Are mileage blockers illegal in the UK?
It’s a question more car owners are asking – especially with rising concerns over used car fraud.
The short answer? Yes, in most cases.
But knowing why, how, and what the consequences are is just as important.
If you’re buying or selling cars, or just curious, keep reading. This could save you a lot of stress down the line.
What Are Mileage Blockers?
Mileage blockers are small devices that stop a car’s odometer from counting miles.
They work by cutting off the communication between the odometer and the rest of the car, often through the CAN bus system.
Some drivers use them to avoid extra charges on lease contracts or to make a car seem newer than it really is.
The problem? They can be used to commit fraud – and that’s when things turn illegal.
Are Mileage Blockers Legal to Buy in the UK?
Technically, yes.
Buying and owning a mileage blocker isn’t illegal in the UK right now.
There’s no law that bans the sale of these devices outright.
But the legal use is extremely limited.
If you buy one and use it just to mess around on your private track – fine.
If you use it to make your car seem like it’s done fewer miles than it has and then sell it – that’s fraud.
Is It Illegal to Use Mileage Blockers in the UK?
Yes – if your goal is to mislead someone.
The laws are clear. If you use a blocker to lie about mileage when selling a car, that’s fraud.
You could be hit with charges under:
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The Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008
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The Fraud Act 2006
The key point is intent.
Using the blocker privately isn’t the issue.
But once you lie to a buyer, you’re stepping into criminal territory.
Even if you don’t say anything, just hiding the real mileage is enough. That silence can be taken as deception.
Penalties for Using Mileage Blockers in the UK
This isn’t a slap-on-the-wrist offence.
If you’re caught using a mileage blocker to deceive someone, you could face:
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Large fines
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A criminal record
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Jail time
There have been real cases where people went to prison for this.
It also ruins trust. Insurance companies might cancel your policy if they find out.
And when it’s time to sell your car again, you’ll struggle. Nobody wants to buy a car with questionable mileage.
How Authorities Detect Mileage Fraud
Mileage fraud isn’t easy to hide anymore.
Here’s how they catch it:
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MOT history shows a record of mileage over the years
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The DVLA keeps logs of mileage from different sources
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Diagnostic tools at garages and dealerships can spot gaps
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Service records often include mileage, and if there’s a mismatch, that raises red flags
If anything looks off, they’ll investigate.
Mileage Blockers vs Mileage Correction Tools
These aren’t the same thing.
Mileage correction tools are used when you replace or repair an odometer.
If the mileage is set properly and you document it, it’s legal.
Mileage blockers are different.
They stop the mileage from counting while driving – usually to hide usage.
That’s where the trouble starts.
Why People Use Mileage Blockers
People use them for one main reason – to cheat the system.
Some common motivations:
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Avoid lease mileage limits and the fees that come with going over
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Make a car look like it’s done fewer miles before selling it
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Hide wear and tear so the car seems in better shape than it is
In short, they want to save money or make more money.
But it’s a gamble with serious consequences.
Real Examples of Mileage Blocker Cases in the UK
There have been real legal cases in the UK involving mileage blockers.
In some, people were jailed for selling or using cars with hidden mileage.
Courts took the view that buyers were misled – and that’s fraud.
Public opinion is pretty strong too. Most people see it as lying, plain and simple.
It damages trust in the entire used car market.
What the Law Says: Breaking Down UK Regulations
Two laws cover mileage blocker misuse.
First, the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008.
This bans misleading actions during a sale. Selling a car with false mileage falls under that.
Second, the Fraud Act 2006.
If you use a mileage blocker to make more money or avoid costs, and you lie in the process – that’s fraud.
Even not saying anything counts if your goal is to mislead.
How to Spot Mileage Tampering in a Used Car
Here’s what to look for:
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Pedals or steering wheel look worn, but mileage is low
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Seats are sagging or damaged, even though the odometer says low usage
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Service records are missing or don’t match up with MOT reports
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MOT history shows sudden drops or strange jumps in mileage
If anything seems off, it probably is.
How to Protect Yourself from Mileage Fraud
Play it smart before buying a car.
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Check the MOT history online – it’s free and shows mileage at each test
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Ask for a full service history
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Get a mechanic to check it out before you buy
That alone can save you from getting ripped off.
What to Do If You Suspect a Car Has a Mileage Blocker
If you think the car’s mileage isn’t real, take action.
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Report it to Trading Standards
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Contact the DVLA
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Get a professional inspection and mileage report
Don’t sit on it. If you’ve been misled, you’ve got legal options.
Should Mileage Blockers Be Banned in the UK?
This is still being debated.
Some say they should be banned completely to protect buyers.
Others say they have some legitimate uses, like for testing on private tracks.
But most people agree: using them to mislead should be criminal.
That’s the direction the UK seems to be heading in.
FAQs
Are mileage blockers legal to sell in the UK?
Yes, but using them for deception is illegal.
Can I go to jail for using a mileage blocker?
Yes. If it’s used to commit fraud, jail time is a real risk.
Is it illegal to change mileage on a car?
Not illegal if you disclose it and have a valid reason (e.g. odometer repair).
Do car insurers check for mileage blockers?
Not directly, but incorrect mileage can void your policy.
Is mileage tampering a criminal offence in the UK?
Yes, under the Fraud Act 2006.