The Feds Prohibit Tampering and Inaccurate Odometer Disclosures

submitted: Jul 31st 2008 | by: KarlO.Heil | Total views: 1 | Word Count: 342 | PDF View | Print Article

Automobile buyers really depend on the information about a vehicle's mileage in order to determine the vehicle's value and condition. So accurate disclosure and mileage readings are essential in order to figure out the vehicle's condition and its value.

For these reasons, state and federal law prohibit not only odometer tampering, but also inaccurate odometer disclosures. Under federal law, a seller is required to provide an odometer disclosure statement certifying that:

(a) the odometer reflects the actual mileage,

(b) the odometer reflects the amount of miles beyond the mechanical limit of the odometer, or

(c) the odometer reading does not reflect the actual mileage.

Besides rolling back or modifying odometer readings (e.g. using odometer "kill switches"), unscrupulous sellers of motor vehicles also ignore tell-tale signs of possible odometer discrepancies or fraud. For example, there may be inconsistent odometer readings recorded in a vehicle's title or repair history.

For example, a titles history may show the mileage dropped one year instead of going up. Or dealer made see evidence that the odometer has physically been tampered with, around the casing and trim. Missing screws or scratches on the case are a givaway But the odometer had been tampered with.

These are signs that the seller should take seriously and check into the history of the vehicle. If he fails to do this then he's not certifying that the odometer is showing the correct mileage.

Buyers concerned about potential odometer inaccuracy can use Carfax, Autocheck, and other such reports to see if there are odometer discrepancies in a vehicle's history. However, these types of reports are not always complete. In addition, some repair facilities and specialty garages inspect vehicles for odometer tampering.

If it turns out that the vehicle seller does alter the odometer. Or that they do not provide accurate disclosures, they should know that they are putting their business at risk, because federal law has severe penalties for businesses that violate the odometer laws. It's important to note though, that the laws regarding this only cover vehicles less than 11 years old.

About the Author

Karl O. Heil is a leading professional in Lemon Law practices At Romano, Stancroff & Mikhov PC. For best results get real lemon law attorneys. southern California is unique. Getting lemon law lawyers in southern California is like cash in the bank


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