New EU Rules Aim to Curb Odometer Fraud in Used Cars
The European Commission has put forward a proposal requiring all EU countries to establish national databases for recording odometer readings, enabling verification of the true mileage of second-hand vehicles. This initiative is part of a broader update to vehicle roadworthiness legislation first introduced in April of last year. Studies indicate that between 30% and 50% of used cars crossing EU borders have tampered mileage, posing significant risks to buyers.
Under the proposed rules, odometer readings must be recorded during mandatory technical inspections, as well as during any paid servicing or repairs. This data will be stored in national registries and made accessible across member states. Manufacturers of connected vehicles will also be required to regularly submit odometer data to these databases. The goal is to reduce mileage manipulation, which—according to a carVertical study—can inflate a vehicle's price by as much as 25%.
Trends and Measures in Ukraine
Within the EU's internal market, the rate of odometer fraud ranges from 5% to 12%. High-mileage diesel models and cars manufactured before 1995 are the most common targets for tampering. In December 2025, the EU Council adopted its position on the document, but the new rules are not expected to take effect before 2029–2030. This means used-car buyers will remain vulnerable to fraud for some time.
In 2025, Ukraine also introduced new technical inspection rules that require mandatory photographing of odometer readings during checks. Additionally, a draft law was considered in parliament that would impose fines of up to 34,000 hryvnias for providing odometer rollback services. These steps reflect growing attention to odometer fraud not only in Europe but also within Ukraine.
To avoid scams, buyers of used cars should consider the following:
- Check technical inspection records from the vehicle's country of origin.
- Verify the VIN code in open databases and review the service history booklet.
- Use online mileage history check services like carVertical, or request documents such as Car-Pass for vehicles from Belgium or similar certificates from the Netherlands.
- Visit an authorized service center for a full diagnostic check.
The legislative changes proposed by the European Commission could significantly reduce the scale of odometer fraud in the used-car market across Europe, thereby strengthening consumer protections. The introduction of national databases will help minimize risks for buyers who often lack access to reliable vehicle history information. Alongside these EU efforts, Ukraine is also taking steps to combat fraud in the sale of used cars, highlighting a global trend toward greater transparency in the automotive market.
As the European Commission takes steps to combat odometer fraud, similar measures are emerging in Ukraine, where new regulations require mandatory checks during vehicle registration. These developments highlight a growing global awareness of the importance of accurate mileage reporting. For a deeper understanding of the measures being implemented in Ukraine, you can explore the details in our article on mandatory vehicle inspections for registration.