{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/46.2-112.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/46.2-112.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/46.2-112.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/46.2-112.html"}],"law_id":86621,"edition_id":1,"section_id":86621,"structure_id":14128,"section_number":"46.2-112","catch_line":"Tampering with odometer; penalty; civil liability","history":"1972, c. 851, \u00a7\u00a7 46.1-15.1 to 46.1-15.3; 1978, c. 294; 1986, c. 490; 1989, c. 727; 2012, cc. 32, 122.","full_text":"A\n\nIt shall be unlawful to knowingly cause, either personally or through an agent, the changing, tampering with, disconnection, or nonconnection of any odometer or similar device designed to show by numbers or words the distance which a motor vehicle has traveled or the use it has sustained.B\n\nIt shall be unlawful for any person to sell a motor vehicle if he knows or should reasonably know that the odometer or similar device of the motor vehicle has been changed, tampered with, or disconnected to reflect a lesser mileage or use, unless he gives clear and unequivocal notice of such tampering, etc., or of his reasonable belief thereof, to the purchaser in writing prior to the sale. In a prosecution under this subsection, evidence that a person or his agent has changed, tampered with, disconnected, or failed to connect an odometer or similar device of a motor vehicle shall constitute prima facie evidence of knowledge thereof.C\n\nIt shall be unlawful for any person to advertise for sale, sell, or use any device designed primarily for the purpose of resetting the odometer or similar device of a motor vehicle in any manner.D\n\nThe provisions of this section shall not apply to the following:1\n\nThe changing of odometer or similar device readings registered in the course of predelivery testing of any motor vehicle by its manufacturer prior to its delivery to a dealer.2\n\nAny necessary repair or replacement of an odometer or similar device, provided that the repaired or replaced odometer or similar device is forthwith set at a reading determined by the reading on the device immediately prior to repair or replacement plus a bona fide estimate of the use of the vehicle sustained between the period when the device ceased to accurately record that use and the time of repair or replacement. Compliance with the requirements of 49 USC § 32704 of the Federal Odometer Act in the service, repair, or replacement of an odometer shall be deemed compliance with this subdivision.3\n\nPassenger vehicles having a capacity in excess of 15 persons.4\n\nTrucks having a net weight in excess of 10,000 pounds.E\n\nAny person convicted of a violation of the provisions of subsections A through D shall, for a first offense, be fined not more than $10,000 and sentenced to a term of confinement in jail for not more than 12 months, either or both. Any person convicted of a subsequent offense under this section shall be fined not more than $50,000 and sentenced to a term of confinement in a state correctional facility for not less than one year nor more than five years, either or both, for each offense if the offense is committed with the intent thereby to defraud another. Each violation of this section shall constitute a separate offense.F\n\nAny person who with intent to defraud violates subsection A or B shall be liable in a civil action in an amount equal to three times the amount of actual damages sustained or $3,000, whichever is greater. In the case of a successful action to enforce the foregoing liability, the costs of the action, together with reasonable attorney fees as determined by the court, shall be assessed against the person committing the violation. An action under this subsection shall be brought within two years from the date on which liability arises. For the purpose of this subsection, liability arises when the injured party discovers, or with due diligence should have discovered, the violation.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":310222,"text":"It shall be unlawful to knowingly cause, either personally or through an agent, the changing, tampering with, disconnection, or nonconnection of any odometer or similar device designed to show by numbers or words the distance which a motor vehicle has traveled or the use it has sustained.","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"B"},"1":{"id":310223,"text":"It shall be unlawful for any person to sell a motor vehicle if he knows or should reasonably know that the odometer or similar device of the motor vehicle has been changed, tampered with, or disconnected to reflect a lesser mileage or use, unless he gives clear and unequivocal notice of such tampering, etc., or of his reasonable belief thereof, to the purchaser in writing prior to the sale. In a prosecution under this subsection, evidence that a person or his agent has changed, tampered with, disconnected, or failed to connect an odometer or similar device of a motor vehicle shall constitute prima facie evidence of knowledge