According to federal odometer law, what is prohibited in relation to odometers?

The prohibition outlined in federal odometer law primarily pertains to the integrity of odometer readings, aiming to prevent fraud related to vehicle mileage. Altering odometer readings for resale is an explicit violation of these laws because it misrepresents the vehicle’s actual mileage, thereby deceiving potential buyers and affecting vehicle value.

Operating a vehicle knowing that the odometer is disconnected does not directly fall under the specifics of odometer fraud; rather, it is more about using a vehicle in a state that does not provide an accurate representation of mileage, which could lead to issues of misrepresentation. However, it is the act of altering readings that is most directly prohibited by federal law, as it compromises the reliability of mileage disclosures during vehicle sales.

Thus, although operating a vehicle with a disconnected odometer is problematic and may raise legal questions, the crucial violation in the context of odometer laws revolves around altering mileage figures, which serves to protect consumers and maintain transparency in vehicle transactions.