VTL § 301(c)(1), Failure to Record Mileage on Inspection Sticker

The Benjamin Goldman Law Office assists motorists with New York Vehicle & Traffic Law matters. If you were charged with failing to record mileage on an inspection sticker under VTL § 301(c)(1), we should be able to help. See our testimonials, courts we appear in, and contact us for a consultation.

VTL § 301(c)(1) Statute

(1) (a) A safety inspection shall be made with respect to the brakes; steering mechanism; wheel alignment; lights, including but not limited to the lights which are designed and placed on a vehicle for the purpose of illuminating the vehicle's license plates; odometer; tire pressure; seat safety belts; shoulder harness safety belts; any window which is composed of, covered by or treated with any material which has a light transmittance of less than seventy percent pursuant to section three hundred seventy-five of this title and such other mechanisms and equipment as shall be determined by the commissioner to be necessary for proper and safe operations. Such inspection shall also be made with respect to vehicle identification number. Upon inspection, the mileage appearing on the odometer shall be recorded upon the inspection sticker.

Source: NYS Vehicle & Traffic Law § 301(c)(1)(a) (nysenate.gov)

Plain-English Summary

VTL § 301(c)(1) is about the inspection sticker itself: when a car is inspected, the inspector must write the current odometer mileage on the sticker. That helps fight odometer fraud and keeps used-car sales more transparent. The obligation is on the inspection station or the person doing the inspection, not on the driver for simply having a sticker.

If you're a driver, you're not typically the one "failing to record mileage"—that's an inspector/station obligation. If an inspector or station is accused of skipping the mileage, defenses would focus on whether they actually failed to record it and whether they were the ones required to do so. There's no reported case law on this narrow requirement, and enforcement is exceedingly rare and often handled through DMV administrative actions.

What are the penalties?

• Fine and jail: Per the NY State Legislature, first offense: $0–$150 fine, 0–15 days in jail; second and third offenses within 18 months carry higher penalties.
• Points: N/A
• Surcharge: $88 or $93 surcharge applies.

Legislative History and Why the Law Exists

VTL § 301(c)(1) requires that upon inspection, the odometer mileage be recorded on the inspection sticker. The goal is to support odometer fraud prevention, used-vehicle transparency, and consistency in the state's annual safety inspection program. It fits within the broader Article 5 framework for periodic inspection of motor vehicles. NY DMV Motor Vehicle Inspection Regulations.

When Does This Apply to You?

This applies when an inspection station or certified inspector fails to record the vehicle's odometer mileage on the inspection sticker when performing a safety inspection. The obligation is on the person conducting the inspection. It does not apply when the driver/owner merely has an inspection sticker; the violation targets the recording of mileage by the inspector. Ordinary motorists are not directly liable under this subdivision for "failure to record"—though they could be affected if the sticker is invalid for other reasons.

Benjamin Goldman Law Office

If you were charged with a VTL § 301(c)(1) violation, the Benjamin Goldman Law Office can probably help. We can help with traffic and vehicle inspection matters across New York State. Contact us for a complimentary consultation via any of the options on our contact page.

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