Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White alerts the automobile industry, along with private party vehicle sellers, of a new Federal Odometer Disclosure rule. It increases the amount of time odometer readings must be declared at the time of a vehicle sale. The Federal rule took effect Friday, January 1, 2021. Used vehicle dealers and other businesses in the automobile industry will be required to disclose the odometer reading on a greater number of vehicles.
Due to the new rule, the Secretary of State Vehicle Services Department must reject paperwork for sales of vehicles 2011 or newer unless the odometer disclosure is completed.
Issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the rule is intended to help combat odometer fraud, as the Nation’s fleet of vehicles ages. The average age of a vehicle in the United States is now almost 12 years, up from 7.6 years, when the odometer rules were last changed in 1988.
Now, vehicles made in 2011 and newer will be subject to odometer disclosure for 20 years, rather than 10 years. Under the old rule, a 2011 vehicle would have become exempt from disclosure in 2021. The odometer reading must be disclosed at the sale of a 2011 vehicle until 2031. For example, 2012 vehicles will become exempt in 2032, and so on.
The new rule applies even if the existing title says “Exempt – Model year over nine years old.” This applies to automobile dealers and private party vehicle sellers.
These guidelines help ensure compliance.
• If the vehicle is a 2011 model or newer, the seller must enter the current mileage in the Odometer Reading section of the title upon sale of the vehicle.
• If the vehicle is a 2010 model or older, the seller may check the “Exempt” box on the title.