Cazoo urges new law to criminalise mileage clocking

Cazoo and the Vehicle Safe Trading Advisory Group are urging the UK government to create a specific criminal offence for deliberate vehicle mileage alteration after a survey of 310 used‑car dealers in October 2026 showed six in ten believe clocking has increased, posing a significant risk to dealers and buyers.

Key takeaways

• 81% of dealers see clocking as a serious industry issue.
• Dealers estimate 14% of used cars may have altered mileage.
• 90% support a dedicated offence for mileage tampering.
• 77% check MOT history before sale.
• Cazoo now displays MOT data on its listings.

Survey reveals extent of clocking

The research interviewed 310 UK dealers and found 81% consider clocking a serious problem. On average, dealers think 14% of the second‑hand cars they encounter have had their mileage deliberately reduced.

Among dealers who say clocking has risen, 67% blame newer technology that makes digital alteration easier, 47% point to cheap online equipment, and 45% cite the profit potential. Older vehicles, commercial vans and electric models are seen as particularly vulnerable.

Call for a specific offence

Cazoo, backed by VSTAG, is lobbying for deliberate mileage alteration to become a distinct criminal offence. The proposal enjoys support from 90% of surveyed dealers, who argue a clear statutory offence would offer stronger deterrence.

Current legislation can prosecute clocking under general fraud and consumer protection laws, but the lack of a dedicated offence creates a legal gap. Cazoo warns that waiting until 2028 to protect electric vehicles leaves the broader market exposed.

Dealer verification practices

To guard against clocked stock, 77% of dealers check MOT histories while 63% review service records. Additional safeguards include comparing mileage with vehicle condition (45%) and looking for physical signs of tampering (43%).

Dealers also use digital manufacturer records (39%) and third‑party vehicle history checks (37%) to confirm odometer readings before finalising a sale.

Cazoo adds MOT history to listings

Cazoo now shows the date, result and recorded mileage of each MOT test on its website, using official DVSA data. Where available, a mileage chart illustrates trends across successive tests.

The feature does not guarantee a vehicle is not clocked, as inconsistencies can arise from clerical errors or odometer replacement, but it encourages buyers to verify records via GOV.UK.

What this means for dealers

Dealers face heightened pressure to prove mileage integrity, and a dedicated offence would provide legal backing for tighter stock controls. Until legislation changes, robust checks such as MOT and service history reviews remain essential to protect reputation and avoid penalties.

By adopting transparent tools like Cazoo’s MOT display, dealers can differentiate their inventory, build consumer trust and reduce the likelihood of inadvertently selling clocked vehicles.

Frequently asked questions

What percentage of dealers think mileage clocking has increased?

Six in ten dealers surveyed in October 2026 believed clocking had risen over the previous five years, reflecting growing concerns about mileage tampering in the used‑car market.

How many dealers support a specific criminal offence for mileage alteration?

Ninety percent of the 310 dealers who responded to the survey said they back legislation that makes deliberate odometer tampering a distinct criminal offence.

What checks are most commonly used by dealers to verify mileage?

Seventy‑seven percent of dealers check MOT history, 63 percent review service records, and many also compare mileage with vehicle condition, inspect for tampering signs, and use third‑party history reports.