thereof.","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"C"},"2":{"id":310224,"text":"It shall be unlawful for any person to advertise for sale, sell, or use any device designed primarily for the purpose of resetting the odometer or similar device of a motor vehicle in any manner.","type":"section","prefixes":["C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"C","prefix_anchor":"C","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B","next_prefix":"D"},"3":{"id":310225,"text":"The provisions of this section shall not apply to the following:","type":"section","prefixes":["D"],"prefix":"D","entire_prefix":"D","prefix_anchor":"D","level":1,"prior_prefix":"C","next_prefix":"D1"},"4":{"id":310226,"text":"The changing of odometer or similar device readings registered in the course of predelivery testing of any motor vehicle by its manufacturer prior to its delivery to a dealer.","type":"section","prefixes":["D","1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"D1","prefix_anchor":"D1","level":2,"prior_prefix":"D","next_prefix":"D2"},"5":{"id":310227,"text":"Any necessary repair or replacement of an odometer or similar device, provided that the repaired or replaced odometer or similar device is forthwith set at a reading determined by the reading on the device immediately prior to repair or replacement plus a bona fide estimate of the use of the vehicle sustained between the period when the device ceased to accurately record that use and the time of repair or replacement. Compliance with the requirements of 49 USC § 32704 of the Federal Odometer Act in the service, repair, or replacement of an odometer shall be deemed compliance with this subdivision.","type":"section","prefixes":["D","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"D2","prefix_anchor":"D2","level":2,"prior_prefix":"D1","next_prefix":"D3"},"6":{"id":310228,"text":"Passenger vehicles having a capacity in excess of 15 persons.","type":"section","prefixes":["D","3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"D3","prefix_anchor":"D3","level":2,"prior_prefix":"D2","next_prefix":"D4"},"7":{"id":310229,"text":"Trucks having a net weight in excess of 10,000 pounds.","type":"section","prefixes":["D","4"],"prefix":"4","entire_prefix":"D4","prefix_anchor":"D4","level":2,"prior_prefix":"D3","next_prefix":"E"},"8":{"id":310230,"text":"Any person convicted of a violation of the provisions of subsections A through D shall, for a first offense, be fined not more than $10,000 and sentenced to a term of confinement in jail for not more than 12 months, either or both. Any person convicted of a subsequent offense under this section shall be fined not more than $50,000 and sentenced to a term of confinement in a state correctional facility for not less than one year nor more than five years, either or both, for each offense if the offense is committed with the intent thereby to defraud another. Each violation of this section shall constitute a separate offense.","type":"section","prefixes":["E"],"prefix":"E","entire_prefix":"E","prefix_anchor":"E","level":1,"prior_prefix":"D4","next_prefix":"F"},"9":{"id":310231,"text":"Any person who with intent to defraud violates subsection A or B shall be liable in a civil action in an amount equal to three times the amount of actual damages sustained or $3,000, whichever is greater. In the case of a successful action to enforce the foregoing liability, the costs of the action, together with reasonable attorney fees as determined by the court, shall be assessed against the person committing the violation. An action under this subsection shall be brought within two years from the date on which liability arises. For the purpose of this subsection, liability arises when the injured party discovers, or with due diligence should have discovered, the violation.","type":"section","prefixes":["F"],"prefix":"F","entire_prefix":"F","prefix_anchor":"F","level":1,"prior_prefix":"E"}},"ancestry":[{"id":14128,"edition_id":1,"name":"General Provisions","identifier":"1","label":"chapter","depth":3,"order_by":1,"parent_id":13270,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:46:57","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:46:57","permalink":{"id":225293,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":14128,"identifier":"1","token":"46.2\/I\/1","url":"\/46.2\/I\/1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":13270,"edition_id":1,"name":"General Provisions; Department of Motor Vehicles","identifier":"I","label":"subtitle","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12770,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:33","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:33","permalink":{"id":225291,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13270,"identifier":"I","token":"46.2\/I","url":"\/46.2\/I\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12770,"edition_id":1,"name":"Motor