(a) On and after January 1, 1971, no passenger motor vehicle designated as a 1971 or later model shall be registered in this state unless it is equipped with a tamper-resistant odometer designed with the intent to reduce the likelihood of unlawful tampering with the mileage reading thereon. The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles may make regulations establishing standards for such devices, which standards shall be consistent with provisions of federal law, if any, relating thereto. The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles shall not require, as a condition precedent to the initial sale of a vehicle, the inspection, certification or other approval of such odometer if such device or equipment has been certified by the manufacturer as complying with federal or state law or regulation.

      (b) The application for registration of a motor vehicle shall include the mileage reading at the time of registration, sale or transfer.