RTA Arabic Inspection Remarks: Chassis Repaired Warning

You found a great deal on Dubizzle. The seller says the car is “accident-free.” The RTA testing certificate says “passed.” But there is a line of Arabic text in the remarks column. Nobody mentioned it. It says “هيكل مُصلح”, chassis repaired.

What the remarks column contains

RTA vehicle testing certificates include a remarks section in Arabic. This section records anything the inspector noted during testing that doesn’t prevent the vehicle from passing but is worth documenting.

• هيكل مُصلح (chassis repaired). The vehicle had structural damage that was repaired. The car still drives, but resale value drops significantly and insurance may be affected.
• حادث سابق (previous accident). Recorded accident history, even if fully repaired.
• تغيير لون (colour changed). The vehicle was repainted from its original colour. This must match the registration card.
• معدّل (modified). Aftermarket modifications noted by the inspector.

A car can “pass” RTA testing and still carry remarks that dramatically affect its value. “Passed” means roadworthy. It doesn’t mean damage-free.

Why sellers don’t mention it

Most buyers on Dubizzle check whether the car passed RTA testing. They don’t ask about the Arabic remarks because they can’t read them. Sellers know this. A car with “chassis repaired” in the remarks is worth significantly less. Without that disclosure, the seller lists it at full market price: a difference of tens of thousands of dirhams.

This isn’t always deliberate fraud. Some sellers genuinely don’t know what the Arabic says either. They bought the car from someone else who also didn’t read the remarks.

Before you pay

Ask the seller for the RTA testing certificate. If they won’t share it, that’s a signal. If they do share it, send the Arabic remarks for translation before you negotiate the price. A certified translation of an RTA certificate takes minutes and costs a fraction of a bad purchase.

If you’re buying a used car and the RTA certificate has Arabic remarks you can’t read, send it on WhatsApp: +971 50 862 0217. We’ll translate the remarks so you know what you’re buying.