Dubai's New 7-Minute Vehicle Inspections

Dubai: 7-Minute Car Check – Revolutionary RTA Technology

At the Gitex 2025 event, Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) unveiled its latest development which could completely overhaul the vehicle inspection system in the United Arab Emirates. Named AutoCheck 360, the system replaces traditional manual inspections with artificial intelligence, cameras, and sensors to provide a comprehensive condition assessment in just 7 minutes.

What is AutoCheck 360 and How Does it Work?

AutoCheck 360 is a drive-through vehicle inspection system that utilizes 26 cameras and thousands of sensors. As the vehicle passes through a 360-degree arc, 40,000 photos are taken, capturing the condition of the body, dents, scratches, and the physical state of the tires.

A specialized tire diagnostic scanner at the end of the track analyzes the sidewall, size, manufacturing date, and any potential damage to the tires. Unlike the previous process that mechanically lifted the vehicle for underneath inspection, this is now automated in 15–20 seconds.

What Technologies Are Behind It?

The system uses a combination of the following technologies:

Artificial Intelligence (AI): For automating visual and data-based decisions.

Computer Vision: For assessing the visual condition of the vehicle.

Sensors and Lasers: For precise location and fault detection.

NPR Technology (Number Plate Recognition): Identifies the vehicle by its number plate and retrieves its history, model, and manufacturing data.

Why is This Important for Dubai?

Every day, hundreds of thousands travel through Dubai, and vehicle conditions have a direct impact on traffic safety. The RTA aims to put vehicles on the roads that are less likely to endanger commuters by shortening inspection times and uncovering faults more accurately.

The expert behind the system, head of the RTA Licensing Department, emphasized: "Healthy cars mean healthier roads – and this can save lives."

Where is AutoCheck 360 Currently Available?

The first test station is operating in the Al Wasel Vehicle Testing Center in the Jaddaf district. The system's testing began at the start of the third quarter and has since undergone fine-tuning – mainly adapting to weather changes.

In the coming months, a full emirate-wide deployment will be decided based on performance and accuracy evaluations.

How Many Cars Can It Handle Daily?

If running at full capacity, the system can inspect up to 7,500 vehicles daily, and 2.3 million annually. This could significantly reduce waiting times while increasing the thoroughness and objectivity of inspections.

What Does It Mean for Car Owners?

For car owners, the new system:

Ensures quicker service – no need for hours of queueing.

Offers more precise fault detection – no more "hidden" damages lurking unspotted.

Provides digital feedback – owners receive a detailed report of the car’s condition.

The early detection of minor issues may result in cost savings.

Benefits for Authorities

For the RTA, the introduction of AutoCheck 360 not only improves customer experience but allows for:

Building a digital archive for all inspected vehicles.

Data-driven decision-making, such as identifying vehicles to remove from traffic.

More efficient resource management as fewer human staff are needed for inspections.

What's Next?

The current version of AutoCheck 360 already represents a significant advancement over previous inspection systems, but future plans include potential expansions like integration of brake systems, shock absorbers, or exhaust gas analysis.

The spread of digital inspections aligns with Dubai's long-term strategy, following smart city and digital transformation goals – where administrative processes are quick, automated, and reliable without human intervention.

(Source: Announcement from the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).)