The European Union is intensifying its fight against odometer fraud, a widespread problem that undermines consumer trust and road safety across member states. Bulgarian Member of the European Parliament (MEP) Andrey Novakov is among the key figures advocating for a comprehensive EU-wide mileage database, aiming to curb the manipulation of vehicle mileage records and protect buyers in the used car market.
The Scale and Impact of Odometer Fraud in the EU
Odometer fraud, commonly known as “car clocking,” involves tampering with a vehicle’s mileage reading to make it appear less used than it actually is. This deceptive practice inflates the resale value of used cars and poses significant risks to consumers and road safety. According to MEP Ismail Ertug, a rapporteur on the issue,
“about 5 to 12 percent of used cars sold inside EU countries and 30 to 50 percent of those sold across borders within the EU have been clocked”.
This alarming statistic highlights the urgency of coordinated action.
The financial consequences are substantial. Andrey Novakov told FACTI that on average, mileage fraud costs consumers about 3,000 euros per car, underscoring the economic damage caused by this illegal practice. Beyond financial losses, odometer manipulation can lead to unsafe vehicles on the road, as buyers are misled about the true condition and maintenance needs of the car.
The Proposal: A Unified European Mileage Database
To tackle this issue, the European Commission has proposed creating a common register of vehicle kilometres traveled, recorded during mandatory roadworthiness tests and shared among all EU member states. This initiative would build on existing national databases, such as Belgium’s Car-Pass system, which requires mileage to be updated at every technical inspection and provided to buyers.
The new EU-wide system aims to unite these national databases into a single, accessible platform.
As Novakov explained,
“a car that passed inspection in Italy 2 years ago and had 350,000 km, no one will be able to sell it to you in Bulgaria with 100,000 km. You will simply catch the lie”.
This cross-border accessibility is crucial, given the high volume of used car sales between EU countries.
The system would require every member state to record mileage at each technical inspection, service, maintenance operation, and repair from the vehicle’s first registration onward. This comprehensive data collection is designed to make odometer tampering increasingly difficult and easier to detect.
Legislative Momentum and Political Support
The European Parliament has shown strong support for these measures. In May 2018, MEPs adopted a resolution calling on the European Commission to propose new legislation within twelve months to combat odometer fraud. The resolution received overwhelming backing, with 577 votes in favor, 32 against, and 19 abstentions.
Ismail Ertug emphasized the broad consensus on the need for national odometer databases with cross-border data exchange, as well as the importance of manufacturers enhancing odometer security.
He stated,
“If the EU Commission turns our recommendations into draft laws, it could provide an annual benefit of six to nine billion euros and restore consumers’ trust in the used car market, while also contributing to road safety. This is a great opportunity to demonstrate true European added value by protecting consumers”.
Key Features of the Proposed Legislation
The proposed legislative framework includes several critical components:
Mandatory Mileage Recording:
Odometer readings should be registered at every technical inspection, service, and repair, starting from the vehicle’s first registration. This frequent recording helps detect tampering early.
Cross-Border Data Accessibility:
Mileage data must be accessible across all EU member states, allowing buyers to verify the true mileage of a vehicle regardless of where it was previously registered.
Criminalization of Odometer Manipulation:
Despite its impact on safety and consumer rights, only six EU countries currently recognize odometer tampering as a criminal offense. MEPs call for all member states to criminalize this practice to strengthen deterrence.
Enhanced Manufacturer Responsibility:
The legislation urges the EU Commission to monitor how car manufacturers implement tamper-proof odometer technologies and to establish clear criteria for their effectiveness.
Existing National Models and Their Success
Some EU countries have already made significant progress in combating odometer fraud through national databases. Belgium’s Car-Pass system is a leading example. It mandates the recording of mileage at every technical inspection and requires sellers to provide an updated mileage certificate to buyers. This approach has proven effective in nearly eradicating odometer fraud in Belgium.
Similarly, the Netherlands records mileage more frequently than many other countries, contributing to a significant reduction in fraud cases. These successful national systems serve as models for the EU-wide database, demonstrating the benefits of regular mileage recording and data transparency.
Challenges and Next Steps
While the proposal has garnered strong political support, it must still navigate the complex legislative process within the European Parliament and the Council. The European Commission is expected to table a formal legislative proposal or explain any delay in doing so.
Implementation will require technical coordination among member states to ensure data compatibility and secure information exchange. Additionally, privacy concerns must be addressed to protect vehicle owners’ personal data while maintaining transparency.
Broader Benefits: Road Safety and Environmental Impact
Beyond protecting consumers from fraud, the new mileage database is expected to enhance road safety by ensuring vehicles undergo proper maintenance based on accurate mileage records. Accurate mileage data allows authorities to monitor vehicle conditions more effectively and organize targeted inspections.
Furthermore, the initiative aligns with the EU’s broader goals of reducing traffic pollution and improving environmental standards. Vehicles with manipulated mileage may not meet emissions requirements, so transparent mileage records support environmental compliance and enforcement.
The EU’s push to establish a unified mileage database marks a significant step toward eradicating odometer fraud, a pervasive problem that costs consumers billions and compromises road safety. Bulgarian MEP Andrey Novakov and other European lawmakers are leading efforts to ensure that every used car’s mileage is accurately recorded, accessible, and protected against tampering across the EU.
As Novakov succinctly put it,
“This system will catch the lie and protect buyers everywhere in the European Union”.
If successfully implemented, the new legislation could restore trust in the used car market, save consumers money, and contribute to safer, cleaner roads across Europe. The coming months will be critical as the European Commission moves forward with formal proposals and member states prepare to adopt this transformative measure.
