Almost never. The only legal reset is during a genuine repair or replacement when the odometer can't keep its existing reading. In that case, federal law (49 U.S.C. §32704) requires the odometer to be set to zero and a written notice attached to the vehicle's left door frame showing the mileage before the work and the date of the work. Turning back, disconnecting or altering an odometer to change the mileage is a federal and California crime, and it's a license-ending mistake for a dealer.
Educational information only. This article is not legal advice.
In this article
- What's allowed and what isn't
- If you replace an odometer or cluster
- Disclosing mileage when you sell
- Frequently asked questions
What's allowed and what isn't
| Action | Legal? |
|---|---|
| Repair or replace an odometer and keep the same reading | Yes |
| Repair or replace it when the reading can't be kept, then set to zero and attach the door-frame notice | Yes (49 U.S.C. §32704(a)) |
| Remove or alter that notice to defraud | No (§32704(b)) |
| Turn back, disconnect or reset mileage to change the reading | No (49 U.S.C. §32703; California Vehicle Code §28051) |
| Sell a car knowing the odometer reading is wrong without disclosing it | No |
If you replace an odometer or cluster
- Try to keep the existing reading. Many shops can program a replacement cluster to the original mileage.
- If that isn't possible, set it to zero.
- Attach the written notice to the left door frame with the prior mileage and the date.
- Keep the repair invoice in the vehicle's file.
- When you sell, disclose that the reading isn't the actual mileage.
Disclosing mileage when you sell
- California titles include an odometer disclosure, and DMV uses the REG 262 when needed.
- If the reading is wrong, mark it "not actual mileage" or "exceeds mechanical limits" as the form allows.
- Dealers should run an NMVTIS report and a commercial history report and compare the mileage history before buying. See Where do car dealers get their cars?
From experience (Garrett Eddings, professional opinion): If the mileage history doesn't add up, don't buy the car to retail. You inherit the problem, and the disclosure duty, the second it's yours.
Frequently asked questions
Is it illegal to reset an odometer?
Yes, if the purpose or effect is to change the recorded mileage. The only exception is a legitimate repair or replacement that follows the federal zero-and-notice rule.
What do you do if an odometer is replaced?
Keep the old reading if possible. If not, set it to zero and attach a dated notice with the prior mileage to the left door frame.
What is the penalty for odometer fraud?
It's a federal and state crime, and victims can sue. For dealers it can mean license discipline. Talk to an attorney about specific penalties.
Related questions
- How to register a used car in California
- What is the dealer number on a title?
- Do used car dealers have to give a warranty in California?
- Back to the California Dealer License FAQ
Resources
- 49 U.S.C. §32704: Service, repair and replacement (govinfo) (Opens in new window)
- 49 U.S.C. §32703: Preventing tampering (govinfo) (Opens in new window)
- NMVTIS approved data providers (Opens in new window)
Sources: 49 U.S.C. §§32703–32704 · California Vehicle Code §28051 · DMV HTVR 32 (odometer disclosure, REG 262). Verified 2026-10-16.
This article is for educational purposes only and is not legal advice. The instructor note reflects one instructor's professional opinion.