Is it Legal to Drive if the Odometer Is Not Working?
by Ronnie Daniels
You may drive a car with a broken odometer in most states. If you sell the car, you must inform the buyer that the odometer does not work. Car dealers are subject to strict laws to prevent odometer tampering.
Intent to Defraud
It is illegal to operate a car with the odometer disconnected with the intent to later deceive a buyer as to the actual mileage. Deceiving a buyer in this manner is punishable as fraud.
Notification
State law requires that no person transfer title to a vehicle with a broken odometer without notifying the recipient of the fact. The Ohio Public Safety Department requires a notice to be given in writing regarding any failure, defect or tampering with the odometer.
Over 10 Years Old
The law requires the odometer reading be recorded when registering a vehicle if it is under 10 years old. Write “unreadable” on the title certificate if the odometer is broken. If the odometer has rolled over, write the displayed mileage on the title certificate and check the "Exceeds Mechanical Limits" box.
References
Writer Bio
Ronnie Daniels writes content for blog, website and print publication. Writing professionally since 2007, Daniels has been published on various websites and offline in "Mirror Mirror Magazine." Constantly improving his craft and writing better articles and stories has become Daniels' goal in life.
