Odometer Fraud in Illinois
Laws, penalties, disclosure requirements, and how to protect yourself from rolled-back mileage when buying a used vehicle in Illinois.
Penalties at a Glance
Applicable Laws
Federal Odometer Act applies. NHTSA enforces federal violations.
Illinois Vehicle Code 625 ILCS 5/3-112.1 — odometer tampering is a Class 3 felony for first offense, Class 2 felony for subsequent offenses.
Odometer Disclosure Requirement
Illinois requires odometer disclosure on the certificate of title for all transfers of vehicles under 10 years old and under 16,000 lbs GVWR.
- •Vehicles 10+ model years old
- •Vehicles over 16,000 lbs GVWR
Warning Signs of Odometer Fraud
- !Odometer reading inconsistent with wear on pedals, steering wheel, or seat
- !Service stickers showing higher mileage than current reading
- !Loose or misaligned odometer digits
- !Vehicle history report shows mileage rollback or unexplained gap
- !Seller hesitant to provide vehicle history report
- !Recent brake, tire, or belt replacement on a "low mileage" vehicle
Illinois classifies first-offense odometer fraud as a Class 3 felony — among the harshest in the nation. This reflects the Illinois legislature's view of odometer fraud as a serious commercial crime.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is odometer fraud in Illinois?
Odometer fraud in Illinois is the deliberate tampering with, alteration, or misrepresentation of a vehicle's odometer reading to deceive a buyer about the vehicle's true mileage. Illinois Vehicle Code 625 ILCS 5/3-112.1 — odometer tampering is a Class 3 felony for first offense, Class 2 felony for subsequent offenses.
What are the penalties for odometer fraud in Illinois?
Criminal penalty: Class 3 felony: 2–5 years. Class 2 felony (repeat): 3–7 years.. Civil penalty under the federal Odometer Act: $10,000 or 3× actual damages (federal).
Is odometer disclosure required when selling in Illinois?
Illinois requires odometer disclosure on the certificate of title for all transfers of vehicles under 10 years old and under 16,000 lbs GVWR.
Which vehicles are exempt from odometer disclosure in Illinois?
Exempt vehicles in Illinois typically include: Vehicles 10+ model years old, Vehicles over 16,000 lbs GVWR.
How do I report odometer fraud?
Report odometer fraud to Illinois Secretary of State, your state Attorney General's Consumer Protection office, and NHTSA (www.nhtsa.gov). Document all evidence including the title, bill of sale, vehicle history report, and photos of the odometer.
Can I sue for odometer fraud?
Yes. Under the federal Odometer Act, a victim can sue for $10,000 or 3× actual damages (federal). You do not need to prove the seller knew — you need to show the odometer was altered or the mileage was misrepresented. Consult a consumer protection attorney.