Vehicles","identifier":"46.2","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":1,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:52","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:52","permalink":{"id":225289,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12770,"identifier":"46.2","token":"46.2","url":"\/46.2\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":82691,"structure_id":14128,"section_number":"46.2-100","catch_line":"Definitions","url":"\/46.2-100\/","token":"46.2\/I\/1\/46.2-100","metadata":false},{"id":79952,"structure_id":14128,"section_number":"46.2-100.1","catch_line":"Certified mail; subsequent mail or notices may be sent by regular mail","url":"\/46.2-100.1\/","token":"46.2\/I\/1\/46.2-100.1","metadata":false},{"id":66965,"structure_id":14128,"section_number":"46.2-101","catch_line":"Applicability of title to vehicles on certain toll roads and parking facilities","url":"\/46.2-101\/","token":"46.2\/I\/1\/46.2-101","metadata":false},{"id":73192,"structure_id":14128,"section_number":"46.2-102","catch_line":"Enforcement by law-enforcement officers; officers to be uniformed; officers to be paid fixed salaries","url":"\/46.2-102\/","token":"46.2\/I\/1\/46.2-102","metadata":false},{"id":58256,"structure_id":14128,"section_number":"46.2-103","catch_line":"Stopping vehicles for inspection or to secure information","url":"\/46.2-103\/","token":"46.2\/I\/1\/46.2-103","metadata":false},{"id":59128,"structure_id":14128,"section_number":"46.2-104","catch_line":"Possession of registration cards; exhibiting registration card and licenses; failure to carry license or registration card","url":"\/46.2-104\/","token":"46.2\/I\/1\/46.2-104","metadata":false},{"id":66134,"structure_id":14128,"section_number":"46.2-105","catch_line":"Making false affidavit or swearing falsely, perjury","url":"\/46.2-105\/","token":"46.2\/I\/1\/46.2-105","metadata":false},{"id":56208,"structure_id":14128,"section_number":"46.2-105.1","catch_line":"Unlawful procurement of certificate, license, or permit; unauthorized possession of examination or answers; unlawful distribution of false operator's license; penalty","url":"\/46.2-105.1\/","token":"46.2\/I\/1\/46.2-105.1","metadata":false},{"id":68909,"structure_id":14128,"section_number":"46.2-105.2","catch_line":"Obtaining documents from the Department when not entitled thereto; penalty","url":"\/46.2-105.2\/","token":"46.2\/I\/1\/46.2-105.2","metadata":false},{"id":57524,"structure_id":14128,"section_number":"46.2-106","catch_line":"Reciprocal agreements entered into by Governor","url":"\/46.2-106\/","token":"46.2\/I\/1\/46.2-106","metadata":false},{"id":82668,"structure_id":14128,"section_number":"46.2-107","catch_line":"Lists of vehicles used for rent or hire, or by contract carriers","url":"\/46.2-107\/","token":"46.2\/I\/1\/46.2-107","metadata":false},{"id":87378,"structure_id":14128,"section_number":"46.2-108","catch_line":"Records required of persons renting motor vehicles without drivers; inspections; insurance","url":"\/46.2-108\/","token":"46.2\/I\/1\/46.2-108","metadata":false},{"id":78969,"structure_id":14128,"section_number":"46.2-109","catch_line":"Reports by persons in charge of garages and repair shops; vehicles equipped with bullet-proof glass or smoke projectors or struck by bullets","url":"\/46.2-109\/","token":"46.2\/I\/1\/46.2-109","metadata":false},{"id":74372,"structure_id":14128,"section_number":"46.2-110","catch_line":"Right to inspect vehicles in garages","url":"\/46.2-110\/","token":"46.2\/I\/1\/46.2-110","metadata":false},{"id":78142,"structure_id":14128,"section_number":"46.2-111","catch_line":"Flares and other signals relating to stopped commercial motor vehicles","url":"\/46.2-111\/","token":"46.2\/I\/1\/46.2-111","metadata":false},{"id":86621,"structure_id":14128,"section_number":"46.2-112","catch_line":"Tampering with odometer; penalty; civil liability","url":"\/46.2-112\/","token":"46.2\/I\/1\/46.2-112","metadata":false},{"id":56620,"structure_id":14128,"section_number":"46.2-113","catch_line":"Violations of this title; penalties","url":"\/46.2-113\/","token":"46.2\/I\/1\/46.2-113","metadata":false},{"id":63404,"structure_id":14128,"section_number":"46.2-114","catch_line":"Disposition of fines and forfeitures","url":"\/46.2-114\/","token":"46.2\/I\/1\/46.2-114","metadata":false},{"id":83135,"structure_id":14128,"section_number":"46.2-115","catch_line":"Inapplicability of title on Tangier Island; adoption of local ordinances; penalties","url":"\/46.2-115\/","token":"46.2\/I\/1\/46.2-115","metadata":false},{"id":55270,"structure_id":14128,"section_number":"46.2-116","catch_line":"Registration with Department of Criminal Justice Services required for tow truck drivers; penalty","url":"\/46.2-116\/","token":"46.2\/I\/1\/46.2-116","metadata":false},{"id":84528,"structure_id":14128,"section_number":"46.2-117","catch_line":"Revocation and suspension of registration of tow truck driver; notice and hearing; assessment of costs","url":"\/46.2-117\/","token":"46.2\/I\/1\/46.2-117","metadata":false},{"id":82474,"structure_id":14128,"section_number":"46.2-118","catch_line":"Prohibited acts by tow truck drivers and towing and recovery operators","url":"\/46.2-118\/","token":"46.2\/I\/1\/46.2-118","metadata":false},{"id":84696,"structure_id":14128,"section_number":"46.2-119","catch_line":"Complaints against tow truck drivers or towing and recovery operators; enforcement by the Office of the Attorney General","url":"\/46.2-119\/","token":"46.2\/I\/1\/46.2-119","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":78142,"structure_id":14128,"section_number":"46.2-111","catch_line":"Flares and other signals relating to stopped commercial motor vehicles","url":"\/46.2-111\/","token":"46.2\/I\/1\/46.2-111","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":56620,"structure_id":14128,"section_number":"46.2-113","catch_line":"Violations of this title; penalties","url":"\/46.2-113\/","token":"46.2\/I\/1\/46.2-113","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/46.2-112\/","history_text":"

