More clarity arrived this week from federal regulators regarding how dealers can share details in connection with a vehicle’s odometer, possibly paving the way for more efficient, paperless deliveries.
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced the publication of a final rule establishing standards under which states may allow for odometer disclosures in an electronic format.
Officials reiterated odometer fraud is a federal crime, and NHTSA has required sellers to disclose vehicle odometer readings at the time of sale for decades. However, officials acknowledged most vehicle transfers have been subject to a requirement that odometer disclosures be made in a paper format with handwritten names and wet-ink signatures.
NHTSA explained this final rule removes the paper requirement by allowing for electronic disclosure systems that have robust security and authentication. The regulator noted this action also removes the last remaining federal impediment to paperless motor vehicle transfers.
By removing the paper documentation requirement, NHTSA indicated this final rule opens the door for state departments of motor vehicles to move toward paperless transactions. The regulator thinks paperless transactions will save time and reduce costs for consumers and industry, create economic efficiencies and improve security.
“This final rule was written after carefully considering comments received from the public, including state motor vehicle departments,” NHTSA acting administrator James Owens said in a news release.
“As more records are kept digitally, this rule will allow electronic filing of odometer information,” Owens continued. “Electronic records are more efficient than paper documentation and are harder to forge, helping to prevent fraud.”
NHTSA pointed out current law does not require odometer disclosure with the transfer of vehicles at least 10 model years old. Due to the current average vehicle age of almost 12 years, officials cautioned that an increasingly large proportion of the fleet is subject to a heightened risk of odometer fraud.
To accommodate older vehicles, NHTSA noted the final rule will require odometer disclosures until vehicles are 20 years old, beginning with the 2010 model year.
Source : AutoFinanceNews
