Re: New Owner Needs Numbers Match Help
Many believe that, Gene--completely unlawful to tamper with 'numbers' on a motor vehicle. But, that's because they haven't taken the time to FULLY read the Federal Statue, 18 USC, Section 511 (Altering or removing motor vehicle identification numbers)...
At the beginning of its text the statue really closes the door to any removal, obliteration, alteration, Etc. of any/all 'numbers' on a car. BUT, if you keep on reading, you'll get to this point in the statue:
"(b)(1) Subsection (a) of this section does not apply to a
removal, obliteration, tampering, or alteration by a person
specified in paragraph (2) of this subsection (unless such person
knows that the vehicle or part involved is stolen).
(2) The persons referred to in paragraph (1) of this subsection
are -
(A) a motor vehicle scrap processor or a motor vehicle
demolisher who complies with applicable State law with respect to
such vehicle or part;
(B) a person who repairs such vehicle or part, if the removal,
obliteration, tampering, or alteration is reasonably necessary
for the repair;
(C) a person who restores or replaces an identification number
for such vehicle or part in accordance with applicable State law;
and
(D) a person who removes, obliterates, tampers with, or alters
a decal or device affixed to a motor vehicle pursuant to the
Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention Act, if that person is the owner
of the motor vehicle, or is authorized to remove, obliterate,
tamper with or alter the decal or device by -
(i) the owner or his authorized agent;
(ii) applicable State or local law; or
(iii) regulations promulgated by the Attorney General to
implement the Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention Act.
(c) As used in this section, the term -"
Bottom line, the law essentially says 'all bets are off' if the alteration is done either by the owner or his designated agent in the interest of restoration/repair!!!
Now, that's at the Federal Level. Various States may have statues that are more narrow, eh?
Many believe that, Gene--completely unlawful to tamper with 'numbers' on a motor vehicle. But, that's because they haven't taken the time to FULLY read the Federal Statue, 18 USC, Section 511 (Altering or removing motor vehicle identification numbers)...
At the beginning of its text the statue really closes the door to any removal, obliteration, alteration, Etc. of any/all 'numbers' on a car. BUT, if you keep on reading, you'll get to this point in the statue:
"(b)(1) Subsection (a) of this section does not apply to a
removal, obliteration, tampering, or alteration by a person
specified in paragraph (2) of this subsection (unless such person
knows that the vehicle or part involved is stolen).
(2) The persons referred to in paragraph (1) of this subsection
are -
(A) a motor vehicle scrap processor or a motor vehicle
demolisher who complies with applicable State law with respect to
such vehicle or part;
(B) a person who repairs such vehicle or part, if the removal,
obliteration, tampering, or alteration is reasonably necessary
for the repair;
(C) a person who restores or replaces an identification number
for such vehicle or part in accordance with applicable State law;
and
(D) a person who removes, obliterates, tampers with, or alters
a decal or device affixed to a motor vehicle pursuant to the
Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention Act, if that person is the owner
of the motor vehicle, or is authorized to remove, obliterate,
tamper with or alter the decal or device by -
(i) the owner or his authorized agent;
(ii) applicable State or local law; or
(iii) regulations promulgated by the Attorney General to
implement the Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention Act.
(c) As used in this section, the term -"
Bottom line, the law essentially says 'all bets are off' if the alteration is done either by the owner or his designated agent in the interest of restoration/repair!!!
Now, that's at the Federal Level. Various States may have statues that are more narrow, eh?
Comment