Selling a high mileage semi truck in Virginia
When selling a high mileage semi truck through a private party sale in Virginia, a bill of sale protects both the buyer and seller by documenting the transaction details and the vehicle's condition at the time of sale.
Legal considerations for high mileage vehicles in Virginia
Virginia Code § 46.2-629 requires the seller to record the exact odometer reading in the assignment section of the title — do not guess or estimate. If the odometer has rolled over past its mechanical limit, certify 'Exceeds Mechanical Limits (E)' and the buyer's title will be branded 'EXCEEDS.' If the title does not have an odometer section, complete Form VSA 5 (Odometer Disclosure Statement). Providing a false odometer reading is a Class 1 misdemeanor under § 46.2-1532.
Required disclosures
The seller must record the actual odometer reading in the title's assignment section and certify one of three statuses: Actual (A), Not Actual (N), or Exceeds Mechanical Limits (E). A rolled-over odometer requires the 'E' certification, which results in a permanent 'EXCEEDS' brand on the title. If a separate VSA 5 form is used, both parties should retain signed copies.
Buyer warning
A Virginia title branded 'EXCEEDS' means the vehicle's odometer has rolled over and actual mileage is higher than the displayed reading. Verify the odometer disclosure on the title assignment section before signing. Vehicles 10 or more model years old or with a GVWR over 16,000 lbs are exempt from certain federal disclosure requirements, but Virginia sellers must still complete the state disclosure.