This law was first created in 1972. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapter 851 of that year\u2019s edition of \u201cActs of Assembly,\u201d the annual state publication listing all changes made to the Code of Virginia in that year. Unfortunately, the 1972 \u201cActs\u201d aren\u2019t available online. It has been modified 4 times. Those modifications are cataloged by \u201cThe Acts of Assembly,\u201d a state publication, by year and chapter. Those modifications that can be read on the General Assembly\u2019s website will be linked accordingly. Those modifications are as follows: in 1978, chapter 294; in 1986, chapter 490; in 1989, chapter 727; in 2012, chapters 32<\/a> and 122<\/a>.<\/p>","references":[{"id":80647,"section_number":"46.2-1506","catch_line":"Regulations","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-1506\/"}],"refers_to":false,"permalink":{"id":225355,"object_type":"law","relational_id":86621,"identifier":"46.2-112","token":"46.2\/I\/1\/46.2-112","url":"\/46.2-112\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/46.2-112\/","token":"46.2\/I\/1\/46.2-112","dublin_core":{"Title":"Tampering with odometer; penalty; civil liability","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 46.2-112","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> It shall be unlawful to knowingly cause, either personally or through an agent<\/span>, the changing, tampering with, disconnection, or nonconnection of any odometer or similar device designed to show by numbers or words the distance which a motor vehicle<\/span> has traveled or the use it has sustained. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> It shall be unlawful for any person to sell a motor vehicle<\/span> if he knows or should reasonably know that the odometer or similar device of the motor vehicle<\/span> has been changed, tampered with, or disconnected to reflect a lesser mileage or use, unless he gives clear and unequivocal notice of such tampering, etc., or of his reasonable belief thereof, to the purchaser in writing prior to the sale. In a prosecution<\/span> under this subsection, evidence<\/span> that a person or his agent<\/span> has changed, tampered with, disconnected, or failed to connect an odometer or similar device of a motor vehicle<\/span> shall constitute prima facie evidence<\/span> of knowledge thereof. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C.<\/span> It shall be unlawful for any person to advertise for sale, sell, or use any device designed primarily for the purpose of resetting the odometer or similar device of a motor vehicle<\/span> in any manner. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

D.<\/span> The provisions of this section shall not apply to the following: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> The changing of odometer or similar device readings registered in the course of predelivery testing of any motor vehicle<\/span> by its manufacturer prior to its delivery to a dealer. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> Any necessary repair or replacement of an odometer or similar device, provided that the repaired or replaced odometer or similar device is forthwith set at a reading determined by the reading on the device immediately prior to repair or replacement plus a bona fide estimate of the use of the vehicle sustained between the period when the device ceased to accurately record that use and the time of repair or replacement. Compliance with the requirements of 49 USC § 32704 of the Federal Odometer Act in the service, repair, or replacement of an odometer shall be deemed compliance with this subdivision. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> Passenger vehicles<\/span> having a capacity in excess of 15 persons. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

4.<\/span> Trucks<\/span> having a net weight in excess of 10,000 pounds. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

E.<\/span> Any person convicted of a violation of the provisions of subsections A through D shall, for a first offense<\/span>, be fined not more than $10,000 and sentenced to a term of confinement in jail for not more than 12 months, either or both. Any person convicted of a subsequent offense<\/span> under this section shall be fined not more than $50,000 and sentenced to a term of confinement in a state correctional facility for not less than one year nor more than five years, either or both, for each offense<\/span> if the offense<\/span> is committed with the intent<\/span> thereby to defraud another. Each violation of this section shall constitute a separate offense<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

