Practice question

What federal law governs odometer disclosure?

  1. The Federal Odometer Disclosure Act
  2. The Federal Truth in Mileage Act (TIMA)
  3. The Motor Vehicle Safety Act
  4. The Consumer Protection Act

Answer: B — The Federal Truth in Mileage Act (TIMA)

The correct answer is the Federal Truth in Mileage Act (TIMA). This law mandates that sellers must accurately disclose the odometer reading on a vehicle at the time of sale to prevent odometer fraud and protect consumers. Odometer disclosure is essential because it helps maintain the integrity of vehicle history records, allowing buyers to make informed decisions based on the vehicle's usage and potential wear. TIMA establishes the requirement for a written statement of the odometer reading and outlines the penalties for falsifying this information, ensuring that buyers receive trustworthy information about the vehicle they are purchasing. This federal regulation has been instrumental in curbing odometer tampering and increasing accountability among sellers in the used car market. The other options, while related to vehicle regulations or consumer rights, do not specifically govern odometer disclosures. Each of those laws has different focuses, such as motor vehicle safety or broader consumer protection, but TIMA explicitly addresses odometer-related disclosures, making it the most relevant choice.

Practice more: DMV Used Car Dealership Practice Test →