’re buying an electric vehicle (EV). These policies change frequently, so check the latest updates on the Abu Dhabi transport authority’s website.
Getting a Scrapping Certificate
Once your car is dismantled, it’s essential to obtain a scrapping certificate. This paper legally protects you and is more than just a formality.
Why It’s Essential to Obtain One
The certificate proves that you are no longer responsible for the car and that it has been dismantled and taken off the roads.
What the Certificate Proves
It basically shows that:
- The car is no longer operational
- The ownership has been transferred
- You’re no longer liable for fines or violations
How to Request It from a Scrap Yard
Ask the scrap yard to issue the certificate once the vehicle has been processed. Make sure all information is correct and matches your deregistration documents.
Cancelling Insurance and Salik
One of the most commonly overlooked steps in scrapping vehicles in the UAE is cancelling your car insurance UAE policy and deactivating your Salik tag. In this section we’ll talk about how each of these can be done.
How to Cancel Your Car Insurance Policy
Contact your insurance provider to cancel the policy. In some cases, you may even get a refund on the unused portion of the premium. Provide proof of deregistration and your scrapping certificate.
Deactivating Your Salik Tag and Checking Balances
Remove the Salik tag from your car and deactivate it through the Salik website or customer care center. Don’t forget to check for any outstanding balance and request a refund if applicable.
Ensuring No Fines Remain After Scrapping
Use the RTA app or portal to ensure all traffic and parking fines have been cleared. Once your Salik and insurance are cancelled, you’re officially off the hook.
Can You Scrap a Car Without Registration?
It’s a common question: what if your car’s registration has expired, or worse, you’ve lost the documents?
Scrapping with Expired Registration
You can still scrap the car, but you’ll need to go through the deregistration process first. Visit Tasjeel or an authorized RTA center, clear any dues, and get your possession certificate.
What to Do If Registration Documents Are Missing
In such cases, you may be asked to provide a police report stating that the registration documents are lost. This will enable the authorities to proceed with deregistration.
Why Deregistration Must Still Be Completed
Whether your documents are valid or not, you cannot legally scrap the car until it’s been removed from the registry. It’s a non-negotiable step in the process.
Selling Car Parts Before Scrapping – Is It Legal?
Selling car parts before scrapping is allowed under certain conditions, but it must be done with care.
When and How You Can Sell Parts
You can remove and sell parts like the stereo system, tires, or even the battery, provided that the vehicle has already been deregistered. Do not sell major parts like the engine or chassis without proper documentation.
Importance of Deregistering Before Selling
Always deregister the vehicle first. Selling parts from a car that is still registered under your name can lead to fines or accusations of illegal activity. This only applies to parts that can be identified as belonging to your car, like the engine and the chasis.
Scrapping the Chassis After Part Removal
Once the valuable parts are removed, the remaining chassis must still be taken to a licensed scrap yard for proper disposal. This final step is necessary to close the loop.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Despite clear rules, people still make errors when scrapping vehicles in the UAE. Here are some common ones to watch out for:
Scrapping Without Deregistration
Never skip deregistration. Scrap yards won’t take your car, and you’ll still be legally responsible for it.
Selling to Unlicensed Buyers
Avoid informal dealers who promise quick cash. They often skip paperwork, which can leave you exposed legally.
Forgetting Insurance/Salik Cancellation
Many people forget to cancel their car insurance UAE policies or deactivate their Salik tags, leading to unnecessary charges down the line.
Not Obtaining a Scrapping Certificate
Without this document, there’s no proof that your car was legally dismantled. Always get it.
Abandoning the Vehicle in Public
This is a big no-no. It can lead to fines, legal trouble, and impoundment.
Online Services for Scrapping Vehicles in the UAE
If you want the entire process handled for you from start to finish, consider using a service like Scrap My Car UAE.
End-to-End Service Benefits
They help with everything from deregistration, towing, paperwork, and certificate issuance.
Licensed Partners and Official Documentation
All partners working with them are licensed; this ensures legal compliance and peace of mind.
Free Towing and Fast Processing
You won’t have to lift a finger. They’ll come to you, pick up the car, and handle the rest.
Key Takeaways for Hassle-Free Car Scrapping)
Now that’s all said and done, let’s have a quick review of the important points:
Final Checklist Before Scrapping
- Clear all fines and dues
- Deregister your car at Tasjeel
- Gather required documents
- Use a licensed scrap yard
- Cancel insurance and Salik
- Obtain a scrapping certificate
Legal and Environmental Importance
Scrapping vehicles in the UAE the right way ensures you stay on the right side of the law while contributing to a cleaner environment.
Encouragement to Use Proper Services
Whether you choose to do it yourself or go with a service provider, just make sure you follow the steps. It’s better for you, and it’s better for the planet.
Frequently Answered Questions
What is the procedure to scrap a car in the UAE?
Deregister the vehicle at an authorized center, clear all fines, return plates, and obtain a possession certificate. Then hand the car over to a licensed scrap yard for dismantling.
How to dispose of a car in the UAE?
Disposal involves deregistration, document submission, and scrapping at a licensed yard. Don’t forget to cancel your insurance and Salik.
How to scrap a car in UAE online?
Visit Tasjeel to deregister, pay all dues, and get a clearance certificate. Take your car and the required documents to an authorized scrapper and collect the scrapping certificate.
What is the new scrap policy in Dubai?
Dubai emphasizes licensed scrapping, complete deregistration, and eco-friendly disposal. Using official services and avoiding abandonment is strongly enforced.
