49 U.S.C. § 32701: Findings and purposes

buyers of motor vehicles rely heavily on the odometer reading as an index of the condition and value of a vehicle; buyers are entitled to rely on the odometer reading as an accurate indication of the mileage of the vehicle; an accurate indication of the mileage assists a buyer in deciding on the safety and reliability of the vehicle; and motor vehicles move in, or affect, interstate and foreign commerce. to prohibit tampering with motor vehicle odometers; and to provide safeguards to protect purchasers in the sale of motor vehicles with altered or reset odometers.