A common automobile related fraud in the US is altering the odometer reading. It is illegal to disconnect, reset or alter the odometer of a vehicle.
The violators of odometer law can be subjected to civil liability if the jury finds out fraudulent intentions behind it. The tampering of the odometer is not essentially indicated by the condition and performance of a vehicle. Here are a few commonly asked questions about the odometer law:
Is Odometer Reading And Mileage The Same Thing?
Odometer displays the distance covered by a car. It is usually present in the dashboard of a car. Digital odometers run with the help of a computer chip that keeps track of the mileage. The current mileage of the car will be displayed digitally.
What Is Exemption From Odometer Disclosure?
A vehicle 10 years or older is exempt from odometer disclosure in Texas. It is also applicable for vehicles that are manufactured without an odometer. However, it is not allowed to tamper with the mileage of a car. This is allowed because the older vehicles have odometers that do not allow them to go beyond 99,000 miles.
Are You Required To Put Odometer Disclosure On Title?
Odometer disclosure is required for all vehicles with a few exceptions. It is essential to display the odometer reading on the title. Failing to display the odometer reading will lead to huge fines and even imprisonment in some cases. If there is an error in your odometer reading, you will need to submit an affidavit to fix it.
How To Tell The Number Of Miles A Car With No Odometer Has Travelled?
There are 5 ways the miles covered by a car without an odometer can be determined:
Maintenance records.
Online telematics.
Vehicle history report.
Data retrieved from key memory chip.
Advanced technical methods.
What Will Happen If You Purchase A Car With Incorrect Odometer Readings?
Odometer discrepancy is punishable under both federal law and state law. On purchasing a car, a person should receive the odometer disclosure written from the seller. If the odometer readings are incorrect, the law requires a statement.
How To Fix A Mileage Inaccuracy?
To correct the mileage of a vehicle, it is necessary to have records of the past two years. The inspection records of the vehicle or the repair bills will give out the mileage of the vehicle at the time of inspection or repair.
What Is Considered A Good Odometer Reading?
A car usually drives 10,000 to 15,000 miles every year. A decade old car should have an approximate odometer reading of 100,000 to 150,000. Any unusual discrepancies in these numbers is questionable. Hope you have found answers to the common doubts related to odometer reading.
Andrew Richardson is the author of this Article. To know more about Lemon Law please visit our website: allenstewart.com