DMV pulled into class action law suit

Tuesday, March 14, 2000 | 10:48 a.m.

A class action suit alleging that the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles and Public Safety is violating federal laws regarding disclosures on car titles was filed Monday in Clark County District Court.

According to the suit, Albert and Karen Parra purchased a used car that showed 56,641 miles on its odometer, but the car actually had been driven nearly triple that amount because the odometer had been rolled over.

The suit further alleges that the DMV was aware of the incorrect mileage but processed the title anyway, violating federal law.

The couple's attorney, Dan Wulz, said the DMV does not require Nevada used car dealers to make odometer disclosures to the buyer on the title when the dealer has the title.

"Consumer protection laws are on the books to prevent fraud. If the DMV doesn't comply with them, the public ends up losing," Wulz said.

DMV spokesman Kevin Malone said the suit does raise some good points that the DMV does plan to look into.

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