Failed the Fahes Vehicle Inspection in Qatar? What to Do Next

A failed inspection feels like a setback, but Fahes has a set process, and knowing its rules can save you money and a second full test. Everything below comes from Fahes's own FAQ, read in September 2026. We did not verify current fee amounts, so check the Fahes fee pages before you go.

How you find out what failed

Fahes says a text message with a printable Arabic and English inspection report link goes to the mobile number registered for the inspection. If the vehicle fails, the SMS lists the defects. Fahes also says inspectors mark defective parts under the chassis with yellow paint to help your repairer find them, and that you can tell staff in the lane before the inspection starts if you do not want that.

The 30 day cycle

The 30 days matter more than anything else.

• Fahes says you have 30 days after the first paid main inspection to complete the inspection cycle.
• If the car does not pass the technical inspection within those 30 days, the cycle starts again automatically with a fresh first paid main inspection. Previously passed items are ignored and everything is inspected again.
• The inspection report is valid for 30 days to complete the procedure for Traffic Department approval.

What re-inspections cost

Fahes says the first re-inspection is free of charge, and the second is chargeable at the full normal rate. After that, payments follow a pattern of one paid and one free if they fall within the 30 day cycle that started at the first paid main inspection. Water tankers are a paid re-inspection at QAR 250 every time. We did not verify the normal rate, so check Fahes's fee page. Fahes lists the fee pages under its Inspection menu.

Steps after a fail

• Read the defect list in the SMS or the report link.
• Take the list to a repairer of your choice. Fahes says it does not repair defects, though it says its centers sell items such as reflective stickers for heavy vehicles and buses, and fire extinguishers.
• Repair everything on the list, since the car must pass in the same cycle.
• Book if your station needs a reservation. Fahes says a reservation is required at Wadi Al Banat, Mesaimeer, and Al Wakra.
• Bring the vehicle registration card or a clear photocopy of both sides, or an official Traffic Department document.
• Return before the 30 days end, and avoid the busiest times, which Fahes says are 08:00 to 12:00.

Can you drive a failed car?

Fahes strongly recommends that you do not drive a vehicle with any major safety, legal, or environmental defect. It says doing so knowingly after a major defect report could be dangerous or illegal and may invalidate your insurance. We did not find an official penalty, so ask the Traffic Department if you need to move the car.

Modified cars

Fahes says the Traffic Department must approve any fundamental modification from the manufacturer's design. A part or modification that the Traffic Department has approved, and that is equal to or better than the original without harming safety or the environment, is considered technically acceptable. If you are unsure, ask the Traffic Department before you inspect.

If the inspection was abandoned

Fahes says inspectors may stop for safety reasons, for example if there is a fuel leak or fire risk, dangerous overheating, imminent mechanical failure, or a tire defect that could cause a blowout. If that happens, ask staff what it means for your cycle and fee, since we could not verify that from the FAQ.

When the inspection is due

Fahes says a car is due every year after it is 3 years old, at the same time as registration renewal, and the date is on the registration card. After a pass, Fahes says you receive an SMS telling you to renew registration and insurance and to log in to Metrash2 to renew. Fahes's wording still says Metrash2, but the Ministry of Interior switched that app off on 1 March 2025, so use the current Metrash app or the MOI website. See our guide to vehicle registration renewal problems for what comes next.

Contact Fahes

Fahes's site lists a toll free number, 800-3835, and a call center number, 40217777. Use the official site for current contact details.

Real problems people run into

• I have not received the SMS. The report goes to the registered mobile number, so confirm the number you gave. Ask Fahes to resend it.
• I lost my registration card. Fahes says it can register the vehicle with a clear photocopy of both sides, or with official Traffic Department papers.
• I disagree with the result. We found no published appeal process on the FAQ, so ask Fahes staff or the Traffic Department.
• I am past the 30 days. A fresh full inspection starts, so plan for a full paid inspection.
• The registration expires soon. Book early. We did not verify what happens to an expired registration during a failed cycle, so ask the Traffic Department.

What we could not verify

• The current normal inspection fee.
• Any appeal process against a failed result.
• Penalties for driving on expired registration during a re-inspection.
• Fahes response times for resending reports.