Man in Abu Dhabi fined for driving twice the distance allowed in one-day car rental

Abu Dhabi Commercial Court has ordered a man to pay Dh2,391 to a car rental company after exceeding the agreed mileage limit during a one-day rental.

The dispute arose after the individual rented a vehicle for 24 hours at a discounted rate of Dh1,600.

Although he paid the rental fee in full, he drove the car for 623 kilometres, more than double the 300-kilometre daily limit stipulated in the agreement.

According to court documents, the signed rental contract clearly outlined a penalty of Dh10 per additional kilometre, plus a 5 per cent VAT.

Based on this formula, the company calculated that the customer owed Dh2,391 for the excess 323 kilometres driven.

The defendant paid Dh1,000 after being notified but failed to settle the remaining balance, prompting the rental company to take legal action.

In its reasoning, the court found the contractual terms valid and enforceable, noting that the defendant had agreed in writing to the mileage cap and the per-kilometre charge for overuse.

Despite being properly notified of the proceedings, the defendant failed to appear in court or offer any defence to dispute the amount owed or challenge the rental company’s claims.