F.<\/span> Any person who with intent<\/span> to defraud violates subsection A or B shall be liable in a civil action<\/span> in an amount equal to three times the amount of actual damages<\/span> sustained or $3,000, whichever is greater. In the case of a successful action to enforce the foregoing liability, the costs of the action, together with reasonable attorney fees as determined by the court<\/span>, shall be assessed against the person committing the violation. An action under this subsection shall be brought within two years from the date on which liability arises. For the purpose of this subsection, liability arises when the injured party<\/span> discovers, or with due diligence should have discovered, the violation. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nTAMPERING WITH ODOMETER; PENALTY; CIVIL LIABILITY (\u00a7 46.2-112)\n\nA. It shall be unlawful to knowingly cause, either personally or through an\nagent, the changing, tampering with, disconnection, or nonconnection of any\nodometer or similar device designed to show by numbers or words the distance\nwhich a motor vehicle has traveled or the use it has sustained.\n\nB. It shall be unlawful for any person to sell a motor vehicle if he knows or\nshould reasonably know that the odometer or similar device of the motor vehicle\nhas been changed, tampered with, or disconnected to reflect a lesser mileage or\nuse, unless he gives clear and unequivocal notice of such tampering, etc., or of\nhis reasonable belief thereof, to the purchaser in writing prior to the sale. In\na prosecution under this subsection, evidence that a person or his agent has\nchanged, tampered with, disconnected, or failed to connect an odometer or\nsimilar device of a motor vehicle shall constitute prima facie evidence of\nknowledge thereof.\n\nC. It shall be unlawful for any person to advertise for sale, sell, or use any\ndevice designed primarily for the purpose of resetting the odometer or similar\ndevice of a motor vehicle in any manner.\n\nD. The provisions of this section shall not apply to the following:\n\n 1. The changing of odometer or similar device readings registered in the\n course of predelivery testing of any motor vehicle by its manufacturer prior\n to its delivery to a dealer.\n\n 2. Any necessary repair or replacement of an odometer or similar device,\n provided that the repaired or replaced odometer or similar device is forthwith\n set at a reading determined by the reading on the device immediately prior to\n repair or replacement plus a bona fide estimate of the use of the vehicle\n sustained between the period when the device ceased to accurately record that\n use and the time of repair or replacement. Compliance with the requirements of\n 49 USC § 32704 of the Federal Odometer Act in the service, repair, or\n replacement of an odometer shall be deemed compliance with this subdivision.\n\n 3. Passenger vehicles having a capacity in excess of 15 persons.\n\n 4. Trucks having a net weight in excess of 10,000 pounds.\n\nE. Any person convicted of a violation of the provisions of subsections A\nthrough D shall, for a first offense, be fined not more than $10,000 and\nsentenced to a term of confinement in jail for not more than 12 months, either\nor both. Any person convicted of a subsequent offense under this section shall\nbe fined not more than $50,000 and sentenced to a term of confinement in a state\ncorrectional facility for not less than one year nor more than five years,\neither or both, for each offense if the offense is committed with the intent\nthereby to defraud another. Each violation of this section shall constitute a\nseparate offense.\n\nF. Any person who with intent to defraud violates subsection A or B shall be\nliable in a civil action in an amount equal to three times the amount of actual\ndamages sustained or $3,000, whichever is greater. In the case of a successful\naction to enforce the foregoing liability, the costs of the action, together\nwith reasonable attorney fees as determined by the court, shall be assessed\nagainst the person committing the violation. An action under this subsection\nshall be brought within two years from the date on which liability arises. For\nthe purpose of this subsection, liability arises when the injured party\ndiscovers, or with due diligence should have discovered, the violation.\n\nHISTORY: 1972, c. 851, \u00a7\u00a7 46.1-15.1 to 46.1-15.3; 1978, c. 294; 1986, c. 490;\n1989, c. 727; 2012, cc. 32, 122.","edition":{"id":1,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","date_created":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","date_modified":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","current":1,"order_by":1,"last_import":null}}