When it comes to modifying or correcting odometer readings, the laws can be a bit of a gray area—especially if you’re comparing the UK to the US. While mileage blockers are 100% legal to buy, sell, and use for testing purposes in the UK, the United States takes a more serious stance when it comes to odometer tampering.
So, are mileage blockers illegal in the US? The answer isn’t black and white. Let’s break it down.
Mileage Blockers in the US: Legal to Buy, Legal to Sell—but Be Careful
In the US, mileage blockers can be legally purchased and sold. They’re often used in controlled environments like testing, diagnostics, or tuning. However, once a mileage blocker is used with the intent to deceive, the legal ground shifts fast.
Under 49 USC $ 32703, tampering with an odometer with intent to defraud is a federal crime. The consequences are steep:
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Up to $10,000 in civil penalties per violation
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Up to three years in federal prison for knowingly committing odometer fraud
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Even turning a blind eye to odometer tampering can land you in legal trouble
The Seriousness of Odometer Fraud in the US
Odometer fraud—sometimes called “busting miles” in the US or “clocking” in the UK—has been a major issue since the days of analog dials. In today’s digital age, the tactics may have evolved, but the intent remains the same: to deceive buyers and increase a vehicle’s resale value.
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Estimated $1 billion annual loss due to odometer fraud in the USA
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15% of used cars in Ireland show signs of tampering
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Diesel vehicles are often targeted due to their resale demand
Some offenders go even further by forging documents and conspiring to make falsified mileages appear legitimate—crimes that come with even more severe legal consequences.
Legal vs. Illegal Usage: Where’s the Line?
Not all odometer adjustments are illegal. There are valid reasons to modify a speedometer or odometer reading, including:
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Replacing a faulty or broken dashboard
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Fixing a calibration issue
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Performing diagnostic testing
However, full transparency is key. If you’re selling a car that has undergone any odometer changes, you’re legally required to disclose the accurate mileage or provide documentation showing why and how the odometer was changed.
Failing to disclose such modifications is considered fraud.
Can You Get in Trouble If You Didn’t Do It?
Yes, you can. Even if you’re not the one who tampered with the odometer, if you knowingly sell a car with a falsified mileage—or ignore obvious red flags—you can still be held accountable.
In some cases, buyers even request altered mileages to boost resale value, knowingly engaging in fraud. That’s not only unethical but also illegal.
Final Thoughts: Transparency is Everything
While mileage blockers serve legitimate purposes—especially in workshops and testing facilities—using them to manipulate a car’s history for resale is a crime in the US.
If you’re considering using a mileage blocker, make sure it’s within legal parameters, and always prioritize honesty and full disclosure.
Misleading buyers with fake mileage may offer short-term gains, but the long-term consequences—legal, financial, and reputational—just aren’t worth it.
Need help understanding how mileage blockers are used legally for testing? Contact us and let our experts walk you through the ethical and lawful applications of these devices.