Odometer Fraud in Texas
Laws, penalties, disclosure requirements, and how to protect yourself from rolled-back mileage when buying a used vehicle in Texas.
Penalties at a Glance
Applicable Laws
Federal Odometer Act applies. NHTSA enforces federal violations.
Texas Transportation Code § 501.155 — odometer tampering is a Class A misdemeanor; for vehicles over $100,000 in value it escalates to a state jail felony.
Odometer Disclosure Requirement
Texas requires odometer disclosure on the title at time of transfer for vehicles under 10 years old and under 16,000 lbs GVWR.
- •Vehicles 10+ model years old
- •Vehicles over 16,000 lbs GVWR
- •Transfers directly to manufacturer
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
Texas TxDMV has an odometer fraud tip line. If you suspect tampering after purchase, document the discrepancy and contact TxDMV or the Texas Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is odometer fraud in Texas?
Odometer fraud in Texas is the deliberate tampering with, alteration, or misrepresentation of a vehicle's odometer reading to deceive a buyer about the vehicle's true mileage. Texas Transportation Code § 501.155 — odometer tampering is a Class A misdemeanor; for vehicles over $100,000 in value it escalates to a state jail felony.
What are the penalties for odometer fraud in Texas?
Criminal penalty: Class A misdemeanor: up to 1 year / $4,000. State jail felony: up to 2 years.. Civil penalty under the federal Odometer Act: $10,000 or 3× actual damages (federal floor).
Is odometer disclosure required when selling in Texas?
Texas requires odometer disclosure on the title at time of transfer for vehicles under 10 years old and under 16,000 lbs GVWR.
Which vehicles are exempt from odometer disclosure in Texas?
Exempt vehicles in Texas typically include: Vehicles 10+ model years old, Vehicles over 16,000 lbs GVWR, Transfers directly to manufacturer.
How do I report odometer fraud?
Report odometer fraud to Texas DMV, 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 floor). 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.