44-1223

44-1223. Fraudulent practices relating to motor vehicle odometers; classification

A. It is unlawful for any person to:

1. Advertise for sale, sell, use or install any device which causes the odometer of a motor vehicle to register mileage other than the true mileage driven. For the purposes of this paragraph the true mileage driven is that mileage driven by the vehicle as registered by the odometer within the manufacturer's designed tolerance.

2. Operate, with intent to defraud, a motor vehicle on any street or highway knowing that the odometer of such vehicle is disconnected or nonfunctional.

3. Replace, disconnect, turn back or reset the odometer of any motor vehicle with the intent to reduce the number of miles indicated on the odometer.

4. Sell or offer to sell, with intent to defraud, a motor vehicle on which the odometer does not register the true mileage driven.

B. Nothing in this section shall prevent the service, repair or replacement of an odometer, provided the mileage indicated thereon remains the same as before the service, repair or replacement. Where the odometer is incapable of registering the same mileage as before such service, repair or replacement, the odometer shall be adjusted to read "zero" and a notice in writing shall be attached to the left door frame of the vehicle by the owner or his agent specifying the mileage prior to repair or replacement of the odometer and the date on which it was repaired or replaced. Any removal or alterations of such notice so affixed shall be unlawful.

C. A person who violates the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a class 1 misdemeanor.