No, it is illegal to change a car's mileage, a practice known as odometer fraud or "clocking." In the United States, the Federal Odometer Act and state laws make it a serious crime, punishable by hefty fines and imprisonment. Beyond the legal consequences, it's a deceptive act that misrepresents a vehicle's true wear and tear, leading the next owner to face unexpected and potentially dangerous mechanical failures.
The primary instrument for this fraud is a tool that can alter the mileage stored in the vehicle's Engine Control Unit (ECU). While modern digital odometers are more secure than old mechanical ones, they are not immune to tampering. The motivation is almost always financial; lowering the displayed mileage can significantly increase a car's resale value.
| State | Maximum Fine | Maximum Prison Sentence | Notes |
|---|
| Federal | $10,000 per violation | Up to 3 years | Under the Federal Odometer Act |
| California | Up to $250,000 | Up to 3 years | Can be charged as a felony |
| Florida | $10,000 | Up to 5 years | Considered a felony |
| Texas | $4,000 | Up to 2 years | State jail felony |
| New York | $5,000 | Up to 4 years | Class E felony |
If you're buying a used car, protect yourself. Always get a vehicle history report from a service like Carfax or AutoCheck, which can reveal inconsistencies. Have the car inspected by an independent mechanic who can assess wear on parts like the brake pedal, driver's seat, and steering wheel, which often tell a more honest story than the odometer. If you suspect fraud, report it to your state's Attorney General's office or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
