What Happens When You Scrap Your Car in the UAE?

In the UAE, scrapping your car is a process that is not only legal and environmentally friendly, but it is also an encouraging experience for car owners in Dubai and the rest of the UAE. Whether your car has been in an accident, fails its RTA test, or has become too expensive or impractical to maintain, you can streamline the process of scrapping when you know what happens when you scrap your car in the UAE.

CarPoint.ae has made the process of scrapping cars in Dubai and throughout the UAE straightforward, transparent, and beneficial for vehicle owners. In this blog, we will share everything you need to know, including the necessary documents for scrapping, the deregistration process, the scrapping and recycling processes, and the benefits of scrapping your vehicle.

What is Car Scrapping? 

Car scrapping is when a car is taken off the road permanently and taken to a registered scrap yard and is dismantled, recycled, and disposed of safely. A scrap yard is able to help with the deconstruction of the car, professionally handle hazardous material, recover reusable parts, and shred your car's metal body to be reused. 

The scrap and salvage process in the UAE is highly regulated so that a safe recycling process is carried out, and in many cases, you even receive some benefits like discounts off a new car, free vehicle registration, and, to top it all, cash for your scrap car! 

Step by Step: What Happens to Your Car When it is Scrapped?

1. Collect Required Documents

Before scrapping your car in the UAE, you will need:

• Original Mulkiya (vehicle registration card)
• Valid Emirates ID or Copy of Passport
• Dubai Police Clearance Letter
• Bank Account details (Payments will typically be made via transfer)

Missing anything? Contact the RTA or Dubai Police and ask for duplicates before continuing.

2. Deregister Your Vehicle with the RTA

Deregistering your vehicle is a very significant legal step. Deregistration means that your ownership and liability have been removed from the vehicle.

To deregister, you need to:

-Go to the nearest RTA Service Center

-Submit the registration card and Emirates ID, and pay any outstanding Salik or traffic fines

-Receive a Deregistration Certificate

You can also check out the RTA website for online services at www.rta.ae

3. Terminate Your Salik Tag

Having a Salik tag on your vehicle, you will need to cancel it, or you may face fines. This can be done either online or at any of the Salik Customer Happiness Centers.

For more information, visit: www.salik.ae

4. Take Your Items

Let's get everything into order before handing over your vehicle. Check the glovebox, boot, under seats, and compartment to make sure you have taken:

• Tools
• Documents
• Electronics
• Sentimental items
• After being scrapped, you will not have access again.

5. Locate a Reliable Scrap Car Buyer in the UAE

This is a tie-breaker for many vehicle owners.

Opt for a buyer that:

• Is licensed and RTA approved
• Will inspect and pick up your car for free
• Will pay you instantly, whether cash or bank transfer
• Is environmentally friendly with their car recycling

At CarPoint.ae, we offer instant online valuations, collect your car from your doorstep, and give you a competitive cash offer—all without fear of it being after the fact and legally compliant with the scrapping process.

6. Dismantling and Recycling Vehicles

In the hands of the salvage yard, the following will occur:

• All hazardous materials are properly removed: engine fluids, batteries, airbags, and refrigerant
• Reusable parts (mirrors, bumpers, windscreens) are removed to be sold as used products
• The remaining melted frame is shredded for recycling and returned to the circular economy

Ultimately, this will reduce waste in landfills and save raw materials and energy in the manufacturing process.

7. Receive a Certificate of Destruction (CoD)

This is proof that your vehicle has been dismantled and recycled, and it is no longer in your name. You should keep it in your records in case the rebate of your vehicle becomes a legal or financial dispute.

The Benefits of Scrapping Your Car in the UAE

Environmental Benefits 

Older vehicles create more emissions. Scrapping will help to:

• Remove unsafe and polluting vehicles
• Help with sustainability targets
• Support the recycling of steel, plastics, and aluminum

Road Safety

Older cars are more prone to mechanical failures. Scrapping old cars reduces accidents and ultimately improves overall road safety standards.

Financial benefits

You can often get benefits from scrapping a vehicle, including:

• Discounts off a new car (as much as 5% with a Certificate of Deposit)
• Waived registration tax
• Tax rebates on road tax

Space and Convenience

Scrapping a vehicle gives you back important parking spaces and saves future costs and inconveniences of repairs, parking fines, and even inspections of unwanted vehicles going forward.

Conclusion

Car scrapping in the UAE doesn't have to be difficult. With the right knowledge of the process and a trusted and professional scrap car buyer (like CarPoint.ae), you can be assured of a fast, legal, and environmentally friendly transition.

We offer the following:

• Immediate car valuation
• No fuss, car removal
• Competitive cash offers
• Full compliance with UAE law

Don't let that old or damaged car become a headache. Make the responsible choice today and scrap your car the right way!

Get a free online valuation now at CarPoint.ae – Quick. Easy. Legal.

FAQs – Car Scrapping in UAE

1. How much is my scrap car worth in the UAE? 

Prices for scrap cars can range from AED 900 to AED 2,500 depending on the vehicle make/model, weight, and condition. We’ll give you an instant quote at CarPoint.ae, with no obligation.

2. Can I scrap a car without deregistering it? 

No. RTA deregistration must take place before you can legally scrap your car in the UAE, which also records that you are no longer the car's legal owner.

3. Will I get fined for not canceling Salik before I scrap? 

Yes. If your Salik account is active and you have tolls unpaid, the account will continue to accrue charges and fines, even without the vehicle. So remember to cancel it first.

4. Can I re-register a salvage vehicle in the UAE? 

Yes, but the salvage vehicle must pass a thorough inspection and be demonstrated to be roadworthy before it can be re-registered.

5. If I don't scrap my abandoned vehicle, what is going to happen? 

If your car has been abandoned on either public or private land, the authorities may seize the vehicle, and you could also be hit with a penalty. Scrapping the car is the best option to avoid legal penalties.