You love your car. It’s part of your Dubai life. So why sell it at a loss when you leave?
For many expats, their vehicle is one of their most valuable assets. Whether it’s a rugged SUV that conquered the dunes or a luxury sedan, the thought of selling it in a rushed market before you fly out is stressful. The good news? You don’t have to.
Shipping a car from Dubai is easier than you think—if you follow the proper steps. However, unlike shipping a sofa, shipping a vehicle involves specific government protocols with the RTA and strict marine safety rules.
Here is your roadmap to exporting your car safely with Chevron Sea Shipping.
1. The First Question: Can You Import It?
Before we book a container, you must check the laws of your destination country.
- Left-Hand Drive (LHD): Dubai cars are LHD. Countries like the UK, Australia, and India drive on the left (RHD cars). While you can import LHD cars to the UK (and drive them legally), other countries like Australia have stringent restrictions on importing modern LHD vehicles.
- Age Limits: Some countries (like Egypt or Saudi Arabia) prohibit importing cars older than 5 years.
- Compliance: Ensure your car meets the emissions and safety standards of your new home.
2. The RTA “Export Certificate”
You cannot ship a car with Dubai license plates. You must officially deregister it.
- Step 1: Pay off all traffic fines.
- Step 2: Clear any bank loans on the vehicle. The bank must electronically release the mortgage.
- Step 3: Take the car to an RTA center for testing.
- Step 4: Remove your number plates and receive the “Export Certificate” (in your name) and temporary blue export plates.
Note: Once you have the Export Certificate, the car is no longer insured to drive on UAE roads (unless you buy temporary insurance). We recommend doing this close to the shipping date.
3. Choose Your Shipping Method: Ro-Ro vs. Container
There are two ways to get your car across the ocean.
Option A: Ro-Ro (Roll-on/Roll-off)
- What is it? Your car is driven onto a specialized ship that acts like a giant floating parking garage.
- Pros: It is usually the cheapest option.
- Cons: You cannot pack anything inside the car. It must be empty. You also have to drop the vehicle at the port yourself.
Option B: Container Shipping (Recommended)
- What is it? Your car is loaded into a 20ft or 40ft private steel container.
- Pros: It is safer and protected from the elements. Best of all, you can pack personal belongings inside the car or use the extra space in the container for your household furniture.
- The Chevron Standard: We use specialized lashings and wheel chocks to secure your vehicle to the floor of the container so it doesn’t move an inch, even in rough seas.
4. Preparing the Car for Voyage
To comply with marine safety regulations, you must prep the vehicle:
- The “Quarter Tank” Rule: Your fuel tank must be less than 1/4 full. Shipping a car with a full tank is a fire hazard, and carriers will reject it.
- Disconnect Batteries: We will disconnect the battery to prevent drainage or sparks.
- Disable Alarms: You don’t want your car alarm going off in the middle of the ocean!
- Clean It: Just like your shoes, your car (especially the tires and wheel arches) must be free of sand and mud to pass quarantine inspections abroad.
5. Documentation You Need
To book the shipment with Chevron Sea Shipping, we will need:
- Your Passport & Visa copies (UAE and Destination).
- The Original RTA Export Certificate.
- Value of the vehicle (for insurance purposes).
Drive Away on the Other Side
4Shipping your car allows you to keep a piece of your Dubai lifestyle with you. Whether you are shipping a Land Cruiser to Africa or a Porsche to Europe, Chevron Sea Shipping has the expertise to handle the lashing, loading, and logistics.
Get a free quote for your car shipment today.
Schedule your appointment now by visiting our website https://chevron-shipping.com/ and take the first step towards your move.
📞 Call us: +971 4 2888700 📧 Email: [email protected]