What has the government announced?
On 19 October 2026 the government said car clocking will be added to the banned practices list in Schedule 20 of the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024. The change applies to businesses selling cars to consumers. Selling a clocked car is already illegal; the aim is to make it easier for enforcers to crack down.
The government has not yet said when the change will take effect. We will update this article when a date is set.
Why does being on the banned list matter?
Schedule 20 lists practices that are considered unfair in all circumstances. Under the Competition and Markets Authority's guidance, there is no need to show the likely effect of a listed practice on consumers to prove the law has been broken. For most other unfair practices, enforcers have to show that the practice would change an average buyer's decision. Putting clocking on the list removes that step.
These consumer rules have applied to business practices since 6 April 2025. Private sellers are not covered by the change, so buying from an individual still needs extra care.
How to spot a clocked car
Every MOT records the mileage, so a car's MOT history is the quickest check you can do before you buy:
- Mileage that goes down. Any reading lower than an earlier one needs explaining. Our free mileage check flags it automatically.
- Mileage that barely moves. A car used every day that adds only a few hundred miles a year deserves questions.
- Gaps in the record. Long stretches with no MOT can hide what happened to the car.
- Wear that does not match. A worn steering wheel, gear knob, pedal rubbers or driver's seat on a low-mileage car is a warning sign.
- Paperwork. Service stamps, invoices and old MOT certificates should show mileages that climb in step with the dates.
Our full used car checklist covers the rest, from the V5C logbook to outstanding finance.
Part of our used-car safety series: read about number plate cloning reaching a record high and 5 checks so you don't buy a stolen car.
Questions drivers ask
Is car clocking illegal in the UK?
Selling a clocked car without telling the buyer is already illegal. The government announced on 19 October 2026 that clocking will also be added to the list of banned practices under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024.
When does the car clocking ban start?
No start date has been announced. The change applies to businesses selling cars to consumers.
How can I check if a car has been clocked?
Compare the mileage at every MOT. A reading lower than an earlier one, or one that barely changes over years, is a warning sign. VehicleFile's free mileage check flags drops automatically.
Sources
- GOV.UK: PM puts the brakes on rip-off parking charges and car scams (19 October 2026)
- CMA: Unfair commercial practices guidance (CMA207)
Facts checked against the sources above on 23 October 2026. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
