Odometer Fraud in Dubai: How to Officially Verify a Used Car’s Real Mileage via the RTA

Purchasing a used vehicle in Dubai does not only save thousands of dirhams but also brings certain risks. One of the most common issues is dealing with odometer fraud when an unethical seller increases the mileage of a car, causing it to appear more appealing and newer than it really is.

An odometer that has been rolled back may be able to give you years of wear and tear, only for an unpleasant surprise on the repair bill shortly after you buy it. The Roads and Transport Authority has tools to help car buyers check the real mileage of a vehicle prior to purchase.

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What is Odometer Fraud?

Odometer fraud is when the mileage on a vehicle is either artificially regulated to boost the value of the vehicle or not recorded at all. Many customers take mileage into account when they consider a used vehicle, and the lower the better, generally, the higher the price.

If the car looks as though it has driven 50,000 kilometres, it could really be several hundred thousand kilometres, meaning that major parts of the vehicle will require replacement very soon such as the engine, transmission, suspension, etc., and above all, the brakes.

Why Does the RTA Vehicle History Certificate Matters?

An easy and precise method for checking the mileage of a vehicle in Dubai is to get the Vehicle History Certificate (VHC), also known as the Technical Status Certificate, from the RTA.

Authorised testing centres put the odometer reading in the RTA central database every time a vehicle is inspected for registration renewal. These records are collated into a single, formalized report that makes it much easier to identify suspicious mileage changes.

What Information Does the Certificate Include?

The RTA Vehicle History Certificate provides much more than just mileage records. It comprises previous odometer readings from the period of the inspection, previous inspection test results, number of previous owners, registration history and other relevant vehicle status data, including import or export information. This official report provides buyers with a comprehensive background report prior to their purchase.

How to Verify a Used Car’s Mileage Through the RTA?

It is possible to verify online, with the cooperation of the current owner of an active car.

The first step is to get a car registration card (Mulkiya) from the seller. The vehicle’s chassis number (VIN) and licence plate information.

Then go to the official website of RTA or download the RTA Dubai mobile application. In the Vehicle Services area, choose the Request a Vehicle History Certificate option.

Due to privacy regulations the information will be sent only to the registered owner, who will be sent a One-Time Password (OTP) to authorize the release of the vehicle’s information. The seller is authorized and then you can make a payment.

The standard fee is in the range of around AED 100 with AED 20 innovation and knowledge fee. Once paid for, the certificate can be downloaded as a PDF.

Consider an RTA Comprehensive Inspection

Because the Vehicle History Certificate shows past mileage, a potential buyer wishing to receive additional assurance may wish to schedule in an RTA Comprehensive Pre-Purchase Inspection.

Mechanical assessment and this inspection is carried out by the inspector, the cost of this inspection is around AED 350 to AED 500. By employing sophisticated diagnostics tools and plugging them into the in-car computer system, certified technicians can sometimes discover discrepancies in mileage that might not show up on the display that aren’t obvious on the dial.

The test also looks at how well the engine works, the condition of the transmission, condition of suspension related components, the condition of the braking system, and the condition of the vehicle.

Warning Signs of Possible Odometer Fraud

Evaluating a home is a non-public records process and it’s important to look at some of the warning signs before buying a home even before getting a copy of the official records.

Located besides the gauge indicating the mileage on the car, excessive usage of the steering wheel, driver seat, pedals or gear selector, may mean that the car has actually accumulated much more mileage. Wheelhouse or engine-side maintenance stickers can also provide information on the past maintenance history which may differ from the actual recorded mileage.

When buying an imported car it’s recommended to begin by checking international vehicle history databases with the VIN that could have any discrepancies prior to the car arriving in the UAE.

Tips to Protect Yourself

Verbalize before making a deposit for any agreement, the Vehicle History Certificate from RTA. Don’t take the seller’s word for the mileage.

Watch for false odometer readings in the service records; as much as possible, request a comprehensive inspection by someone separate from the service involved. Paying a couple hundred dirhams to properly verify can save you thousands down the road with repair costs.

FAQs

What is a Vehicle History Certificate in RTA?

The RTA Vehicle History Certificate is a formal document that includes odometer readings from past inspections, inspection history, ownership history and vehicle status from past inspections by the RTA.

Is it possible to order a Vehicle History Certificate from someone without the sellers consent?

No. Before the RTA can provide the details about the vehicle’s history, the current registered owner must authorise the request using an OTP verification system.

What is the cost of an RTA Vehicle History Certificate?

The certificate is priced at AED 100 while innovation and knowledge fees are around AED 20.

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