Odometer Fraud in the United States: The Federal Law Explained

What US Federal Law Says

Odometer tampering is governed by the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act. It is a federal offence to disconnect, reset or alter a vehicle’s odometer with intent to change the mileage reading.

Penalties reach $10,000 per violation and up to three years imprisonment. Victims can sue for triple damages or $10,000, whichever is greater.

The Scale of the Problem

The NHTSA estimates more than 450,000 vehicles are sold annually in the US with false odometer readings, costing buyers over $1 billion each year.

Your Legal Obligations When Selling

Federal law requires a written odometer disclosure statement on transfer of ownership, stating the mileage and whether you believe it accurate. Knowingly providing a false statement is where criminal liability begins.

How to Protect Yourself as a Buyer

• Run a vehicle history report and compare mileage entries over time
• Check service stickers and inspection records against the dash
• Look at wear on pedals, seats and the steering wheel
• Have a mechanic scan multiple ECUs, not just the cluster

Where We Stand

We sell mileage blockers for dyno testing, off-road use and private property testing. They do not alter stored data. Using any device to misrepresent mileage in a sale is fraud, and we oppose it without reservation.